Never on Sunday

I sometimes hear the suggestion that we should take a break on Sunday from all the political hyperbole that so distracts, and focus on our Sabbath worship. Sorry if my continued sharp rhetoric offends anyone's delicate sensibilities. But I am not really up to being a different person on Sunday than I am on every day. The same face in the mirror looks back at me on Sunday. I've had my fill of two-faced people in my life.

The lack of tolerance and diversity I see so much celebrated in the popular world is a constant source of entertainment and amusement for me. But I was always easily amused.

Even on Sunday.

Will you also go away?

At one point in his ministry, Jesus confronted the doubts expressed by his disciples.  They wanted him to speak directly to the question of his Divine origin.  He answered the question without any attempt at avoiding the issue. 

He proclaimed plainly that he is the source of eternal life, and men must come unto him to obtain salvation.  In explaining this, Jesus indicated that he was the hope of the children of Israel who received manna from heaven in the wilderness, and liked himself to that bread of life.

Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?

Advocating righteousness: No Apologies Necessary

I have seen a surprising picture developing out of recent controversy regarding LDS Church leaders supporting the proposed constitutional marriage amendment. It would seem that there are a number of people associated with the church, who feel guilty to promote unequivocal opposition to homosexual behavior.

In fact, a whole lot of them seem downright apologetic.

And, in fact, there are a significant number who presume to criticize the church for its continuing opposition to anything resembling approval for or sanction of homosexual "lifestyle".

It is a confusing position to advocate, because many of the proponents feel justified by their understanding of principles of "compassion" or "tolerance". They seem unable to discern how temporary concessions under that "compassion" rationale ultimately compromise the quality of life for everyone involved. Every experience through the history of human existence testifies that it is never compassionate to compromise with evil.

To me this ambivalence is difficult to reconcile. In my experience the church has never offered the slightest concession to those entangled in sexual deviance. Such sinful misconduct has always been unacceptable and condemned in the strongest terms. It is my understanding that church membership is automatically severed for individuals engaged in homosexual behavior. To me, this policy seems unremarkable and consistent.

I don't expect anything to ever change in this respect. But it would seem that quite a number of church members are even hopeful that it will.

Who thinks we owe the sinners an apology for advocating repentance and righteousness?