The Three Underlying Issues Behind the BYU Honor Code Change Protests.
In the spring of 2020, BYU changed their honor code to simply state that students are committing to "Live a chaste and virtuous life, including abstaining from any sexual relations outside a marriage between a man and a woman." CES Honor Code. Prior to this change, the Honor Code had a detailed clause that homosexual behavior like kissing or dating was against the Honor Code.
When news broke that the Church removed the homosexuality clause from the Honor Code and instead was focusing on Chastity for all people regardless of their orientation, the reactions were mixed. Some BYU professors and students, and many news outlets, took the change as the Church approving of same-sex relationships.
My wife, who is a BYU student, asked me about the change. I simply replied, "People who think this is the Church allowing gay dating are the same people that think that Ministering meant we did not need to Home Teach people monthly." But in reality, the true crux of the problem is much deeper and nefarious and it has to do with Satan attacking the plan of salvation. Here are the three underlining problems that surfaced with these changes.
Members don't understand the basics of the Plan of Salvation.
The entire point of the plan of salvation is to exalt the sons and daughters of God. Most every member understands that, BUT when you ask them "what is exaltation?" the answers start going all over the place. "It is to be a god", "It means I get to make planets", and "It means I become like Heavenly Father" are common answers I hear from Young Single Adults and even married members. But what does it really mean? For that, I will turn to the Prophet Ezra Taft Benson, who taught, "Exaltation is eternal fatherhood and eternal motherhood." (‘To the Elect Women of the Kingdom of God,’ Nauvoo Illinois Relief Society Dedication, 30 June 1978.)” (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 548).
Exaltation is about creating an eternal family unit. And a family unit, as defined by God, is a husband and wife that have been sealed by the Holy Priesthood and entered into the Patricharal Order of the Priesthood. For those of you who are not understanding, the crux of the plan of salvation is eternal heterosexual marriage with the ability to have an eternal increase in your prosperity.
So when you have progressive members of the Church wanting gay marriage, they have missed the fundamental boat. The literal plan is exalting people! And exalting people to live in a heterosexual relationship and the continuation of their seed. To want the Church to accept and endorse gay marriage would be asking the Church to forsake the plan of salvation and tell people to settle for less than exaltation.
Dating has been sabotaged.
Understanding that the fundamental unit of the plan of salvation is heterosexual marriage it makes total sense that there is an all-out war by Satan on marriage. The easiest way to destroy marriages is to start before they are even formed.
Dating is the gate to marriage, and Satan's attacks are focused on it. For those who have not been in the dating scene recently, they won't understand what is going on. Dating has plummeted. Guys and girls just are not going on dates. I know countless friends who have not gone on any dates lately. Their reasons range from being too busy with work/school or simply a fear of dating.
The youth have been told that the purpose of dating is to find your spouse so many people have taken that to the extreme and are unwilling to ask a girl or accept a date from a guy unless they would be willing to marry them. To those people I would say you never know, I was friend-zoned five times by my wife and suddenly it changed one day and now she always says how thankful she was that I was respectfully persistent.
But unfortunately, that is not the advice many YSA's get. Instead, I always got the advice that dating was to have fun, it needed to be low pressure, explore what you like. Dating did not need to lead to marriage. It was ok to date someone, with no plans of marrying them. Of my friends who do date, many of then have subscribed to this ideology. They date people, though not because they are courting them, but rather because they like the companionship and their non-commital physical benefits like kissing, cuddling, etc.
By shifting the meaning and purpose of dating from preparation for marriage to having fun, dating has been sabotaged. People fail to see that your physical feelings will increase the longer you are with someone, this normally will lead to marriage, but with this corrupted version of dating they are playing with fire and their covenants as they play with the line. If the goal is to keep our covenants and be exalted, then this is nothing less than sabotage.
Adding to this issue is members wanting and encouraging people to date those of the same gender. Within the context of the plan of salvation, there is no logical or righteous reason for same-sex dating, only extreme potential for sin.
Woke professors are mingling scriptures with their philosophies.
The situation at BYU has become toxic, there are progressive professors who are teaching the philosophies of men, mingled with scripture. With a student body ever obsessed with their GPA, very few students are willing to question a professor, therefore often their preaching goes unchallenged. This situation is not unique to BYU, but for many members, it will come as a shock to realize how radicalized professors have become.
These professors are pushing their ideologies on students teaching a woke progressive version of the gospel. I have had a friend tell me that the US constitution is outdated and does not protect our rights. Curiously I replied, "life, liberty and the pursuit of property are covered, what right is missing?" He replied, "The right to work, the right to food, the right to housing, the right to healthcare," I told him, "That sounds like the USSR's constitution" to which he replied, "They did have a good one." This is just one example, others include my wife being told by her professors IN CLASS that it is "100% ok with the Church" for women to "self explore" (aka masturbate) to learn how they are pleasured.
Other friends have lost testimonies of the early Church leaders as professors have taught that Brigham Young was a racist, others have stopped reading the Book of Mormon because of their professors, and others still preach that Columbus was evil and so were all the founding fathers. That is not to even mention other professors that preach about micro-aggressions, and how all their students have white privilege and are racists.
But the ultimate example of professors mingling the gospel with their philosophies would be how Professor Brau told his students that many people have been praying for this change and it was a "watershed" moment and that gay dating is now allowed at BYU. He even went so far as to challenge those who struggled with his interpretation of the changes by questioning those students' testimony of living prophets. (Click here for the article about his lecture).
The Church's Response.
After Professor Brau's preaching, the Church responded quickly. BYU's official spokesperson said that professor Brau does not speak on behalf of BYU. The Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve visited BYU on the following Tuesday and taught That we needed to keep the two great commandments to love the Lord and our neighbor. He also emphasized that our ultimate identity was as children of God.
And then two days later Elder Paul V. Johnson, Commissioner of the Church Educational System (CES) wrote the following to clarify: “Same-sex romantic behavior cannot lead to eternal marriage and is therefore not compatible with the principles included in the Honor Code.” Protests from students ensued, one person on KSL commented that they thought the Church was making 'progress' but that this letter just undid all of it.
A lot of people have attacked the Church saying what they are doing is unChristlike, and unloving. But quite the opposite. True love comes from God, true love is the glue the binds the Plan of Salvation together. This love prohibits them from endorsing a lifestyle that leads to spiritual damnation.
Conclusion.
Before we came to earth we all agreed this is what we wanted to do. We accepted the Plan of Exaltation. Here on earth, we are all asked to live the same commandments and keep our covenants. For each one of us, we will have our cross to bear, the commandment that is more difficult for us than the average member. In the words of Elder Maxwell, "only the Lord can compare crosses!" So be merciful! Be loving, and resist the temptation to judge others. To quote Maxwell again, "When, for the moment, we ourselves are not being stretched on a particular cross, we ought to be at the foot of someone else’s—full of empathy and proffering spiritual refreshment."
No matter who you are, where you have been, or where you are at, it is through Christ that we can make and keep our covenants and endure to the end and be rewarded with eternal life.
To know that BYU has rouge professors is Concerning on many levels. Are they not monitored and chastised for teaching false doctrines?
I agree that same sex attraction, trans gender is a Cross to bear. That we all have different crosses to bear. Paul spoke of a thorn in his side that he prayed to have removed three times but the Lord would not remove it and told Paul his grace was sufficient to bear his personal cross for all of his life. I certainly have my own.
Regardless of where we line up on this current topic, the author of this article did in my view a very good job of representing a distinct point of view and more importantly, the reasons for having that viewpoint. In fact, if the goal was to wash ones hands of the problem by saying here is a polite rendition of the viewpoint of the LDS Church, end of discussion, it is darn well near perfect. But there is still that nagging question, where exactly is line of acceptable behavior now drawn? Where and when exactly is the God who the Church is speaking for here, offended. At two mean holding hands, at smiling, at dating, at sex? Logically, the only reason to re-write the policy, would be to indicate a change of policy, otherwise, why re-write it? I can well imagine that under the leadership of Spencer W. Kimball, we would EXACTLY where that line was. Now,all we know it that that line moved. What this article really says is that while you think the line moved, that is only your perception, and if you think it moved, it is only your liberal lens that saw a movement. But if you are on the hard right, you think it moved too. If the goal was to not move the line, why was the same policy stated in new language? In this day and age, we all know that the smallest tweaking of anything will generate huge waves.
@Douglas,
I first took out my endowments a little over 40 years ago. There have been a few alterations in the presentation and in some of the wording. Without trying to speak of sacred things in an inappropriate manner, I think one of the changes in wording is applicable here.
When I first went through, we promised to never have intercourse with anyone except our legal spouse. Now, the promise is worded, that we will not have sexual relations with anyone but our legal spouse.
I don't think the covenant involved changed, but I later learned that some felt that as long as they weren't actually doing "the deed", that it was okay -- they could do everything but . . . . .
And so, the wording changed; which in essence removed from question what it meant to be morally clean; because some in the church insisted on pressing the limits and usually exceeding them with a ready made excuse waiting to challenge the word of the Brethren.
Thank You for the message.
Really Really True.
Regardless of what side you're on, it's important to recognize some truths.
1) BYU handled this situation very poorly. Communication between the Church, the HCO, and BYU students was vague, absent, or faulty for far too long. It's a PR nightmare that was almost entirely avoidable, but more importantly, it hurt BYU students far more than it needed to.
2) God's laws concerning marriage and chastity will never change, and people advocating for gay marriage within the Church are not going to get anywhere with that.
3) God's laws concerning dating...don't really exist. Or if they do, they're not written down anywhere.
4) Regardless of how we feel about recent events, we can show real love to LGBT members of the Church. Not "tough love," but true, charitable, kind, merciful love. They may need it now even more than before. Something as simple as saying "I accept you for who you are, and I hope you feel happy and safe" goes a very long way.
5) Casting shame on anyone, ever, for any reason, does not help them to change for the better. This is the case for sinners, criminals, addicts, etc., and especially true for people who have to struggle with same-sex attraction while being a member of the Church.
If anyone has any reasons why these statements may not be true, I would love to hear them.
On this topic my wife wrote on FB recent:
"I've been thinking a lot about what has been happening on BYU campus and want to share my thoughts:
It isn't a mistake that Elder M. Russel Ballard came to BYU the day before the clarification was sent out that Homosexual relationships is against the doctrine of the church, and therefore against the Honor Code. He made it very clear that God loves all of us and we are His children, that we all must be kind to one another, and that we must keep the commandments. Big emphasis on the God loves us and we are his children part.
I think Elder Ballard was not just asking the "homophobes" or straight people on campus to be kind to those with same-gender attraction, but he purposely extended that invitation to EVERYONE. I was on campus all day yesterday, I could feel the tension in the air on some parts of campus as those (the LGBTQ) who felt judged by others were harshly judging back. Yes, there are a few on campus that will harshly judge you for the cross you have to bare, but that doesn't give them or anyone the allowance to be unkind to their fellow spiritual siblings.
I don't think it was anticipated that by removing the homosexuality clause in the Honor Code at the school would lead to a lot of people to think that meant the CHURCH was now going to accept immoral behavior as moral. I believe that the leaders of the church were surprised, and probably disappointed, by this reaction, but felt they could not send out a clarifying and hard "NO" to the immoral behavior being displayed by some BYU students on campus without first reminding all of them via Elder Ballard that they are loved. Not just by God, but by the leaders of the church as well. You don't think the Elders have been praying specifically about and for the people that feel caught in this situation? I believe they have prayed sincerely about these things, and have probably cried a lot too as they knew that this would be a hard truth for many to hear. But the fact is, it is the truth. I fully sustain the Lord's Apostles and Prophets when they say it is a commandment to Love God, Love your neighbor as thyself, and live the law of chastity.
I am sorry to those who found they were on the front line of this emotional roller-coaster; I am hear to listen if you would like me to. However, my invitation will always be to everyone to live the standards of the gospel, because I know that there is where true happiness lies. God bless those who are hurting, and may all of us remember to just be kind."
Jeremy, I love your wife's comments! Thanks for sharing. It helps me realize that maybe the timing wasn't accidental
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and the thoughts of your wife! Your courage and testimonies are much appreciated!!
Your thoughtful response to this essay is probably the best thing I’ve read surrounding this whole issue. Thank you for being a voice of reason and truth.
why are these rogue professors not fired?
Probably because most students don't know how to document times/dates/quotes properly and how to voice their concerns without affecting their grades and/or peer group status. If leadership with sound testimonies aren't aware of something until it hits the media that isn't necessarily their fault. Also, without proper documentation most of these classroom discussions are merely heresay and you can't fire someone for heresay because it isn't right and students that don't like professors could target them and get them fired unfairly.
I never got to attend BYU. My parents both graduated from BYU in the late 50's early 60's and I was born in Provo and am proud of that. But I grew up in Washington state and attended college there -- as well as lots of institute courses. Let me say, BYU is a source of pride for me because of my background and upbringing.
That much said, I also recognize that this isn't the first time there has been an "uprising" on campus to vocalize disappointment in church doctrine and General Authority affirmation of the same. As I have read the statements of church leaders and the revised policy, I can understand why there might have been misunderstanding. But overall, there never should have been any question but that church doctrine has not changed; nor is it likely too. Many universities across the country are opting for new ways, dismissal of heaven ordained virtues; foremost, the Plan of Salvation - in favor of political correctness and "feel good" philosophies. BYU is not immune to the prophecies of wickedness and chaos surrounding the latter days.
I trusted BYU to guide and protect my child and it wasn't until after graduation that I found there were more radical influences on campus than ever were out here "in the mission field" and that is because these professors held a possition of trust and authority and they violated the trust parents and the church put in them. It's time BYU focus on teachers at BYU ike they have with Primary and youth teachers. It's time to make the same changes on campus. We parents are now dealing with our young adult children who believe they know better now and are offended by the church, angry and they have left the church in drives over these things. I can't express how broken hearted I am. I still remember the letter sent to freshman parents saying to give your children space and allow them to grow on campus without our over involvement. I should have listened to my heart. I should have visited regularly. Now my grand children will be raised out of the church by two mothers and no dad. I never saw it coming. I am heartbroken.
I am so sorry for your trials. And I suspect that little will help.
I have learned that it is indeed necessary to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Often times, generalized answers are given, but they do not cover every possible variation -- which is why we have direct access to heaven. Such direct answer should not and will not ever go contrary to doctrine, but at times will direct us to increase our vigilance in certain areas. It is true that coyotees rarely attack people -- but sometimes they do and if we feel a prompting to close the gate, we need to. Most of the time, if would have gone just fine. But there are those times.
I don't think the final chapter has been written for your children or grandchildren. The final trumpet hasn't sounded -- and I'm sure the spirit can direct your course of action from here on out. This won't be the first time that errent souls have come to themselves; realized their mistake and made steps to correct. Often painful and a hard row to hoe, but with God, nothing is impossible -- we just make sure that when they come to themselves that there is a place to return to.
Please tell me you’re sending this in a letter to Church HQ. They need to hear this about rogue professors (and won’t because the middlemen don’t send this stuff up and gatekeep.) Consider sending it to Elder Johnson directly—please.
Excellent article Jeremy how can I reach you?
Feel free to shoot me an email: Jeremy@mylifebygogogoff.com
One side frequently admonishes us to “mourn with those who mourn” and yet they refuse to see the pain that attacking sacred doctrines and testamonies (often hard won after long battles with doubt) causes. They refuse to believe those who feel blessed by doctrines and polices they see as oppressive or outdated. They deliberately only see one side of the equation and purposefully and systematically see only the worst of the other
I'll add that we as a society have started to think of the purpose of marriage all wrong too. Yes it's about finding a companion. But it's always been about creating life together. What about infertile couples? We know their bodies will function perfectly in the eternities so that's not an issue. What about adoption? Wonderful institution but it only needs to exist because we live in an imperfect world. If we're having spiritual children one day that won't be an issue either. Homosexual marriage by it's very nature cannot produce children. And that's the whole point in eternity.
What about trans and people born in the "wrong" bodies? You're going to need to take that one up with God. I personally don't think He makes that sort of mistake. Because while we are meant to have joy and be happy that isn't the most important reason we're here on earth. We're here to prove to God that we can follow Him. Following him with our entire hearts will bring us that joy (even if there is hardship and temporary sorrows that come with it.)
And that's the crux they're missing. It isn't about yours or anyone else's feelings. It's about following Him. Be kind, but don't compromise. Jesus did indeed say love everyone. But he also said "Go thy way and sin no more."
This stuff was being taught at BYU 20 years ago when I was there. I had several female professors in the English Language department talk poorly of their tenured peers, telling our classes multiple times throughout the semesters I had them that 'real progress will never happen at BYU until the white racist tenured men that have dominated the university departments finally retire' and all sorts of liberal feminist garbage such as the 1970s arguments about women and priesthood. I had one prof in particular who lamented that she couldn't teach 'penis theory' in her literature classes. Lots of discussions about Columbus and the racist Founding Fathers in the hallways, etc. It actually made dating easier--very easy to find someone who agreed with your line-upon-line beliefs by bringing up one of these hot topics and seeing how they responded. Times and situations like these are always a great reminder that someone working at BYU doesn't mean they are a prophet, and they might not even be that great of an evangelist, and your testimony literally needs to be about the Savior and the Book of Mormon's truthfulness and the prophet Joseph Smith being called of God. Without those 3 things your testimony will crack under liberal professor pressure.
Thank you for your thoughts. I really appreciate your insights!
I only disagree with what you said about your wife’s professor encouraging masturbation. I have taken that class and I think you misunderstood what the professor was teaching. That professor is wonderful and anything but “woke.” She/he teaches about healthy sexuality in marriage and does not encourage anything that doesn’t help increase happiness in marriage.
I actually attended that class with my wife (when work/school allowed). And other of her friends echoed she taught women to masturbate to learn how their husbands could pleasure them. There is nothing wrong with encouraging the couple to explore together, but to tell women to masturbate (and some of them were not married) to enhance their marital sex life. It is hard to explain away.
My grandpa was a religion professor at BYU. He offered me this advice throughout my life as I grew up: follow the prophet. He at times would comment on how professors at BYU and accross the country would sometimes position themselves in opposition to the prophet; he said that bishops and stake presidents have done so as well. The key is to keep your focus on the living prohpets and aposltes. People, including leaders in educational institutions, make mistakes. Church leaders as individuals make mistakes too. But by following the group of apostles and prophets as a whole you will not be lost in the war of opinions, and you will not be tossed around in the confusion of ever changing (and not always for the better) modern philosophies. The prophets' council can ground you in solid truth and make it possible to survive any storm of confusion (Ephesians 4:11-14).
Thank you for writing this. I felt the resonating peace that comes from truth. I appreciate the eloquent way you shared important points and plan to share them.
With regard to the section "Woke professors are mingling scriptures with their philosophies," we must go back to the year 1910 when George Brimhall was president of BYU. President Boyd K. Packer explains it all here in his talk "The Snow-White Birds": https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/boyd-k-packer/snow-white-birds/ The rest of this sad story is that years later, George Brimhall ended his own life. And also, what BYU must continue to allow in order to maintain its status as an accredited school today. Students are losing their testimonies there BECAUSE it's BYU, as described by President Packer.
These same things (and worse) are being taught in all schools today. More from President Packer on this:
"In many places it is literally not safe physically for youngsters to go to school. And in many schools--and it's becoming almost generally true--it is spiritually unsafe to attend public schools. Look back over the history of education to the turn of the century and the beginning of the educational philosophies....which have led us now into a circumstance where our schools are producing the problems that we face."
BYU, Oct. 9, 1996
"Moral values are being neglected and prayer expelled from public schools on the pretext that moral teaching belongs to religion. At the same time, atheism, the secular religion, is admitted to class, and our youngsters are proselyted to a conduct without morality.....we are caught in a current so strong that unless we correct our course, civilization as we know it will surely be wrecked to pieces...The distance between the church and a world set on a course which we cannot follow will steadily increase."
Conference, April 1994
Sadly, you are 100% correct about rogue professors at BYU preaching things that should get them fired and at the very least disfellowshipped if not excommunicated. We send our kids to BYU because we think it's better than the liberal schools in California only to find out that the school has been infiltrated by Gadianton robbers who are attacking from within. It is a shame indeed. Some students are strong and dare to make a stand, putting their grades in peril but standing up for what they believe. Others are not so strong and drink the cool aid.
I attended a focus group on diversity at BYU and listened to a homosexual chemical engineering student, in tears, say something along the lines of, “I’m a active member, I love BYU, and I love the gospel. I pray daily and I work hard to contribute to the Restoration. I find that when I talk about being gay and the struggles I face that many members demonize me as a liberal extremist who wants to destroy the church. Or that I have been brainwashed and that I just want to live a sinful life. But I am here to stay, I love my savior and I want to be a part of the church.” I have read through many of these comments and I’m saddened to see a lot of demonization of our fellow members. Our LGBT members suffer deeply and it is better to reach out and comfort than gather in our online groups and murmur. I hope that you take this as an invitation to care for our LGBT brothers and sisters instead of continue to estrange them and repeatedly inform them of doctrine they already know. If an LGBT member is in the church and is choosing to follow the commandments then they need comfort and support not continual doubt and chastisement.
No one regardless of who they are should ever feel demonized by Christ's disciples. Aas for the LGBQ issue, I advise you read this article which I wrote on this topic.
It seems kinda ridiculous that all these students would jump to that conclusion just because of a minor change. Far too often the young adults reason with their emotions and stop using logic. Each of those has their place but reason and logic are being pushed aside more and more but when you apply just a touch of reason to the situation it makes alot of sense and keeps things in perspective.
It is indeed disheartening when wording in the Honor Code is updated to be understandable by today’s language is contorted to mean the near opposite of reality. The principle here is that Exaltation is only obtained through strict obedience to the principles and doctrines of the Restored Gospel of Jesus the Christ. This doctrine is set forth and explained through canonized scripture, and the teachings of the authorized servants of God, the Apostles, First Presidency, and the Quorums of Seventy.
BYU, indeed the CES does not in the least bit represent the doctrine of the Church, but strives to abide by it. In obedience to the Great Commandments, (The first and foremost one is to love and honor God.) the Church has taken our wording that targets a specific group of people, the LGBT+ group. That is to love and honor them as humans, just as any other group.
However, the commandment to be chaste is still strictly expected, to the furthest extent. If a sin is to be avoided, certainly temptations to participate in the sin ought to be avoided as much as possible. To avoid consuming alcohol, it would be wise to visit bars or pubs as rarely as possible, and to avoid family or friends when alcohol is consumed, or as best as is possible. Such would be no different than with chastity, possibly more so, as the sin in greater, and consequences longer.
If one would avoid visiting a tobacco shop to avoid smoking, it would stand to reason that one would avoid dating or kissing a member or your gender, so as to avoid feelings or actions that would lead to sin. This has been simply and repeatedly stated by church leaders throughout time. This higher law (of avoiding the temptation to sin) was taught quite simply by Christ during his sermon on the mount. It is hard to get any more authoritative than Him. In all that He did, He set a pattern for us to follow, and the Higher Law was one.
As set out in the “For the Strength of Youth” pamphlet, it speaks more than ought-right committing sin. “When you are sexually pure, you prepare yourself to make and keep sacred covenants in the temple. You prepare yourself to build a strong marriage and to bring children into the world as part of an eternal and loving family.”
“The Lord’s standard regarding sexual purity is clear and unchanging. Do not have any sexual relations before marriage, and be completely faithful to your spouse after marriage. Do not allow the media, your peers, or others to persuade you that sexual intimacy before marriage is acceptable. It is not. In God’s sight, sexual sins are extremely serious. They defile the sacred power God has given us to create life.
Never do anything that could lead to sexual transgression. Treat others with respect, not as objects used to satisfy lustful and selfish desires. Before marriage, do not participate in passionate kissing, lie on top of another person, or touch the private, sacred parts of another person’s body, with or without clothing. Do not do anything else that arouses sexual feelings. Do not arouse those emotions in your own body. Pay attention to the promptings of the Spirit so that you can be clean and virtuous. The Spirit of the Lord will withdraw from one who is in sexual transgression.
Avoid situations that invite increased temptation, such as late-night or overnight activities away from home or activities where there is a lack of adult supervision. Do not participate in discussions or any media that arouse sexual feelings. Do not participate in any type of pornography. The Spirit can help you know when you are at risk and give you the strength to remove yourself from the situation. Have faith in and be obedient to the righteous counsel of your parents and leaders.
Homosexual and lesbian behavior is a serious sin. If you find yourself struggling with same-gender attraction or you are being persuaded to participate in inappropriate behavior, seek counsel from your parents and bishop. They will help you.“
These comments are interesting and very helpful as an older person who I admit, doesn't really "get it". I am YEARS distant from my college education and it wasn't at BYU (my family couldn't afford it). I admit I am shocked and dismayed at this whole thing. I find myself wondering WHO could possibly believe the Church and BYU would ever think homosexual behavior (emphasis on behavior) will ever be acceptable. When I first read the statement, my first thought was, somebody really misunderstood.....not "yippee the rules have changed". It makes me postulate that perhaps a lot of people are not far enough "into" the gospel. Perhaps these students should have strengthened their testimonies and gospel understanding LONG before college age, especially if what is being said about the faculty is true. It is incumbent on me as a grandparent to step up and ensure my posterity is strong enough to take on the worldliness of any institution as the sifting seems to be increasing minute by minute.
By putting the cart before the horse BYU has created a traffic nightmare!
I look forward to seeing the traffic cleared soon.
Why are theses “professors” employed by BYU?
Well said Jeremy. It seems many who are upset with the Church’s stance on these issues forget the purpose of families and their eternal natures.
There is no compromise in the eternal plan of God. Men and Women are unique and serve the function that they were created to serve which is to have families that can procreate. That is not possible in a same sex marriage or relationship. No amendments to the law of chastity have been revealed therefore only one interpretation is available, Men and Women are the only couples that will see the eternal celestial kingdom. If you want another kingdom fine, but there is no compromising this requirement for the celestial kingdom. We love all men but we cannot endorse the unnatural coupling of the same sex.
Baptism (and keep the baptismal covenant) is the requirement to enter the Celestial Kingdom. Temple Marriage is for exaltation.
100% correct. I don’t know why people try to kick LGBTQ members out of the celestial kingdom, there’s so much we don’t know about the eternities, so why the definitive statements that send LGBTQ members running from the church?
Because we are under command to follow what we do know. And what we do know is that the Lord expects all His children to follow the Law of Chastity, which includes ANY sexual relations outside the bonds of heterosexual marriage is a violation of the commandments. And that alone enrages a lot of people in the LGBTQ camp because they often choose to identify with the temporal label of LGBTQ as their primary label rather than Child of God, which is eternal And when your primary identification comes under attack you feel it is personal.
I find it funny about rouge professors at BYU. I head it was a problem in the 70's and when I was there in the 90s and now. There are positive and negative influences every where even BYU. Satin fights hard against BYU because it does much good. The fight is only going to get worse. When I went Guys on my door floor did awful things and took people with them but I also found great and wonderful people too. It is still a great institution and much good is found there. My testimony grew and I learned so much spiritual but I looked for that and it was easy to find and access. It is not even close to other schools as far as how bad they are. Not even in the same universe. People who think someone is safe anywhere is blind. BYU is still in a good place today don't let people tell you lies that is isn't. If it wasn't the brethren would get rid of it. It is too much work and money for it not to be useful.
I agree that BYU has the opportunity to do a lot of good, and that there are a lot of bad influences there trying to stop that good from happening. However, I wouldn't discredit other schools and call them "bad". Not everyone is meant to go to BYU, and those that aren't are not going to bad schools. In fact, if they are following the spirit, they are going to the best school for them personally.
I agree with many of the arguments made in this article, however I feel like it is missing the point. I am queer, I have many friends who are queer and ally, and I have been involved in the protests. Most of the people I have talked to have told me that they are not protesting to try to change church doctrine or school policy, but to prompt BYU and CES to address the poor manner in which the issue was handled.
Many people were told by HCO officials, that homosexual relationships would be held to the same standard as heterosexual relationships when it comes to disciplinary actions due to chastity; homosexual hand holding, kissing, and dating would be allowed under the change. Because of this communication, a large number of students chose to engage in homosexual behaviors, including holding hands, kissing, and coming out to friends, family, and roommates. These actions were performed under the assumption that they would not be punished under the school honor code
The official announcement last Wednesday blindsided many LGB individuals who were under the impression that they were protected and supported by, if not the doctrine of their Church, at least the policy of their school. LGB individuals are now fearing suspension and expulsion because of this unexpected announcement. Some have been disowned or cut off by their families because they came out under the assumption that they would at least have the support of their school.
The school is now claiming that those who were told homosexual behavior would be accepted were confused, even though there are audio recordings and transcriptions of meetings with HCO officials saying exactly that.
That is why this is a problem. That is why there is a protest. Regardless of belief or ideology, ignoring the suffering caused by BYU and CES poorly handling this issue is irresponsible. Those protesting are not trying to change doctrine; they are trying to draw attention to the pain that the university has caused for thousands of our brothers and sisters and leave a message that actions have consequences.
I just don't agree with a lot of the things that you posted. BYU is a great school with great professors. consider both sides and have some compassion. thank you
Wow, great article. It's not just our schools but Church media KSL and Deseret news. Why does Christ Church allow such indoctrination? The separation of the tears from the wheat. The king is returning but the sorting has to happen. As one can sense winter is comming the righteous sense his return and times of trouble is nigh.
Well said Jeremy! The Lord's plan never changes
The upset caused by the message from BYU is not the fault of BYU or any other Church authority. It is the lack of understanding by the students. The students, considering their age, do not know the doctrine. It would appear that they own moral compass is out of line. Somebody, parents, teachers, etal have also got to do a better job at instilling a better understanding about what a principal of the gospel is and why principals cannot change. These are difficult times for many. There are even more difficult times ahead. There is a sifting going on.
I had similar experiences to those mentioned in the article. My senior year I had professors questions previous prophets, even president Nelson in class! One professor said the Proclamation to family was worded incorrectly due to lack of education in the terms used. It really shook my testimony my senior year, something I felt very secure in prior to my senior year. I think it is difficult because it is a church school and sometimes students think their professors are speaking for the church, which is incorrect and something I myself fell into. I pray for the school and hope people are still able to find peace and hope there!
Why is BYU allowing teachers to corrupt the students??? I thought once it was the safest university not OF the world??
I don't understand how so many members of the church have the idea that it is a democracy; that by means of protest the mind and will of God can be changed. The laws of God and the Plan of Salvation are not open to discussion. And as it turns out homosexuality is incompatible with the plan. I am sorry to all those members who are dealing with same sex attractions. Just as I am required by God's laws to remain faithful to my wife and harness my passionssi also are homosexuals required to abstain from sex outside the bonds of heterosexual marriage. Maybe one of these days after this mortal life is over you can take your complaints straight to God and tell him he was wrong for commanding virtue outside of the marriage covenant and loyalty inside.