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− | In 1988, Elder Dalin H. Oaks said: | + | ===1988=== |
+ | |||
+ | * In 1988, Elder Dalin H. Oaks said: | ||
:“Most of us are born with [or develop] thorns in the flesh, some more visible, some more serious than others. We all seem to have susceptibilities to one disorder or another, but whatever our susceptibilities, we have the will and the power to control our thoughts and our actions. This must be so. God has said that he holds us accountable for what we do and what we think, so our thoughts and actions must be controllable by our agency. Once we have reached the age or condition of accountability, the claim ‘I was born that way’ does not excuse actions or thoughts that fail to conform to the commandments of God. We need to learn how to live so that a weakness that is mortal will not prevent us from achieving the goal that is eternal. | :“Most of us are born with [or develop] thorns in the flesh, some more visible, some more serious than others. We all seem to have susceptibilities to one disorder or another, but whatever our susceptibilities, we have the will and the power to control our thoughts and our actions. This must be so. God has said that he holds us accountable for what we do and what we think, so our thoughts and actions must be controllable by our agency. Once we have reached the age or condition of accountability, the claim ‘I was born that way’ does not excuse actions or thoughts that fail to conform to the commandments of God. We need to learn how to live so that a weakness that is mortal will not prevent us from achieving the goal that is eternal. | ||
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:“There is much we do not know about the extent of freedom we have in view of the various thorns in the flesh that afflict us in mortality. But this much we do know; we all have our free agency and God holds us accountable for the way we use it in thought and deed. That is fundamental.”{{ref|oaks.1988}} | :“There is much we do not know about the extent of freedom we have in view of the various thorns in the flesh that afflict us in mortality. But this much we do know; we all have our free agency and God holds us accountable for the way we use it in thought and deed. That is fundamental.”{{ref|oaks.1988}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===1991=== | ||
The First Presidency wrote in 1991: | The First Presidency wrote in 1991: | ||
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</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
− | In 2006, Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: | + | ===2000=== |
+ | |||
+ | * In 2000, President Boyd K. Packer taught: | ||
+ | |||
+ | :That may be a struggle from which '''you will not be free in this life. If you do not act on temptations, you need feel no guilt'''. They may be extremely difficult to resist. But that is better than to yield and bring disappointment and unhappiness to you and those who love you.{{ref|packer.2000}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===2003=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | * In 2003, President Boyd K. Packer taught: | ||
+ | |||
+ | :In the Church, one is not condemned for tendencies or temptations. One is held accountable for transgression. (See {{s||DC|101|78}}; {{s||A+of+F|1|2}}.) If you do not act on unworthy persuasions, you will neither be condemned nor be subject to Church discipline.{{ref|packer.2003}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===2006=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | * In 2006, Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: | ||
:The distinction between feelings or inclinations on the one hand, and behavior on the other hand, is very clear. It’s no sin to have inclinations that if yielded to would produce behavior that would be a transgression. The sin is in yielding to temptation. Temptation is not unique. Even the Savior was tempted. | :The distinction between feelings or inclinations on the one hand, and behavior on the other hand, is very clear. It’s no sin to have inclinations that if yielded to would produce behavior that would be a transgression. The sin is in yielding to temptation. Temptation is not unique. Even the Savior was tempted. | ||
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:The New Testament affirms that God has given us commandments that are difficult to keep. It is in 1 Corinthians chapter 10, verse 13: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”{{ref|oaks.2006}} | :The New Testament affirms that God has given us commandments that are difficult to keep. It is in 1 Corinthians chapter 10, verse 13: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”{{ref|oaks.2006}} | ||
− | In October 2007, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland published an article in the ''Ensign'', which read in part: | + | ===2007=== |
+ | |||
+ | * In October 2007, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland published an article in the ''Ensign'', which read in part: | ||
:A pleasant young man in his early 20s sat across from me. He had an engaging smile, although he didn’t smile often during our talk. What drew me in was the pain in his eyes. | :A pleasant young man in his early 20s sat across from me. He had an engaging smile, although he didn’t smile often during our talk. What drew me in was the pain in his eyes. | ||
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He went on to emphasize: "[L]et me make it clear that attractions alone, troublesome as they may be, do not make one unworthy....If you do not act on temptations, you have not transgressed." | He went on to emphasize: "[L]et me make it clear that attractions alone, troublesome as they may be, do not make one unworthy....If you do not act on temptations, you have not transgressed." | ||
− | In a Church booklet published in 2007, the Church taught: | + | * In a Church booklet published in 2007, the Church taught: |
:Same-gender inclinations may be very powerful, but through faith in the Atonement you can receive the power to ''resist all improper conduct'', keeping your life free from sin {{ia}}.{{ref|god.loveth.1}} | :Same-gender inclinations may be very powerful, but through faith in the Atonement you can receive the power to ''resist all improper conduct'', keeping your life free from sin {{ia}}.{{ref|god.loveth.1}} | ||
− | + | ||
− | On 12 October 2010, Michael Otterson (head of Church Public Affairs) noted: | + | ===2010=== |
+ | |||
+ | * On 12 October 2010, Michael Otterson (head of Church Public Affairs) noted: | ||
:None of us is limited by our feelings or inclinations. Ultimately, we are free to act for ourselves. | :None of us is limited by our feelings or inclinations. Ultimately, we are free to act for ourselves. | ||
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=={{Conclusion label}}== | =={{Conclusion label}}== | ||
− | + | Those who claim that the Church has long condemned those who had homosexual feelings or inclinations regardless of whether they acted upon such feelings have not accurately reflected the long-standing teaching of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles on this matter. Recent teaching of this doctrine is not a novelty, but merely an emphasis of that which has been long taught. | |
=={{Endnotes label}}== | =={{Endnotes label}}== | ||
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#{{note|1st.pres.letter.1991}} First Presidency, letter, 14 November 1991. | #{{note|1st.pres.letter.1991}} First Presidency, letter, 14 November 1991. | ||
#{{note|oaks95}} {{Ensign1|author=Dallin H. Oaks|article=Same-Gender Attraction|pages=9}} {{link|url=http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=true&locale=0&sourceId=43786e9ce9b1c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD#29}} | #{{note|oaks95}} {{Ensign1|author=Dallin H. Oaks|article=Same-Gender Attraction|pages=9}} {{link|url=http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=true&locale=0&sourceId=43786e9ce9b1c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD#29}} | ||
+ | #{{note|packer.2000}} {{General Conference|author=Boyd K. Packer|article=Ye Are The Temple of God|date=November 2000|url=https://new.lds.org/general-conference/2000/10/-ye-are-the-temple-of-god-?lang=eng}} | ||
#{{note|oaks.2006}} {{Periodical:Oaks Wickman:Same Gender Attraction:2006|pages=xxx}} | #{{note|oaks.2006}} {{Periodical:Oaks Wickman:Same Gender Attraction:2006|pages=xxx}} | ||
#{{note|holland.2007}} {{Ensign1|author=Jeffrey R. Holland|article=Helping Those Who Struggle with Same-Gender Attraction|date=October 2007|pages=42-45}} {{link|url=http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=e5cbba12dc825110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD}} | #{{note|holland.2007}} {{Ensign1|author=Jeffrey R. Holland|article=Helping Those Who Struggle with Same-Gender Attraction|date=October 2007|pages=42-45}} {{link|url=http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=e5cbba12dc825110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD}} |
This article is a draft. FairMormon editors are currently editing it. We welcome your suggestions on improving the content.
==
What have past and present Church leaders taught about the distinction (if any) between homosexual temptations, desires, or inclinations, and homosexual acts?
To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, [[../CriticalSources|click here]]
====
The First Presidency wrote in 1991:
In 1995, Elder Oaks stated:
Applying the First Presidency’s distinction to the question of same-sex relationships, we should distinguish between (1) homosexual (or lesbian) “thoughts and feelings” (which should be resisted and redirected), and (2) “homosexual behavior” (which is a serious sin)....
[W]e should always distinguish between sinful acts and inappropriate feelings or potentially dangerous susceptibilities. We should reach out lovingly to those who are struggling to resist temptation. The First Presidency did this in their 14 November 1991 letter. After reaffirming the sinful nature of “fornication, adultery, and homosexual and lesbian behavior,” the Presidency added: “Individuals and their families desiring help with these matters should seek counsel from their bishop, branch president, stake or district president. We encourage Church leaders and members to reach out with love and understanding to those struggling with these issues. Many will respond to Christlike love and inspired counsel as they receive an invitation to come back and apply the atoning and healing power of the Savior. [3]
He went on to emphasize: "[L]et me make it clear that attractions alone, troublesome as they may be, do not make one unworthy....If you do not act on temptations, you have not transgressed."
According to the American Psychological Association: "Sexual orientation is different from sexual behavior because it refers to feelings and self-concept. Individuals may or may not express their sexual orientation in their behaviors."[10]
Having same-sex attractions, participating in same-sex relationships, and identifying as gay or lesbian are three separate things. A study by the Social Organization of Sexuality found that 60% of men and 68% of women who were attracted to the same gender have never engaged in homosexual behavior. This number differs from those who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual. For them, only 13% of men and 4% of women have never engaged in homosexual behavior.[11] This lead the researchers to conclude that sexual identity (i.e., how people label and conceive of themselves) was a stronger indicator of sexual behavior than sexual orientation (i.e., the feelings or inclinations which people have).
Not only is there significant differences between a person's sexual orientation and behavior, but it changes over time. The study indicated that of the 4.9% of men and 4.1% of women who have ever had a homosexual experience since the age of 18, only 2.7% of men and 1.3% of women had one in the last year. Some people change their sexual behavior based on religious beliefs. Others reported that they were no longer attracted to the same sex. The American Psychological Association has stated "Some people believe that sexual orientation is innate and fixed; however, sexual orientation develops across a person’s lifetime." The way this develops varies from person to person. A report from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health states that, "For some people, sexual orientation is continuous and fixed throughout their lives. For others, sexual orientation may be fluid and change over time."
Many people have testified that through the atonement of Christ, they no longer are attracted to people of the same gender. Others have also had faith in Christ, but still have same-sex attractions. Elder Holland taught: "Through the exercise of faith, individual effort, and reliance upon the power of the Atonement, some may overcome same-gender attraction in mortality and marry. Others, however, may never be free of same-gender attraction in this life."[12]
====
Those who claim that the Church has long condemned those who had homosexual feelings or inclinations regardless of whether they acted upon such feelings have not accurately reflected the long-standing teaching of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles on this matter. Recent teaching of this doctrine is not a novelty, but merely an emphasis of that which has been long taught.
== Notes ==
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