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Question 2: WHAT IS YOUR CHURCH'S ATTITUDE TOWARD HOMOSEXUALITY?

"In the first place, we believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. We believe that marriage may be eternal through exercise of the power of the everlasting priesthood in the house of the Lord.

"People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be difficult to control. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church. If they violate the law of chastity and the moral standards of the church, then they are subject to the discipline of the Church, just as others are.

"We want to help these people, to strengthen them, to assist them with their problems and to help them with their difficulties. But we cannot stand idle if they indulge in immoral activity, if they try to uphold and defend and live in a so-called same-sex marriage situation. To permit such would be to make light of the very serious and sacred foundation of God-sanctioned marriage and its very purpose, the rearing of families."

Question 4: WHAT IS THE CHURCH'S POSITION ON POLYGAMY?

"We are faced these days with many newspaper articles on this subject. This has arisen out of alleged child abuse on the part of some of those practicing plural marriage.

"I wish to state categorically that this Church has nothing whatever to do with those practicing polygamy. They are not members of this church. Most of them have never been members. They are in violation of the civil law. They know they are in violation of the law. They are subject to its penalties. The Church, of course, has no jurisdiction whatever in this matter.

"If any members are found to be practicing plural marriage, they are excommunicated, the most serious penalty the Church can impose. Not only are those so involved in direct violation of the civil law, they are in violation of the law of this Church. An article of our faith is binding upon us. It states, "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." One cannot obey the law and disobey the law at the same time.

"There is no such thing as a 'Mormon Fundamentalist.' It is a contradiction to use the two words together.

"More than a century ago God clearly revealed unto His prophet Wilford Woodruff that the practice of plural marriage should be discontinued, which means that it is now against the laws of God. Even in countries where civil or religious law allows polygamy, the Church teaches that marriage must be monogamous and does not accept into its membership those practicing plural marriage."

Discussion:

Now let's specifically contrast Gordon B. Hinckley's statements. He referred in loving tones to the gays and lesbians:

"...we love them as sons and daughters of God."

Polygamists on the other hand received this reception:

"I wish to state categorically that this Church has nothing whatever to do with those practicing polygamy. They are not members of this church. Most of them have never been members. They are in violation of the civil law. They know they are in violation of the law. They are subject to its penalties."

Regarding homosexuals and church disciplinary action:

"If they violate the law of chastity and the moral standards of the church, then they are subject to the discipline of the Church."

As for polygamists:

"If any members are found to be practicing plural marriage, they are excommunicated, the most serious penalty the Church can impose."

These are interesting contrasts, especially when plural marriage has been and most certainly still is an eternal law of God and homosexuality has always been abhorrent to God. Now that which is abhorrent to God is receiving kindness and that which has been an eternal law is being treated as if it is repugnant to God and man. This rhetoric is spoken of by God's Prophet Isaiah when he stated that in the last days the people would call evil good, and good evil. Where does that place Gordon B. Hinckley and the LDS Church at this point in time? It is also interesting to note that one lifestyle (homosexuality) is 'politically correct' and more received by society today and one (plural marriage) is not. The LDS Church reflects the more 'politically correct' posturing regardless of what is right or true. Their acceptance and place in the world is more important than defending a Zion principle such as Plural Marriage. Do the LDS now believe that Plural Marriage will not be lived in the Millennium as Bruce R. McConkie specifically taught on page 578 of his "famous" Mormon Doctrine? They believed it before. This day of apostasy of the Lord's people is evidenced by such statements by those who claim to be God's Prophets and representatives. This is unholy deception in the most insidious way. However, the LDS people, by and large, want such things spoken in their ears, as it makes their sojourn in the Telestial world much more comfortable and politically correct.

Will homosexuals be allowed into Christ's presence in the Millennium just because they have not 'physically' participated in aberrant sexual activities? A scripture comes to mind in regard to this concept:

"For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence." (Alma 12:14)

Therefore, the scriptures state that our words and thoughts will condemn us ALONG WITH our physical actions. Therefore, homosexual thoughts and words will receive God's condemnation. Another point: It is a known axiom that as a person persists in their thoughts and speech regarding a dominant desire, that it will not be long before they take action on what is in their heart.

On the other hand: Will righteous polygamists be kept out of Christ's presence merely because they were in violation of wicked civil laws? If so, then most LDS people's ancestors must be kept out of Heaven for living plural marriage also. It truly seems that the LDS are being taught to HATE a most Holy Principle and are being taught to tolerate and embrace a wicked lifestyle that only brings on destruction and death. I find it most interesting to note that the LDS Church has a difficult time honoring plural marriage from the LDS past and also any discussion of its implementation in the future, let alone how they treat it in the present. It is as if they are embarrassed about plural marriage ever being part of their religious history. This shift is becoming more evident every passing year for the LDS leadership and people.

President Hinckley stated:

"One cannot obey the law and disobey the law at the same time."

Hmmm. this is an interesting statement in light of LDS Church history. One thing that President Hinckley forgets is that the laws of God always supersede man's laws. Maybe President Hinckley forgets also what the former feelings were among the LDS leadeship about the importance of obedience to Gods laws instead of the wicked laws of men formulated only to persecute God's Kingdom and to destroy true principles:

"I design [to continue] to live with and have children by my wives, using the wisdom God gives me to avoid being captured by the officers of the law." (Apostle Francis M. Lyman, 1890, Abraham H. Cannon Diaries, 30 Sept. -1 Oct. 1890)

"I am a law breaker; so is Bishop Whitney; so is B. H. Roberts. My wives have brought me only daughters. I propose to marry until I get wives who will bring me sons." (Heber J. Grant, "That Awful Mouth Again," Salt Lake Tribune, , 8 Sept. 1899; and "The Grant Declaration," ibid., 9 Sept. 1899.)

When man's wicked laws come in opposition to God's laws, then we must abide by God's laws. The LDS do not believe this anymore today. However, their own former Prophets fought wicked government and oppressive laws by living God's laws in defiance of the laws of the land. John Taylor received this revelation from the Lord:

"Nevertheless I the Lord do not change and my word and my covenants and my law do not...I have not revoked this law nor will I for it is everlasting and those who will enter into my glory must obey the conditions thereof, even so Amen." (Revelation given to John Taylor, 1886, John Taylor Papers, Church Historians Office)

It appears from this communication that the Lord does not change His law or His covenants. Readers are also invited to read the post manifesto documents which clearly reveal that the 1890 Manifesto issued by Wilford Woodruff was, in fact, no revelation from God at all. (Analysis of the Manifesto, Correcting Traditional LDS History of the Manifesto, and others, see top of Gospel Discussions Index.)

President Hinckley further stated:

"More than a century ago God clearly revealed unto His prophet Wilford Woodruff that the practice of plural marriage should be discontinued, which means that it is now against the laws of God."

How is it then that LDS men are still sealed to living wives along with their deceased wives being under the marriage covenant? This is eternal plural marriage, for both wives are supposedly 'sealed' to the same man 'for time and eternity'. However, today's Prophet said that such unions are against the laws of God. This is an interesting paradox. It would be most interesting to see a declarative statement issued by the LDS leadership clarifying how one form of plural marriage is acceptable to God and the other not. This places such Temple 'sealings' in an interesting bind for the LDS. If polygamy in any form is against the laws of God, then why are LDS men today being 'sealed' to more than one wife? The true fact of the matter is that deep inside the Mormon spirit is the conviction that plural marriage is an eternal order and will have continuation beyond this life. With that said, Hinckley's statements become all the more confusing to the Mormon faithful. Part of the meaning of the word 'Babylon' is "confusion". So, are the LDS establishing Zion or Babylon? By their fruits ye shall know them.

Another curious 'fruit' of recent LDS rhetoric is the soft-pedal approach to declaring the sin of homosexuality. Now, it is acceptable to be a 'gay' member in full fellowship as long as one does not 'act' upon one's sexual inclination toward the same sex. It appears that the LDS Church is bent on lowering their standards of righteousness to such a blurry reality that almost anyone (except polygamists, of course) can join the Church. This is not in the direction of Zion, this is the direction of Hell and destruction. It is time for the Elect within the LDS Church to wake up to this fact and come out from under the sleep of death that is entombing so many.

These actions should be alarming to the Elect. To see Plural marriage condemned and repudiated while at the same time seeing homosexuals being elevated to righteous status ought to raise up the righteous indignation in the souls of those who truly love truth.

Joseph Smith said the following:

"The same God that has thus far dictated me and directed me and strengthened me in this work, gave me this revelation and commandment on celestial and plural marriage and the same God commanded me to obey it. He said to me that unless I accepted it and introduced it, and practiced it, I, together with my people, would be damned and cut off from this time hence forth. And they say if I do so, they will kill me. O, what shall I do? If I do not practice it, I shall be damned with my people. If I do teach it, and practice it, and urge it, they say they will kill me, and I know they will. But we have got to observe it. It is an eternal principle and was given by way of commandment and not by way of instruction." (Joseph Smith, Contributor 5:259)

Plural marriage is a commandment, not a sexually deviant and repulsive 'alternative lifestyle'. Yet, it is treated as such today by the very people who once embraced this Law as absolutely necessary for exaltation in the highest degree of the Celestial Kingdom. I guess the LDS no longer believe this either.

Brigham Young stated:

"Now, where a man in this Church says, "I don't want but one wife, I will live my religion with one," he will perhaps be saved in the celestial kingdom; but when he gets there he will not find himself in possession of any wife at all. He has had a talent that he has hid up. He will come forward and say, "Here is that which thou gavest me, I have not wasted it, and here is the one talent," and he will not enjoy it, but it will be taken and given to those who have improved the talents they received, and he will find himself without any wife, and he will remain single for ever and ever." (Brigham Young, 31 August 1873, Journal of Discourses 16:165)

Also, John Taylor:

"Some few years ago, I remember being brought before a court to give evidence in a case. I was asked if I believed in keeping the laws of the United States. I answered Yes, I believe in keeping them all but one. What one is that? It is that one in relation to plurality of wives. Why don't you believe in keeping that? Because I believe it is at variance with the genius and spirit of our institutions--it is a violation of the Constitution of the United States, and it is contrary to the law of God... "God has laid upon us a command for us to keep, He has commanded us to enter into these covenants with each other pertaining to time and eternity, and has revealed this law through the holy priesthood and the regularly constituted channels which He has appointed for conveying this information, and we, having been baptized into one baptism and partaken of the same spirit, know for ourselves that these things are true. I know they are true, if nobody else does. I know it myself. I cannot help knowing it, and all the edicts and laws of Congress and legislators and decision of courts could not change my opinion. I know that it is from God, and therefore bear testimony of it." (John Taylor, 30 November 1879, Journal of Discourses 20:293)

The above statements clearly illuminate that John Taylor, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and a host of others believed that Plural Marriage was a right of worship which was afforded and protected under the umbrella of the Constitution. I guess the LDS Leaders today assume themselves to be more 'enlightened' than those who came before because they are in direct opposition to the statements and positions of the Prophets who defended this Holy Principle of Plural Marriage.

Erastus Snow related a statement made by the Prophet Joseph Smith:

"God spoke by the mouth of the Prophet Joseph Smith, in a sermon delivered by the Prophet at Nauvoo a short time before his death, on the powers and policy of this government of the United States and the freedom and liberty secured in the American Constitution, that it was broad and ample in its provisions, extending human freedom to every soul of man and protecting them in every natural right... Referring at the same time to those narrow, contracted, bigoted, sectarian laws of some of the States against plural marriage, he said they were not in harmony with the Constitution nor the purposes of heaven; that God had caused our fathers to establish this constitution, to maintain the liberty of all people of every creed, and it will become the duty of all lovers of freedom throughout the land to maintain those principles of human freedom..." (Erastus Snow 7 October 1882, Journal of Discourses 23:301)

The anti-polygamy legislation of 1862 was declared "constitutional" by the Supreme Court in 1879. In 1882, John Taylor received the following revelation regarding plural marriage, which says in part:

"You ask, what shall we do?

"Thus saith the Lord God, 'Obey my law, and seek not to become a law unto yourselves, nor trust to outside influences; but seek in the way appointed to the Lord your God. Ye are my spokesmen, I am your God; and as I have before said, I now again say, "Henceforth do as I shall command you."'

"Concerning the course taken by the United States they have (the liberty), a right, to reject this law themselves, as they have (the liberty), a right, to reject the gospel; but it is contrary to the provisions of the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, for them to prohibit you from obeying it." (John Taylor Papers, Church Historians Office)

In summary, it seems clear that the LDS Church further descends into destruction and apostasy by upholding and embracing wickedness. Being 'politically correct' and acceptable to society seems to be the focus of the LDS direction. The LDS also persecute and revile a most Holy Principle that is Eternal and unchangeable. Have the LDS today rejected the earlier teaching that all exalted beings in the Highest order of the Celestial Kingdom are polygamists? This is exactly what was taught before. Has this changed? Were the Prophets of before wrong? Are the LDS Prophets today right? Which is it? Somebody is teaching false doctrine, either the early LDS leadership or the modern LDS leadership. True Prophets do not contradict each other in doctrine. Eternal principles ARE eternal and do not change. Foolish men who seek the friendship of the world are the ones who foolishly change doctrines and principles to their own destruction and misery.

These postures and statements are further witnesses of the LDS apostasy for those who have eyes to see it. The LDS leaders demonstrate their own folly and rebellion right from their own lips. They now mock the very God they feign emulating. If they had the light of truth within them they would not mock God the Father, who IS a polygamist himself! Their ways and words are foolishness to God. As Moroni firmly warns us, the LDS should awaken to their awful situation and repent in sackcloth and ashes. Woe unto them who are found to be fighting against God when the day of calamity and judgment approaches. That day is soon at hand.

Jeffrey G. Hanks
President, Quorum of Twelve Apostles

The True and Living Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the Last Days