The end of marriage?

In a few weeks, citizens of the state of California will be making a profoundly important decision about the future of marriage in our country. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has taken a very public position in partnership with other like-minded groups and individuals in support of Proposition 8. Here is the entire text of that proposition: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California."

In thinking about how to defend this most important (and oldest) of institutions, I've developed an analogy that has helped me in expressing why marriage between a man and a woman must be preserved.

Several years ago I worked for Kinko's. On occasion, someone would come in with a document or image that they wanted us to make copies of. In some instances, it was obvious that they didn't hold the copyright to the item they wanted us to duplicate. We would kindly refuse to honor their request, explaining that unless the individual or organization that owned the copyright gave them (and therefore) us the right to make copies, we weren't authorized to do so.

So it is with marriage. God our Heavenly Father, as the Creator or "copyright holder" of marriage, has defined it as between one man and one woman. That's right, there is a period there. As such, we are not authorized by Him to change it into whatever form we see fit, even if to some of us it seems "right" to do so.

Those who advocate so-called "gay marriage" are simply attempting to alter something that they have no right or authority to alter. In the words of the Savior, "they know not what they do." And just as in many other historical instances (think tobacco and alcohol usage, sexual "freedom," etc.) where the damaging effects of something haven't been seen until long after they were accepted, no one can say with accuracy what the long-term consequences or damage will be.

Check that: Prophets of God can warn us of things to come, and of dangers now unseen or even unknown. That is what prophets are for. Another name we use for them is seers. Here is what The Book of Mormon tells us about seers:

15 And the king said that a seer is greater than a prophet.

16 And Ammon said that a seer is a revelator and a prophet also; and a gift which is greater can no man have, except he should possess the power of God, which no man can; yet a man may have great power given him from God.

17 But a seer can know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be made manifest, and hidden things shall come to light, and things which are not known shall be made known by them, and also things shall be made known by them which otherwise could not be known.

18 Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings.

Mosiah 8:15-18

In saying this, I hasten to add what has been said before. We don't hate those who are gay. We wish them no harm and recognize their right to choose a lifestyle, regardless of whether we deem it right or wrong. No one is justified in threatening harm to anyone choosing same-gender attraction. But just as those choosing this way have a right to do so, so we, so I, have the right to choose otherwise. I likewise have a right to stand up for, to defend, to protect, the sacred institution of marriage. God created it and thus holds the copyright. Who are we to alter what He calls His?

For those interested, below are some additional links to resources about this issue. Educate yourself. This battle is just beginning. It will no doubt continue until the Lord of the Vineyard returns to set right that which has been damaged or destroyed by those with evil designs.

And finally, if anyone reading this knows anyone in California that can cast a vote, I would urge you to urge them to make their voice heard.

Proposition 8 Website

The Church's website designed to preserve marriage

Article in The Wall Street Journal about the current status of this proposition

LDS Church website with updated information about why they are supporting Prop 8

Evangelical website dealing with this issue

More info about the battle

Article by Elder Boyd K. Packer about marriage - very prescient