The following is submitted by M* reader jimbob.
jimbob is a happily married father of two disturbingly good-looking boys. He likes the movie “Condorman” and fancies himself a connoisseur of fine jellos.
During and after the political melee that was Prop. 8, I read several posts in the bloggernacle from faithful members who wanted to be clear that they could be members in good standing while arguing with the Church’s position on that referendum. In essence, the argument was that one can oppose the Church’s stance on this divisive issue–sometimes vociferously–while still qualifying for a temple recommend.
I found myself wondering this week if Bro. Otterson’s announcement on Monday (concerning the Church’s support for anti-discrimination laws for gays and lesbians) presents a similar problem for the bloggernacle. In particular, I’m wondering if someone who disagrees with the Church’s stance on these anti-discrimination ordinances and who might argue vociferously against them can still be seen to be supporting the Brethren. More to the point, should or can we expect faithful Prop. 8 supporters to avoid the same rhetoric used a year ago to criticize them–that believing members who oppose the Church on these anti-discrimination measures are effectively opposing the will of God?
I want to be clear that this isn’t a criticism from me of the anti-discrimination ordinances or the Church’s stand thereon. To the extent it’s useful, I’m generally in favor of such acts. Moreover, I’m not looking for any sort of justification as to why it’s okay to support Prop. 8 and not anti-discrimination ordinances, or vice-versa. Instead, I’m wondering if this principal that you can support the Brethren while disagreeing with them politically is applicable regardless of your politics, or if both sides have just been using it as a convenient fiction.