Tolerance does not mean anti-Christian

I need to make a disclaimer at the beginning of this post. I have watched Duck Dynasty once. I found it very humorous, but I'm not a regular viewer. That said, whether I watch the show or not is irrelevant to my post.

Ironically, in the name of "tolerance" society is becoming extremely less tolerant of Christians. If you're paying attention to the news you're probably aware that the Patriarch of the Duck Dynasty clan, Phil Robertson, is being suspended from the show by the A&E network. He is being suspended for calling homosexuality a sin.

It is not my intent to cast stones at others than are sinning because I am not without sin. That said, sin is sin. The Bible spells out several behaviors, actions, etc. that are not endorsed by Heaven. I read an article in USA Today that sums up my views very well on the subject. In part it states:

Irrefutable history documents that the Bible and its teachings were the biggest influence on those that founded the freest and most prosperous nation in human history. Yet nowadays if you believe that same Bible is true you will either silence your beliefs, or you will be silenced. Just ask Phil Robertson, one of the stars of Duck Dynasty, among the most successful shows on TV.  

In an interview with GQ, Robertson plainly repeated simple truths that are fundamental to western civilization—the Bible calls all sexual activity outside of holy matrimony sin and immoral, and it’s natural for a man to be attracted to a woman. You know, the birds and the bees.  

For that, the tolerance mob demanded his head on a platter, and the wannabe King Herods that work at A&E, the network that made untold millions off of Robertson's enormous popularity, gladly obliged. When we have now come to the point that pop culture would rather bow at the altar of rabid political correctness than make a profit, then we have reached a point of no return as a people.

It's a great opinion piece. I sent an e-mail to the A&E Network voicing my disagreement with their decision and encouraged them not to cave in to the demands of the vocal minority. If you feel so inclined you can send them an e-mail at feedbackaetv@aenetworks.com

The Nativity

Temple Marriage and Families

A few posts ago I mentioned how I had moved to Dallas. Things have changed in the last year. I thought I was moving to Boston, but I was only there a month, and now I'm living in College Station, TX. It's awesome. At church I teach the 14+ youth Sunday School class. I love my kids. they are also awesome. This is by far the best calling in the church. Anyway, today in Sunday School we were discussing Temple Marriage and Families and how to tell others what we believe. In no particular order, here are their thoughts:

Temple marriage is talked about a lot in the LDS faith. It is said over and over again how it is so important. The reason this ordinance is so important is because it seals the spouses and their future children together forever. This means even after death you will get to be with your family. This is why so much focus is put on the family. It is the unit that you will be with forever. Other earthly things don't transfer over after death, but the family will, and can be together forever through temple marriage. - Jaylen Hinckley

Temple marriage is a sacred process in which worthy males and females are able to partake of. This consists of a marriage that lasts for an eternity as well as any children who have been born into that marriage. This marriage is only done in this sacred site and has the ability to further one's spiritual growth. This is important to me as I know of the importance of temple marriage, as I will one day pick a worthy spouse I will have the security & knowledge, &happiness to know that I will be sealed to my spouse for time and all eternity, and not just "till death do us part." This sacred and spiritual thing cannot be done without the right authority & power. Therefore knowing the temple does have this authority & power. I know this saving ordinance is true and real. - Brianna Aguilar

To me, temple marriage means you will be with your spouse forever, through all time and eternity. That's something special that can only take place inside the walls of an LDS temple. A temple marriage is something I'm striving for. I want to be with my family forever, not just here on this earth, and I can't wait for the day when I am married to the love of my life not just until death do we part, but for eternity. - Brooke Hanks

Temple marriage seals you, your spouse, and family together forever. It is the important step in your life to receive the highest glory in God's kingdom. Without temple marriage your family cannot be together for all eternity. - Emma Hanks

I think temple marriage is important so that families can be together forever! You don't have to worry about loved ones that have died because by being sealed at the temple you can know for sure that you will see them again one day. Being married isn't about 'until death do you part.' It's about being together forever. Your kids and spouse will live with you for all of eternity! Being married in the Lord's house is a sacred thing and he trusts that you will keep His commandments and live worthily to receive eternal life, which is the greatest gift He can give you! - Jared Garlick

Temple marriage is a sacred ordinance where a man and a woman are sealed, or bound together, for all eternity. It's unlike most marriages that occur as it is forever instead of the marriage covenant which says 'until death do us part.' Family is important because family is an important part of life. Families are also sacred as you can be sealed with your entire family instead of just your spouse. Not only that, families also are there to support you in times of need. Plus families are awesome. - Eugene Ryoo

Dear stranger/non-member: Temple marriage for LDS members is a very sacred ordinance, used for binding a couple together for time and all eternity. Temple marriage is also required in order to obtain the highest portion of the Celestial Kingdom, the highest kingdom in heaven. As long as you and your spouse are following the covenants and staying close to the Lord, you will be sealed to each other and your family forever in the Kingdom of God. Sincerely, Colton Decell