Pres. Oaks, Each General Conference, I delight in countless teachings, which are precious to understand the plan that the Father has for each of his children. on the other hand, I feel sadness when I realize that millions of inhabitants of this land receive these words, or are available, for everyone. I understand that whoever desires, and seeks, the Lord with his love and dedication to provide for all, can inspire us to reveal to each one. I understand that everyone else's moral desire depends on everything else. I can assure you that, from now on, I will use these teachings to touch the heart of every brother who I feel does not have the full understanding of this wonderfully announced by the Father, through his messengers. But, I will do my part as far as I can identify what is necessary. I don't understand if the Spirit has touched me that from now on you must do my part. Or, if Pres. Oaks was more inspired to use his extra skill to explain in a way that touched my heart the most. More and more I feel a stronger Spirit. I'm sure the Spirit that inspired our former leaders is the same today. Thank you so much, once again, for your inspiring words, which reached the bottom of my heart. I really appreciate that technology has helped a lot, because I use it for this very purpose, to help whoever the Spirit tells me where I should act. Elder Oaks was once in my home when Serbia as counselors in the Area Presidency in Northeast Brazil. At the time, I asked him to teach us something. To this day, those words echo in my mind. I've been doing my best all this time, and doing what's required of me to do. Again, I'm very grateful for your words. I thank the Father for being able to have this technology available in my home. I was converted when I was 14, 65 years ago, in Recife, Brazil. Strong hug, Irajá Bandeira Soares
Yes , Heavenly Father has a perfect plan for all of us. He wanted us to be happy in this life and after this life, because there is life after death. It is a choice if we want to accept it, repent and obey His commandments.
Thank you president Oaks the truth will never change our Heavenly father loves us and wants us to return and live with him again with our families how wonderful i love the gospel of Jesus Christ.
And there was nothing save it was exceeding harshness, preaching and prophesying of wars, and contentions, and destructions, and continually reminding them of death, and the duration of eternity, and the judgements and the power of God, and all these things--stirring them up continually to keep them in the fear of the Lord. I say there was nothing short of these things, and exceedingly great plainness of speech, would keep them from going down speedily to destruction.
I absolutely love President Oaks. Such a great talk from a true prophet and apostle. He has reaffirmed Old Testament and New Testament teachings, as well as the revelation on "The Family: A Proclamation to the World."
As a transgender gal who is closeted due to fear and pain of my parents, as well as these things like this in the church, break me inside every day. I've always thought that religion is supposed to make you happy or comfortable with yourself. But, it's not confusion, nor is it corruption. People are simply born like this, and such causes people to be as I am. I feel like I'm being condemned for something I had no control over. This is difficult to write. Believe me, it really is. I have been genuinely hating myself and fighting suicidal ideations because of all this. This, I wish never happened to me. But if I'm going to be condemned for something I can't control, I don't want any part of it, because it scares me so much. I leave this with you.
Exactly. You're being very open here and I appreciate it, as I'm sure anyone who can relate does. Do what is best for you. I know it doesn't mean much, but I get it, and I wholly support you.
i agree with you 100% and so many people (including other members and myself) love you so much. i know i’m a stranger on the internet but i love you and i am here for you. do not hesitate to reach out, i mean this so sincerely.
I hope you can live your truth happily. I’m a closeted trans man, and I understand that I feels like to be in the church, think change is on the horizons, and then hear it cut and dry that it won’t. All my love to you, thank you for commenting this.
@@jeffreybernson7978 for most it is not a question of shame, but a safety precaution. When GAs give talks like these, even the sweetest people in the church can become volatile with their emotions to their children expressing their sexual orientation or gender expression. I have multiple people in my life who were kicked out by their faithful parents for coming out. Most LGBT people in the church come out after leaving it, because it's much safer to do when you have financial and/or housing security.
@@Amp661 If you click on the description you’ll find the link to his talk and at the end there are the scripture references, some in the Bible. (John 14:2) I hope you will read doctrine and covenants section 76 especially because that is an amazing chapter on the degrees of glory. If read with an open heart and mind it makes so much sense… At least to me. Because we are so individual and achieve different levels of love & obedience in this life of course a loving God would create a place that is perfect for each of us!
* And to clarify we can only “achieve” progress in this life through the grace of Jesus Christ and the purifying power of His atonement 😃… this comes about as a result of our desire to come to Him and ask for help in the journey!
@@Anakin122 One of the branches of the house of Jacob had more of God' word to come forth which would be revealed in the latter-days and that was the Book of Mormon.
For the many people who are going to disagree or even be spiteful about this, I ask you to at least consider that the overall message of these men and our God is to give the best possible life that anyone can receive. They're trying to inspire and give happiness, not cast anyone down or give false judgement towards anyone, even if you're an adulterer or someone who doesnt follow the religion. Literally there is nothing negative about this message, just to at least give you a straight forward thought about what to expect in the final judgement. Literally people who have existed, from the most good to the worst have a chance at being in Heaven in and it is different for a lot of people but at least the many who haven't been the best they could will have a better place than anything they can imagine, so it shows how merciful God is and will be to ALL. And his servants are supposed to inform on this.
Thank you Elder Oaks for reaffirming the Plan of Salvation and the role of The Proclamation on the Family in it. This is The Plan of God, not man. We appreciate the clear and certain message. For those struggling with these issues, God is able to help. He wants to help.
Grateful for the truth. Christ changes hearts and desires. That's what he is best at. He has done so for me. I now know his plan is best. It is the only way that leads to eternal life.
This message and the many other messages this conference were a breath of fresh air! The world is changing quickly. Much Thanks for the men and woman that spoke in this conference. May God continue to bless them.
I’m a gay (SSA/whatever) member of the Church. I appreciate the clarity of his talks and it always leaves me wanting to have further conversations about “bridling our passions” and keeping our passions within the bounds the Lord has set. There is so much opportunity and safety within the covenants found in the Church!
Alex, Thank you for speaking abt how you feel. I'm blessed to have my gender matches up with what I desire. I would like the brother would speak on how we can support our brothers and sisters that deal every day with this issue. I do live a chaste life and am not married to a man for 20 yrs. I suppose I will be this way (single) till I'm resurrected and I can finally find a forever companion. All I know is that in the end that our father in heaven will be able to give us the ideal family so we can go to the celestial kingdom. My life is not easy. I really doubt that until my healing comes( I was sexually abused by my father from the crib till my late 20s.) I married the first man that asked me to get away from my home. At least at that time, it got me out of the incest...I married a horrible man. I know, for myself, that I should wait till the Millennium to find my eternal husband. In this life also I have 4 children who were killed in a satanic cult. These will need a perfect father as I praise my Father in Heaven telling me that my family will be healed in the eternities. Alex.I have terribly hard times too. I will be praying that the issues you need to be explained or the love you now feel may not be there. You are a good man and I can feel that.I need all those that read this if you can to pray for myself and Alex. I know prayers works somehow. Maybe it changes things the way we need them. But usually in my life I find that Heavenly Father answers my prayers in way I've never thought of. I'm praying for you Alex.
When I come across these type of comments I feel so grateful to know that there are people out there living the gospel with joy and with the perspective that everything will be ok if we, (SSA people) and also for others, keep the commandments and walk the path of the covenant.
We needed this straight talk. Thank you for being bold and firm and doing so with kindness and class. In these days it is no longer easy to speak one's mind without fear of severe persecution and denigration.
I’m sure this talk will ruffle many feathers (maybe some within the Church), but this was my favorite talk of Conference. When the world around us has gone insane, it was so refreshing to hear peace, calm and the reaffirmation of Church doctrine. Thank you Elder Oaks!
I think the Church is a much better showcase for something that's gone insane. Imagine having a stockpile of >$124,000,000,000 in 2020 and not using it to aid the situation outside of their annual amount of charity funding (>1% of their yearly gains). The LDS church instead made it a point to the poorest members that they should prioritize paying tithing over FOOD OR RENT. The ONLY time in the scriptures that Jesus became angry was when the temple was being used to make money, and that's exactly what we see the church doing. They've had the opportunity to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and cure the sick for years now, and the best they can do is build great and spacious buildings to fake membership growth to milk as much money out of current members as possible.
@@NA-bn9er it is when the world is forcing you into compliance with their wicked debauchery. When the world is trying to openly corrupt and recruit your children for evil you bet for damn sure I have every right to call the world what it is. Evil.
God's law never once states that it's wrong or that you'll be condemned for being gay, homosexual, or gender-non-conforming. If taken in context and it's original language, not a single verse out of the original works condemns homosexuality, being transgender, or being non-conforming. The Family Proclamation to the World has no backing to it without scripture, and considering there isn't scripture that justifies it, it'd make for a terrible argument to use it.
If there is a loving god he made me gay and my wife perfect for me. I’m a truly happy not to have gone to the temple to be forced to marry. My purpose as a woman was never to have kids I was never able. So guess I’m gay and I’m happy to be a foster parent. Maybe gods law is not what these men think it is.
@@graysonsudweeks2213 Fortunately, revelation is ongoing. We aren’t entirely dependent on ancient scriptures for truth. We have modern prophets. No, they aren’t perfect, just as ancient scripture isn’t perfect. And that’s why we have the most important gift of all: the Holy Ghost. He will confirm truth if we are willing to accept it and obey it when that confirmation comes. For those who aren’t willing, the Holy Ghost won’t be able to get through.
This was a beautiful talk and was an answer to prayer. Thank you Elder Oaks. I know many will say this talk was controversial, even hateful, but as a same sex attracted member of the Church I love the doctrine of the family and appreciate this talk emphasizing the doctrine again during a time when so many push for it to change.
And there are plenty of same-sex members and non members of the church that hate this doctrine because it is used by members of the COJCOLDS to justify opposing laws that attempt to pass same-sex marriage and resources for trans folks, denying basic human rights. But hey, I guess you're the authority of whether LGBT people can find talks like this offensive.
Thank you for sharing! Though I can only imagine how difficult things have probably been for you, I have the deepest respect for your commitment to respect God's law above personal desires. The choice to put your faith before your passions is not an easy or popular one. It is a principle I can definitely improve with myself. Though my individual situation is obviously very different from your own, please know that you aren't alone in the type of struggle you face. Though few will ever talk about it, even heterosexual people such as myself frequently struggle with powerful sexual attractions, fantasies, fetishes, desires, or temptations that CANNOT be acted upon within the bounds of the gospel. No matter our sexual orientation, I wish more people like you and I would understand that we all have passions (sexual or otherwise) that must be bridled within the bounds of God's unchanging laws. (Alma 38:12) God Bless!
@@NA-bn9er Jesus Christ is much more than a prophet. He's the living and only begotten Son of God, our Savior, our Redeemer, the only way back into the presence of God is through Him. If we love him we will keep His commandments and follow Him, by seeking to do as He did and do the will of Heavenly Father as we are directed by the Holy Ghost. Jesus Christ ordained men and gave them authority to act in his name. When these Apostles were martyred, that Priesthood authority was not able to be past on and was returned to Christ. In preparation for Christ's second coming, this Priesthood authority had to be restored to the Earth. Under the direction of Jesus Christ, those holding certain Priesthood keys, namely, John the Baptist, Peter, James, and John, Elijah, Elias, and Moses Passed those keys onto Joseph Smith. Joseph, under the direction of Jesus Christ restored the Church that Christ had established when He was on Earth 2000 years ago, once again calling Prophets, Apostles, Priests, Teachers, Deacons, Evangelists and Seventies. Just as in the past, the Gospel is perfect and true,. All God has ever had to work with is us, imperfect mortals, but in spite of that, His work rolls forth and is covering the whole Earth as He directs us to gather the scattered tribes of Israel before His Second Coming. It's exciting to be a part of it. You should consider joining us in this amazing work. There's still so much to do, so many people to help, and the laborers are few.
When family has conditions that excludes people who can’t control the way they are made and shamed for it. A church that has put out so much money to hurt trans kids not of there beliefs. Hurt same sex couple by trying to make it so they can’t marry. Sounds more like they are the ones against family. When have you ever seen a gay couple tell them heterosexual children they are not welcome to be who they are. The devil wishes to destroy family in your teachings. Seems to me like church distorts family. How many families need to lose LGBTQ+ plus kids to suicide before people see this not the way you show love for families
🥰😍😍🤩 I loves these amazing powerful spiritual spirit holyness messages ok thankyous my name is Ramiro Lopez Sanchez a true witness is a true living modern prophet from my God of Israel from our beloved Father in heaven and David and joesph and his only begotten son saviour and redeemer Jesus Christ and the holy ghost the holy spirit from the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints from Mesa Arizona ❤❤❤❤
One of the best talks in this conference. Telling us what much of the world nowadays doesn’t want to hear. My family almost kicked out of their house for agreeing with Elder Oaks
Just because the world is changing it doesn’t change God. He is eternal and unchanging. Love thy neighbor as thyself even if you don’t agree with everything, there’s always common ground.
I'm grateful for this talk. My testimony has been dead in the water for a long, long time out of fear that the church would compromise it's doctrine on the family. This talk gave me a lot of reassurance.
@@ristopherobbins yes, he loves life and asks them to keep his law no matter what the situation. And in the end, they will live in one of the three wonderful kingdoms...the one they deserve, and because of their own behaviors, they will be happy in. I hope I make it to the Celestial Kingdom but I don't know. I will find out.
Mary Gwin, let me give you the word's of Elder J. Devn Cornish who is a Seventy: "Let me be direct and clear. The answers to the questions “Am I good enough?” and “Will I make it?” are “Yes! You are going to be good enough” and “Yes, you are going to make it as long as you keep repenting and do not rationalize or rebel . . . I love the way President Gordon B. Hinckley used to teach this principle. I heard him say on several occasions, 'Brothers and sisters, all the Lord expects of us is to try, but you have to really try!' Really trying means doing the best we can, recognizing where we need to improve, and then trying again. By repeatedly doing this, we come closer and closer to the Lord, we feel His Spirit more and more, and we receive more of His grace, or help." -- Am I Good Enough? Will I Make It? - By Elder J. Devn Cornish of the Seventy -- General Conference October 2016
Thank you President Oaks for this wonderful talk! I love it very much! I am studying about the Plan of Salvation, and your talk gives clear explanation about and it uplifts and enlightens me to always choose the covenant path that God has given us!
As, I read comments, I'm startled at the accusations of "unkindness and unfairness" towards the Church of Jesus Christ. I'm confused as I watch two separate groups attack doctrines of the Church. One group claims its all "mythos", I can understand that argument, in a different time in my life, but not at my current state. Simultaneously, there is a group attacking the doctrines of the Church as though they themselves speak for God. "God wouldn't be like" and "God loves all" are used to attack doctrines and principles of God. What I find most interesting concerning the second group is knowledge that the Law of Moses commanded the literal stoning to death of people participating in homosexual activities. God is loving. God is merciful. God is just. These principles and attributes are declared in good order in this talk given by an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Because I was born into the church. And I’m Gay and married to my wife of the same sex. I know that living under the teaching of these men lead me to trying to kill my self. And that only speaking out can we hope to save others. This men make stupid amounts of money to say things they are in love but lead so many to their deaths.
I appreciate those who have a different opinion watching this and the comments that have been sent because it shows at very least a respect for a difference of opinion and support for agency. We need to protect agency at all costs because if someone doesn’t have a choice in even one area of life there is no agency. Which is integral to the plan from the beginning.
True believing members have a hard time understanding this, but the answer is really simple. A lot of people like to hear other's opinions in order to not live in an echo chamber. That's it. Only by eating of the tree of knowledge (listening to opinions and trying to discern for yourself what is right and wrong) can you become godly, correct? You have to step out of the Garden (the comfort zone) in order to gain further knowledge. You see, as a person raised in the church who was incredibly faithful, I testify beyond the shadow of a doubt that the average lds individual lives within a bubble/echo chamber, which isn't good, because it's like staying in the Garden of Eden; it's nice and comfy but you never learn or grow, but rather just reiterate the same things over and over again to yourself, and you bend yourself around to agree with the church leadership in order to stay within the Garden. And because they live in the echo chamber, they have a hard time understanding why people would want to hear things they don't agree with. No idea if that makes sense. Also, some people are just incredibly contentious and are looking for a fight.
how? a lot(i dare say everyone) of people have issues, that are against the teachings of the gospel, and yes they were born with most of these tendencies, guess what you're human and you have the ability like everyone else to choose what you do. Christ sacrificed his entire life to do what his father wanted. as far as we know, he didn't do anything he wanted to do. get over yourself and start sacrificing like christ did. i dont mean to sound mean, but its the selfish attitude that my problems are the only ones that count. there are only two genders, and yes i have to control my self with only being to have sex with one person, you have know idea how hard the opposite that asexual,"gay"."trans" etc. do what you know is right.
@@bobhappy991 not a very christ like response. You need to get over YOURSELF and stop being so condescending. Its attitudes like this that make people hate mormons.
Loved the boldness of President Oaks’ talk defending the doctrine of Christ! God is the one who came up with the concept of marriage, and He has defined it as being between a man and a woman. Any other union deserves a different title. Humans trying to change that (…or their individual biological sex, for that matter…) is toying with divinity and second-guessing God (yikes)! I support President Oaks’ message and am so glad he brought the timeless truths of The Family A Proclamation to the World to the forefront of peoples’ minds again! His message is aligned with God, and that’s really what it boils down to! 👏🏻
If you think God has only defined marriage as being between “a man and a woman” you haven’t read and understood D&C 132, or the Old Testament. It’s shocking how ignorant so many LDS church members are. Oaks isn’t teaching God’s doctrine. He’s teaching the manmade philosophies of homophobic and bigoted conservatism mingled with scripture. You really should educate yourself.
This man is a prophet of God, everything he said is truth. If you find yourself being offended by his language then you are wicked and in need of deep repentance. Your beliefs have been corrupted and Satan has you firmly in his grasp. This doctrine won't change, Christ won't change and Heavenly Father won't change. So either you must humble your prideful heart, repent and allow the atonement of Jesus Christ to heal you or you must suffer for your own sins as an imperfect sacrifice and receive a lesser glory. Those are the rules, take it or leave it.
Did you miss the part of loving your neighbor and accepting our choices is our own. You are judging what u don’t understand friend. What u been lead to believe.
@@jimbobs3612 just because you want to accept and/or participate in every wicked behavior doesn't mean I'm going to. You can be a sinner all you want but when you flagrantly put it on public display you better believe I'm going to call it out. I won't accept your sinful behavior as good or decent l refuse. Have a nice day friend.
Sincere question: President Oaks says, “Consequently he (Satan) seeks to oppose progress toward exhalation by distorting marriage, by discouraging childbearing, or confusing gender.” The church website says “The church does not take a position on the causes of people identifying as transgender.” Is Oaks description of Satan being the cause of “confusing gender” or the website’s description the accurate source we can share with our transgender brothers and sisters?
He’s talking about the philosophical roots of the transgender movement being inspired by Satan, he’s not saying that the feelings of transgender people are caused by Satan. The LGBT socio political movement causes great damage to transgender people and society at large, and is correctly opposed by the church.
My take: Confusing gender is an obvious way, among many others, that Satan can undermine the family and steer people away from participating in family life in a way that is consistent with God’s plan. But that does not answer or account for the myriad emotional, psychological, physical or social challenges that contribute to gender confusion, in general. That would be a little different for each individual, and the Church isn’t going to make a broad, universal statement explaining it. The only thing the Church will and can say is that Satan does contribute to the problem. That doesn’t mean he’s 100% to blame for it all. Again, we come with our own challenges in life that often are not a direct result of Satan’s meddling. But Satan is always there to make things worse, or to guide us into making the wrong decisions in our challenges, or to see true things in false ways, or to exaggerate our problems, or cause us to lose hope and focus and perspective… etc. So, in that light I see no contradiction at all between the two statements you quoted. Does that help?
One of the toughest challenges for me as a member of the Church is to strike a balance between offering the hand of love and fellowship to all people while also standing up for the Lord's Plan of Happiness. I think it is important that we remember that we all sin and come short of the glory of God which makes us completely dependent on the Atonement for salvation. When I attend church on Sunday it is not because I am a good person it is because I am a beggar and I come to the sacrament table to hand over my sins to Him who has the power to forgive and to change me. At that moment it does not matter what your sins are because you and I are in the same boat. My sins are not compatible with the Plan of Salvation and must be left behind. Homosexuality and transgenderism is not compatible with the Plan either and must be repented if and left behind. The church can not bow to social pressures or to secular thought, it must, by reason of eternal law remain firm in standing against all evil whatever it may look like. I am grateful for a prophet of God who serves as a Watchman upon the tower who warns of approaching storms and temptations. This is what the Proclamation on the Family is. In 1995 President Hinckley saw the coming storms of social change and the challenges that would be made to traditional marriage and the roles of gender. This prophetic warning is one of the most inspired documents to be revealed in the latter days. It is the word and will if God. If members are offended by it maybe it is time to reexamine your commitment to the gospel.
Yes! Just like Spencer W. Kimball prophetic statement in his book "The Miracle Of Forgiveness" That masterbation causes homosexuallity... Perhaps you could answer this one question for me... President Neilson came out of the temple with President Monson at the time and other quorum of the twelve and others after prayer 🙏 and fasting and made the statement "This is how revelation is recieved" then talked how children of gay parents could not be baptized or recieve church ordinances and then apparently 4 years later changed the revelation... How is this possibly? The heaven's don't make mistakes when it comesto revelation do they? but men do! And prophet's and apostles are men. They are nothing but human like you and me, they are not super spiritual or super superior more than you or me...
Definitely loving God and his neighbor by pointing out a path that leads to greater happiness and to avoid falling into a pit. Would be neighborly to return the love by simply saying, "Thanks President Oaks, but I'd rather go it the hard way, I appreciate your concern on my behalf, but I'll take my chances doing it the world's way.
Hey there, I identify as agender and asexual and I just wanna say that you can't tell me how to feel and you have no right to invalidate my life experience. I was a faithful LDS member for 30 years and left 3 years ago because the Family Proclamation made me feel misunderstood and unwelcome. But I bear you no ill-will and I hope you have a great day. 🌞
I don’t think that’s the message President Oaks wished to convey. His whole message was about God’s love for his children and how Christ’s atonement allows for all of his children to be saved! Your experience is there for a reason; it is there to help shape you into the best person you can become! Let God prevail in your life and have faith he will guide you. Many people might feel like they don’t fit the sort of cookie cutter perception of how to be. However, this allows people all the more to draw close to the Savior and discover their unique mission . God loves ALL his children and none are excluded from the privilege of coming unto him!
I'm so sorry that you have felt unwelcome and misunderstood. Such a painful place to be. I honestly can't begin to imagine such loneliness and pain. I have great faith and hope that the day will come when the Lord will reveal with clarity His plan and eternal destiny for my LGBTQ+ family and friends.
@@bobhappy991 If you're going to sit there and mock people who don't fit in your binary boxes when people in the LGBT+ community are being killed on the regular, I have no interest in talking to you. Come back when you're willing to listen.
I fully support this message. Men and women are supposed to be together and procreate. There are two genders. You cannot change your gender. End of story.
They why are some people born gay? Why can some straight women not have children? Why do some have to outcasted and treated horribly? Why is their test so much harder to handle?
Thank you, thank you! I love that you always come through with plainness and simplicity on a subject that is getting confused, even in our wards and stakes and with our members! Thank you!!
As someone who has been affected by these teachings in many ways, it is sad to see you say that. I hope you can learn to love those around you better, rather than condemning them and risking their lives to suicide.
@EricJenkins i too have very close family members who have been affected by this but Jesus says, Love the sinner, hate the sin. I love this person with all my heart and love this person unconditionally, but Do Not condone the sin. You don’t even know me and you say I need to learn to love more? What you don’t understand is that you can’t just change scripture or God’s law to make it what you want it. President Oakes talk was all about LOVE, you’re just hearing what you want to hear.
Gay rights are human rights! Trans rights are human rights! Preach love not hate ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️ 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
He is Not teaching Hate. It is teaching religious freedom - and every individual's right to choose. If you go against God's plan, there are consequences. If you do your best to seek God and live his plan, there are blessings.
@@lisapaige6530 there is literally all of the information needed to completely uproot your religion on the church's website. If God's plan was to be transphobic and homophobic, he would have had his servants format it better. If you're interested in what I mean, consider looking into the gospel topic essays.
President Oaks has been intensely involved in preserving and advocating for the civil rights of the LGBTQ community. This had nothing to do with hate, or going against the human rights of that community. May need to listen to the talk before making comments on it.
@@lisapaige6530stop using "religious freedom" as an excuse to be bigoted. If religion can move past racism, then it can move past homophobia and transphobia too. And you said it yourself "freedom of choice" so stop choosing to be bigoted. If religion is about love, then choose to love your neighbors no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity!
@@lisapaige6530 Paige I feel like you need to listen to this talk again and put yourself on someone else’s shoes of a person in the LGBTQ+ community. Or your loved one that is in that community. You will feel the pain that ppl are feeling because if this talk.
Enlightening sermon by President Oaks. Where would one be without inspired understanding from God thru the General Authorities. I find it remarkable that Gods divine work runs concurrently with the world, yet the world cannot see it. When I say to them, hey look it's God's laborer's. They say, "naw it's just Mormon Missionaries. There is no God. And if he wanted us to believe, he'd show up in the sky so all could see and know." And I'm thinking, man if he shows up in glory in the sky, it will be the fulfillment of prophecy. To know isn't necessarily to love. Even Satan knows that God lives.
First time I've broken out in applause after a General Conference talk. Not that all talks don't deserve it, but in this case, I just couldn't help myself.
Amen! Finally an apostle of Jesus Christ speaks boldly for the true doctrine of the Family Proclamation! I was wondering if the Special Witnesses had gone silent in defending Truth. There are two groups only: the church of the lamb of god and the church of the devil. I’m incredibly thankful to hear apostles courageously be 100% on the Lord’s side.
I think Pres. Oaks is misreading 132 ("God's revelation that exaltation can only be attained through eternal marriage between a man and a woman"). Joseph asked a specific question about ancient prophets having multiple wives. God answered that question by teaching Joseph about a fundamental law (verse 7), and then he applied that law to marriage (verses 15-20). He doesn't even mention marriage until verse 15. This law applies to marriage as well as many other things. It reads like this: "do you want something to be eternal? Then it must be sealed by the Holy Spirit by a person with authority." It does not read "do you want eternal exaltation? Then you must be sealed in marriage to a man (or woman)." Read it closely. If this is core to our eternal salvation, it's worth the effort.
D & C 131: 1-4 (which is a doctrinal mastery) says that to obtain the highest degree of glory, a man must enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage. So, doctrinally, that highest covenant is essential to receive exaltation. As the prophet said, exaltation is a family matter.
Fact: God created two genders, male and female. Genesis 1:27 states: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Both men and women have the agency to choose for themselves. Fundamental to LDS theology is that gender is eternal, and therefore unchangeable. The whole idea that people can "identify" as something other than who they are is dangerous. I'm 40. Can I identify as being 25? No! I am grateful President Oaks clarified God's true desire to save and exalt his sons and daughters. The 1995 Proclamation on the Family was truly prophetic.
Fact: God made Adam out of clay and then breathed life into him. He then took a rib and turned it into Eve. Also, according to Isaiah, the earth is a disc and the Firmament is another heavenly disc that floats above it which is suspended by the Pillars of Heaven.
Savannah Belle Hawkes was born at 8:30 pm. She weighs 7 lbs 9 oz and is 20.25 inches. Erin only pushed for 5 minutes and Savannah hasn't protested too much.
Much needed in our day and age! Thank you President Oaks! Our love for others need not compromise our love for God and his laws. The world needs this message now.
The invitation to repent is an expression of love…. If we do not invite others to change or if we do not demand repentance of ourselves, we fail in a fundamental duty we owe to one another and to ourselves. A permissive parent, an indulgent friend, a fearful Church leader are in reality more concerned about themselves than the welfare and happiness of those they could help. Yes, the call to repentance is at times regarded as intolerant or offensive and may even be resented, but guided by the Spirit, it is in reality an act of genuine caring.
God was Not confused the day he chose your gender and created you. Trust in him. Learn of him. Follow him. By following his plan, I have found happiness and peace.
If you believe the science, Drs. are finding that boys and men who are gay tend to have received too much estrogen in gestation. Yes, I do believe that some are born this way. You know Christ says there must be opposition in all things. That is why no one is born without challenges to overcome. Some are lifelong, many brothers and sisters find ways to overcome their challenges. I have challenges that may not be fixed until the resurrection. But I keep on trying, repenting, keeping a very close relationship with my Father in Heaven. I get the professional help I need also.
and he wasn't confused when he made gay and transgender people either. God is chill with LGBT people, and there's enough evidence in the scriptures and in science to prove that
I tried this led to me trying to suicide to fix my self. Being married in my loving same sex marriage is the first really happiness and peace I found. Just because u found peace doesn’t mean everyone will or they are doing something wrong to not find it. But that’s what the church teaches right? You must be influenced by the devil of your not making it by our rules. Yeah I tried for 28 years. I’m so happy non godly friends love me in a way god never did. In a way the church never did. When I started self harming they got me help. They sat with me when I was suicidal. Never did the church reach out to do this only told me to prey. I told many members of my struggling and how I wanted to stay. But the truth is the lds church does not want lgbt+ among better we leave or die. That’s the hard truth. You fear what u don’t understand. Not that we will hurt u. But if u see us they way you say god must love us you find the church lies. Makes us easy to hate
@@jimbobs3612 sorry you feel bitter about the church and had tough time. I do not hate LGBTQ people and God loves all his children weather we are gay or trans, or criminals etc. In the end though you are free to chose keeping the lords way of doing things or not. In the end Jesus wants us to love our neighbors and I have learned to love or gracefully respect people who choose to live the LGBTQ lifestyle. Just like I show love to siblings of mine who struggle with addiction or any other thing that is not in harmony with the lords way of doing things. Glad your no longer self harming yourself and you feel at peace with your life.
He said (paraphrased) he wishes that god had given better, more clear rules and requirements from god about all this shit. Why is the Bible so unclear and ambiguous? Why did God leave such an important message so confusing? For those of you that will say it is very clear, then explain why there are so many denominations and so many religions.
He said God hasn't given us much information on the lower kingdoms of glory. That's because Heavenly Father wants us to keep our sights on returning to Him. God, Jesus Christ, and both ancient and modern prophets have always been clear about committing adultery no matter what form it takes. Even religious groups outside of Christianity, such as Islam and Jews, acknowledge God's position that the sanctity of marriage is between a man and a woman. God is not the author of confusion, even in Jesus Christ's ministry he had corrected the Pharisees and Sadducees of ways they had changed the laws of Moses (whom they professed to follow.) In the New Testament, everything past the book of Acts is either correcting the members of Christ's church as they had already begun to stray off of the teachings of Jesus Christ, or it prophesies of the aforementioned "falling away" and apostasy and the "restoration" that needed to happen before Christ's second coming. God has promised every person that He will give answers to sincere questions. New Testament, James chapter 1 and Book of Mormon, Moroni chapter 10 are good places to understand how we should approach Heavenly Father in receiving the answers we seek, and is the reason people can claim their understanding is clear. Everyone of us have fallen natures that put us against God's laws. If we choose to accept God's invitation to join Him, He will, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, help us overcome and have our natures changed, so we can return to Him, but He respects our agency to choose and will not force anyone. I hope we all come to feel God's love and we share His love with those around us. Be well, do good, and have a blessed day.
God does not cause confusion. The Bible has been translated and translated multiple times and through other processes and through time Humans with their own agendas have or may have influenced, with the whispering and persuasion of Satan, the content and translation of the Bible. How do you you change a peoples understanding and perspective? How do you ensure people agree with you and you agenda? keep the people from learn what you don't want them to know and cause confusion so that the only choice is to accept your possition.. Also for centuries only the priests and those higher up in society could or were allowed to read those things that where the source of the Bible. This would allow for the possibility of change or removal of content from the books of the before it was provided to the masses. As with anything I would recommend to follow James and Moroni's council and ask God with sincerity and real intent to understand and know what God want you to know and what is is the truth. As it is written by the holy ghost you may know the truth of all things.
I can see why you would say that the Bible is unclear and ambiguous, but the core messages are defined and distinctive. The first and great commandment is to Love the Lord thy God with all your heart, might, and mind and the second is to love thy neighbor as you love yourself. The Lord can’t give you an exhaustive list on what you should do every day, which is why He gives guidelines and commandments, so we can know whether a decision will lead us towards God, or away. This is also where it becomes “muddy” for some people because it’s intended to use the power of the Holy Ghost to personalize the meaning to your situation, which can be hard to follow. (as for the many denominations question, after Christs resurrection there was a falling away called the Great Apostacy, people stopped following the true meaning and did some shady stuff, which is why there needed to be a Restored Church of Jesus Christ) Questions like this are good to have so you can further your understanding and I hope I could help.
That is your choice. Which kingdom do you want to live in? Your choice has consequences . But through Jesus Christ, we can change and start living our covenants. The time you choose to do this is between you and our loving Heavenly Father. God Bless you!
@@franciegwin I want to live in the now and wait to die to be happy don’t feed people that passive suicidal ideation. Because people will die to try and stay pure. I’m so much more happy living with my wife and living in the now. I’ve become a better person outside of the church. If there are kingdoms of glory I’ll take my afterlife with my wife. Or non at all. Who wants to live to be a God anyway. If you do how humble are u? If you are living this way to only be happy in death how can you not ask yourself why god has chosen misery for u? I can’t not believe people who only want to marry the same gender but hold to everything else are considered so much less. If god is for families why does he want to ruin mine. For would he not have me leave my wife and rejoin this church. Or have my marriage made illegal. My wife means as much to me as your het partners do to you. God would not ask a woman who converts to lds to leave her husband of a another religion. It’s a double standard.
@@NA-bn9er John 17:3 3 And this is life eternal, that they might KNOW thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 1 John Chapter 2: 3-6 3 And hereby we do know that we KNOW him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he bideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. James 2:17-24 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 2 Nephi 25:23-26 23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. 24 And, notwithstanding we believe in Christ, we keep the law of Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law shall be fulfilled. 25 For, for this end was the law given; wherefore the law hath become dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments. 26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.
I was actually more or less with you until you got to the part about gender issues and sexual orientation. - Non Binary Atheist, Former Homophobe and Fundamentalist
An incredible yet simple doctrine that I feel my generation needs to gain a deeper testimony of. The Family is something that still confounds the "wise" to this day.
"individual circumstances may change" yes that maybe true, but people who are different are marginalized now, they're not validated in the church. they are discouraged. i'm not sure the church is winning.
The Church doesn't win people for Jesus. We share and they chose the truth and the right! God tells us how to live and we can accept that or not. There are three kingdoms so everyone will have a place where they will be happy.
I agree, I have seen this marginalization occur and it is heart breaking. I am confident that President Oaks is aware of this. He is clarifying doctrine, underscored by the fact that it is there because God loves his children. I completely agree that more work can be done to help include those who are different. However, the most important truth here is to let God prevail in your life, not your struggles. Then you can feel the love and guidance he wants to provide to EACH of his children :)
In today's age, God's words are not winning "with the world" at all. In fact, the "church" isn't even trying to go after anyone. There are merely "standing still. And firm. And immovable.". But God will win in the end.
Thank you Elder Oaks for this inspired message. God loves all his children and his plan for us is a plan of ETERNAL happiness, not only earthly happiness. Unfortunately, our society and modern culture want to make you think that in order to love, you have to accept anything and agree with everything. Yes, God loves us, President Oaks loves us, but they don't have to agree with everything we want. We should not judge others, instead, we have to socialize with and make everyone feel welcome in the Church. People with same sex attraction must be welcomed, participate in everything, give talks at church, have leadership callings etc., because they are no different than everyone, including in the part were we are all sinners, we all need to make changes in our lives, we all have to follow the commandment and follow the covenant path. Living with same-sex attraction is definitively not easy, but neither are many other trials in life. The answer is always trust in God, his Prophets and keep our covenants.
He is teaching true doctrine. It would bearing for him to teach false doctrine e don't you thiink? Elder Oaks doesn't make the laws of God, they just teach it for our benefit so we can choose by the choices we make based on truth,
@@allandill2033 Where is the specific statement where somebody said that "black people were not allowed in church and couldn't get to heaven" I need that exact statement
They seem to repeat the same thing over and over, quote each other but lack true revelations, prophecies or visions which suggests that either God changed or these men are not what they claim to be.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is Simple and designed for true happiness. Get to know Jesus Christ and God himself. They will guide and direct your life. You have to put forth the effort.
@@lisapaige6530 if I had a dollar for every time someone gave me the same bs gaslighting response you just gave to this comment I could start my own Church and tell my own lies about God. You have no idea how much effort this person has put into trying to figure this all out. Maybe you should get over yourself and shut up.
Then, if you are questioning that, why don't you seek to know the truth? Why don't you ask God or study the scriptures? It's ok to question but it is not ok to keep questioning without trying to know the truth.
Sorry, but where is the peace to be found between beliefs when the church is commanded by God to oppose normalizing others' beliefs? How can one claim to honor agency when actively campaigning against the legalization of things that would not be forcing anything on anyone? And sure, there may be these lovely kingdoms prepared for nearly all good people, but only the heterosexual good people have the opportunity to receive absolutely everything? Why? If it's because God intended for us all to be straight, then why does doctrine flip flop between "homosexuality is of the devil" and "God created some of us with same sex attraction"? Consistency aside, this is an unfair system, and I thought that God was a just God. This does not sound like justice to me. Mercy, perhaps, but mercy for those who dare to love who they love, and be who they dare to be.
Sin is of the devil, doesn't matter what form it takes. We all have a cross to bear, something that we need to overcome in this life. Our crosses may look different, some have addictions, some sexual orientation, some physical illness, some mental illness, etc., but we all carry something that if we will seek out our Heavenly Father's help, He is able to change our nature, draw us closer to Him in this process and help us become more than we are. Christ's Atonement made this possible. I'm speaking from experience, and you'll have to soften your heart as I had to before that change can start to take place.
I am pansexual and genderfluid, and have been a bit abnormal ever since I was born. Because of trauma, I’ve tried to end my life multiple times. But over the last several years, I’ve sought to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and this has completely changed my life. I know that He loves me. It’s a feeling that words can’t adequately describe, it can only be felt. I’ve felt this as I’ve studied the Book of Mormon and *uplifting* (not this talk) talks. Jesus is not people. People are flawed. But His love is real, and it is perfect. I’m learning to let stuff like this roll off my back, because I know my Savior loves me.
It is not up to any of us to dictate what anyone else should or shouldn't be doing. That's the log in our own eyes that we ignore. And if a church or church leader is pushing such behavior, then it's not in line with what God intended for us to be toward others -loving each other regardless. Personal views can unite or divide people, and when that is incorporated into a church, that becomes a sin all in itself.
God will take the infirmities away one day either in this life or the after life. Be patient. Keep the commandments. Be true to His words and His covenants. It will work out.
God's commandments given to prophets from the beginning to now don't change, but neither does his amazing love for you and I his children. I repeat: God really loves you, and will be with you if we desire to show him love. We should choose to bridle our passions. If we try our best to follow Jesus Christ, he will help us to be able to balance our lives, and will be right with us to help carry burdens, that seem impossible to lift. I started volunteering to help our brothers and sisters who are experiencing homelessness, which has helped me to better bridle my passions, and has really helped me to love God more, and to feel his great love for me, and for all of you in the world! We are all born broken, but God knows perfectly how to fix broken things! You are in my prayers, and remember God loves you, and no matter what you choose to do, that love will never change, and anytime we come unto him, hope won't ever be lost!
What about D&C 132, the law of plural marriage, and Official Declaration 1? What about plural marriage in the Old Testament? What about the Old Testament and early New Testament practice of not preaching the gospel to the gentiles, then Jesus repeating three times in a dream to Peter to change that commandment to preach the gospel to the gentiles? What about the Old Testament commandment to stone disobedient children to death? What about Paul’s “commandment” that it’s shameful for women to speak in church and if they want to know something they should ask their husbands at home? (1 Cor. 14:34-35)? What about Article of Faith 9: “We believe [God] will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”? If you don’t think God’s commandments change you haven’t read and understood the scriptures.
@@DamionJR4923 It seems the LDS church prides themselves in being a progressive religion and receives modern day revelation. With many "progressive" changes such as temple ordinances, blacks receiving the priesthood etc, it's just a matter of time before the church changes it stance in LGBTQ...
@lelalatte the problem with you classifying this conversation under the premise of evolution is that evolution is all about survival and propagation of the species. Evolution at it's most core expression affirms that the most important survival abilities or valuable genetic expressions present in members of a species will be the traits that make it into the next generation's gene pool because those individual organisms carrying those traits are the most likely to survive and procreate for that species. So if you say that evolving means to condone same sex marriage it really is contradictory in that homosexuals can't create the next generation of our species and their gene traits won't be expressed or continued-on through their offspring by way of procreation- it's impossible. Evolution actually would omit homosexual occurrence in the populous if all other hormonal/diet/chemical/industrial climates were kept static simply because of this fact that they can't make babies within same-sex intimacy, unless they choose to have heterosexual sex. Either way Elder Oaks talks very clearly here about loving all of God's children regardless of if they see eye-to-eye with us in regards to Christ's doctrine. Because of Christ most all of us who came to earth by keeping our first estate will be saved and given some degree of glory in which we will revel and pleasure in immensely. My pursuit is to be given ALL that God has and that is the most difficult target but is made possible through Christ. That is truly Christ's most loving and all encompassing doctrine and a gift to us.
Hi! Can you help me understand some things? I'm a little confused by your comment. 1) What is God's plan then? If his plan is for us to be happy, why would he make children that are fundamentally incapable of happiness if they follow the rules, and condemned if they pursue happiness? 2) It was never my plan to be attracted to the same sex. What plan do I want exactly? My attraction to the same sex is attraction that is just as real as my attraction towards the opposite sex. I'm lucky I have both options, because it lets me know that my attraction to the same sex is the same kind of attraction as the attraction I have towards the opposite. Why should one be called not real? It's the same kind of attraction, and I should note that it's not lust. 3) Why is it quintessential to this church that LGBT people are inherently less-lovable, less-desirable, or considered less-than? That seems like a really weird detail to make a part of your justification for this being the only true church.
Dear parents: your Trans kids are not under the influence of Satan who is not confusing them. By the way, do something the church won’t dare encourage but will bring you closer to real love: sit down with an LGBT person and get to know them and learn about their journey. Don’t love them at a distance.
Looks like you are confused. It is interesting these days just the fact that a behavior is disapproved and challenged immediately is looked upon as not loving. That perception is not only wrong but almost manipulative. What gives you the idea that Church does not encourage sitting down with a trans kid and show love? I'd love to see true evidences
Why is straight marrige required for godhood? Why is Heavenly mother never mentioned and disconnected from our lives? How are spirit children created in a way that requires a Heavenly father and a Heavenly mother? Why did church leaders insist that being gay was a choice/mental illness/perversion? How is it that the bible or the book of mormon never actually oppose committed loving gay relationships and yet the church continues to insist that their opposition of gay relationships is scriptural? Why should our religious position on gay marrige be forced on those not of our faith through law when the academic concensus is that gay couples are just as good at raising children than straight couples? Why do church leaders consistently misdefine gender as our biological sex when it is in reality the social attributes/characteristics that we associate with each sex? Why is it better for me to stay single and never have a romantic relationship/children than to be in a gay relationship? Why did Jesus never mention anything about same sex relationships if God knew it was going to be such a big trial for many of gods children? Why can I not have one husband but Brigham Young have 55 wives? If the purpose of marrige is to facilitate the creation of a family then why did brigham young only have 16 children meaning that those he married he did not have children with? Similarly why does the church support the relationships of those who are unable to have children/those too old to have children? Why can men have multiple wives but women not have multiple husbands(if you think it's cause a woman can only have one child at a time then how did Heavenly mother and Heavenly father create litteral billions of spirit children in a realistic amount of time)? What happens if a bi person has kids, divorces and then wants to marry someone of the same sex, taking their kids with them? Why does the church not reveal any doctrine on the origin of homosexuality or what's going to happen to it once we die? These are the questions that I have been praying and fasting for for the last 4 years and not a single one has been answered. I feel an incredible amount of shame and hopelessness. I'm the only person of a large ward of over 200 weekly churchgoers who has talked to my bishop about being gay and he has no answers and it makes me feel alone. The shame I feel makes it hard for me to make friends with others and it only isolates me further. If the prophets claim to be the mouthpiece of God, if the church believes in modern personal Revelation, if God cares about the hundreds of thousands of youth struggling with questions like mine, please please please help me answer my questions. Thankyou for coming to my Ted Talk😪
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have spoken explicitly about not committing adultery, regardless of what form it takes. It's clearly defined that to be exalted in the highest degree of glory, we must enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. Regardless who we are or what our fallen natures are, we cannot obtain this without having our natures changed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Seeking to be taught by Christ personally, as admonished by President Nelson will bring a person to that point. It takes great desire, a love for God that is greater than the love of our own selfishness, it takes what the scriptures call 'mighty prayer' and giving up everything that is contrary to God's will, to come to that place. My experience has taught me we can not do this on our own, we absolutely have to be yoked to Christ to climb such lofty mountains. Not everyone will want to pay the price to follow Christ, because, as Elder Holland has so eloquently pointed out, every follower of Christ knows eventually that path leads through Gethsemane. However, we also know that path eventually leads us back into the presence of Heavenly Father with all that is promised to the faithful. I have found it better, to instead of asking Why, why, why, there is more productivity in asking how. How can I overcome my fallen nature, how do I soften my heart, how do I become more obedient, how can I better serve God, my family, my brothers and sisters. How moves us forward in our progression, the whys will come as we are prepared to hear them, but they can stop our progression if we get hung up moving forward until we have all the answers.
I wish I could hug you and take your burdens from you. There is no shame in who you are. I’ve been where you are. There can be peace. Any who make you feel shame for something u didn’t choose is wrong. Your journey is had and it’s so hard to under by those not in your plight. I care for you bother. Be well.
I don't what I, a stranger on the Internet, can do to help you except to tell you that you are okay. You are perfect the way you are and no one can tell you otherwise. Whether or not you continue to stay in the church is up to you, but know there are many people who will love you and take you in. I wish you happiness and the best of luck ❤
I appreciate your Teds Talk! Those are good questions. I think I know the answer to some of them, and I don’t know the answer to others. I have a list of question of my own, easily as long as your list :-) The topics are a little different, some are the same, but I am almost painfully curious about the answers. In some cases, I feel quite desperate for the answers. I, too, have fasted and prayed to know, but I haven’t received them yet. And I have decided that it’s okay. I can wait. I have enough to go on right now. For example, God HAS revealed to me, and in convincing ways, that the Book of Mormon is real, as is the Church that God restored through Joseph Smith. So I do what Elder Holland taught in my favorite talk of his: I hold strong to the light and knowledge I have, doubting my doubts rather than my faith, and I wait patiently for the answers to come. I am prepared to wait all of my life. Nothing will take me away from this, God’s covenant path. Your questions will be answered one day, too. Until then, I hope you will choose to stay the course. Patience is hard, but it’s possible. God can help us have more patience. He can also help us obey his commandments even when we don’t clearly understand the reason for all of them.
@@NA-bn9er Hello, If you have a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, if you have received a personal witness by the spirit that the prophet is called of God by inspiration and revelation, then yes, Pres Oaks was chosen by Jesus Christ. So were all the First Presidency and quorum of the 12 apostles. I know this to be true but of course you have the right to choose to believe whatever you want. 😊💜
So thankful for President Oaks and the wisdom of God.
I love you prophet Nelson I'm so very great full you all found me and tolerate me I love you all. Jesus is undiscribibly Perfect.
This is President oaks, wrong person
Pres. Oaks, Each General Conference, I delight in countless teachings, which are precious to understand the plan that the Father has for each of his children. on the other hand, I feel sadness when I realize that millions of inhabitants of this land receive these words, or are available, for everyone. I understand that whoever desires, and seeks, the Lord with his love and dedication to provide for all, can inspire us to reveal to each one.
I understand that everyone else's moral desire depends on everything else. I can assure you that, from now on, I will use these teachings to touch the heart of every brother who I feel does not have the full understanding of this wonderfully announced by the Father, through his messengers. But, I will do my part as far as I can identify what is necessary.
I don't understand if the Spirit has touched me that from now on you must do my part. Or, if Pres. Oaks was more inspired to use his extra skill to explain in a way that touched my heart the most. More and more I feel a stronger Spirit. I'm sure the Spirit that inspired our former leaders is the same today.
Thank you so much, once again, for your inspiring words, which reached the bottom of my heart. I really appreciate that technology has helped a lot, because I use it for this very purpose, to help whoever the Spirit tells me where I should act. Elder Oaks was once in my home when Serbia as counselors in the Area Presidency in Northeast Brazil. At the time, I asked him to teach us something. To this day, those words echo in my mind. I've been doing my best all this time, and doing what's required of me to do.
Again, I'm very grateful for your words. I thank the Father for being able to have this technology available in my home. I was converted when I was 14, 65 years ago, in Recife, Brazil.
Strong hug,
Irajá Bandeira Soares
I love you President Oaks.
Yes , Heavenly Father has a perfect plan for all of us. He wanted us to be happy in this life and after this life, because there is life after death. It is a choice if we want to accept it, repent and obey His commandments.
Thank you president Oaks the truth will never change our Heavenly father loves us and wants us to return and live with him again with our families how wonderful i love the gospel of Jesus Christ.
And there was nothing save it was exceeding harshness, preaching and prophesying of wars, and contentions, and destructions, and continually reminding them of death, and the duration of eternity, and the judgements and the power of God, and all these things--stirring them up continually to keep them in the fear of the Lord. I say there was nothing short of these things, and exceedingly great plainness of speech, would keep them from going down speedily to destruction.
I absolutely love President Oaks. Such a great talk from a true prophet and apostle. He has reaffirmed Old Testament and New Testament teachings, as well as the revelation on "The Family: A Proclamation to the World."
Wonderfully said, pure truth, pure doctrine, & pure revelation! Thank you Dallin H. Oaks for speaking plainly. 🕊
Thank you for tuning in, Kelli! We are so glad to hear you enjoyed this talk by President Oaks.
Yes ❤️
President Dallin Oaks ROCKS!
He lays it out out plain and clear for all of us.
As a transgender gal who is closeted due to fear and pain of my parents, as well as these things like this in the church, break me inside every day. I've always thought that religion is supposed to make you happy or comfortable with yourself. But, it's not confusion, nor is it corruption. People are simply born like this, and such causes people to be as I am. I feel like I'm being condemned for something I had no control over.
This is difficult to write. Believe me, it really is. I have been genuinely hating myself and fighting suicidal ideations because of all this. This, I wish never happened to me. But if I'm going to be condemned for something I can't control, I don't want any part of it, because it scares me so much. I leave this with you.
Exactly. You're being very open here and I appreciate it, as I'm sure anyone who can relate does. Do what is best for you. I know it doesn't mean much, but I get it, and I wholly support you.
i agree with you 100% and so many people (including other members and myself) love you so much. i know i’m a stranger on the internet but i love you and i am here for you. do not hesitate to reach out, i mean this so sincerely.
Why do you hide from your parents ?? Are you ashamed
I hope you can live your truth happily. I’m a closeted trans man, and I understand that I feels like to be in the church, think change is on the horizons, and then hear it cut and dry that it won’t. All my love to you, thank you for commenting this.
@@jeffreybernson7978 for most it is not a question of shame, but a safety precaution. When GAs give talks like these, even the sweetest people in the church can become volatile with their emotions to their children expressing their sexual orientation or gender expression. I have multiple people in my life who were kicked out by their faithful parents for coming out.
Most LGBT people in the church come out after leaving it, because it's much safer to do when you have financial and/or housing security.
💖 I love hearing this great Apostle even after 52 years. Words of wisdom according to God's Law's. Pray for those whom are lost in this evil world.
I love his testimony about the three kingdoms of heaven! Pure doctrine, pure truth, pure revelation!
Where in the bible does it show the three kingdoms in heaven? I've only read about one.
@@Amp661 If you click on the description you’ll find the link to his talk and at the end there are the scripture references, some in the Bible. (John 14:2) I hope you will read doctrine and covenants section 76 especially because that is an amazing chapter on the degrees of glory. If read with an open heart and mind it makes so much sense… At least to me. Because we are so individual and achieve different levels of love & obedience in this life of course a loving God would create a place that is perfect for each of us!
* And to clarify we can only “achieve” progress in this life through the grace of Jesus Christ and the purifying power of His atonement 😃… this comes about as a result of our desire to come to Him and ask for help in the journey!
@@Amp661 The Bible doesn't contain all of God's Words to His Children
@@Anakin122 One of the branches of the house of Jacob had more of God' word to come forth which would be revealed in the latter-days and that was the Book of Mormon.
For the many people who are going to disagree or even be spiteful about this, I ask you to at least consider that the overall message of these men and our God is to give the best possible life that anyone can receive. They're trying to inspire and give happiness, not cast anyone down or give false judgement towards anyone, even if you're an adulterer or someone who doesnt follow the religion. Literally there is nothing negative about this message, just to at least give you a straight forward thought about what to expect in the final judgement. Literally people who have existed, from the most good to the worst have a chance at being in Heaven in and it is different for a lot of people but at least the many who haven't been the best they could will have a better place than anything they can imagine, so it shows how merciful God is and will be to ALL. And his servants are supposed to inform on this.
Thank you Elder Oaks for reaffirming the Plan of Salvation and the role of The Proclamation on the Family in it. This is The Plan of God, not man. We appreciate the clear and certain message. For those struggling with these issues, God is able to help. He wants to help.
I love this talk! God is glorious. He loves all His children and wants all to find happiness!
Beautiful ❤️
Grateful for the truth. Christ changes hearts and desires. That's what he is best at. He has done so for me. I now know his plan is best. It is the only way that leads to eternal life.
Beautiful Talk! Pure doctrine taught.
This message and the many other messages this conference were a breath of fresh air! The world is changing quickly. Much Thanks for the men and woman that spoke in this conference. May God continue to bless them.
Very powerful as usual. God bless his is servants and prosper them, in the name of Jesus Christ , Amen.
I’m a gay (SSA/whatever) member of the Church. I appreciate the clarity of his talks and it always leaves me wanting to have further conversations about “bridling our passions” and keeping our passions within the bounds the Lord has set. There is so much opportunity and safety within the covenants found in the Church!
Sadly lds leaders don’t care.
Alex, Thank you for speaking abt how you feel. I'm blessed to have my gender matches up with what I desire. I would like the brother would speak on how we can support our brothers and sisters that deal every day with this issue. I do live a chaste life and am not married to a man for 20 yrs. I suppose I will be this way (single) till I'm resurrected and I can finally find a forever companion. All I know is that in the end that our father in heaven will be able to give us the ideal family so we can go to the celestial kingdom. My life is not easy. I really doubt that until my healing comes( I was sexually abused by my father from the crib till my late 20s.) I married the first man that asked me to get away from my home. At least at that time, it got me out of the incest...I married a horrible man. I know, for myself, that I should wait till the Millennium to find my eternal husband. In this life also I have 4 children who were killed in a satanic cult. These will need a perfect father as I praise my Father in Heaven telling me that my family will be healed in the eternities. Alex.I have terribly hard times too. I will be praying that the issues you need to be explained or the love you now feel may not be there. You are a good man and I can feel that.I need all those that read this if you can to pray for myself and Alex. I know prayers works somehow. Maybe it changes things the way we need them. But usually in my life I find that Heavenly Father answers my prayers in way I've never thought of. I'm praying for you Alex.
When I come across these type of comments I feel so grateful to know that there are people out there living the gospel with joy and with the perspective that everything will be ok if we, (SSA people) and also for others, keep the commandments and walk the path of the covenant.
Thank you for this powerful testimony Alex!
@@cakesbylucas8418 ❤️
We needed this straight talk. Thank you for being bold and firm and doing so with kindness and class. In these days it is no longer easy to speak one's mind without fear of severe persecution and denigration.
Thank you for speaking of this I love to hear this talk from a powerful Apostle
I’m sure this talk will ruffle many feathers (maybe some within the Church), but this was my favorite talk of Conference. When the world around us has gone insane, it was so refreshing to hear peace, calm and the reaffirmation of Church doctrine. Thank you Elder Oaks!
So you're saying it's insane to be gay?
I'd wholeheartedly disagree. It's insane to believe being gay is somehow evil.
I think the Church is a much better showcase for something that's gone insane.
Imagine having a stockpile of >$124,000,000,000 in 2020 and not using it to aid the situation outside of their annual amount of charity funding (>1% of their yearly gains). The LDS church instead made it a point to the poorest members that they should prioritize paying tithing over FOOD OR RENT.
The ONLY time in the scriptures that Jesus became angry was when the temple was being used to make money, and that's exactly what we see the church doing.
They've had the opportunity to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and cure the sick for years now, and the best they can do is build great and spacious buildings to fake membership growth to milk as much money out of current members as possible.
@@NA-bn9er it is when the world is forcing you into compliance with their wicked debauchery. When the world is trying to openly corrupt and recruit your children for evil you bet for damn sure I have every right to call the world what it is. Evil.
Says the straight. Who cannot understand the pain of being told the cannot find happiness in this life.
@@jimbobs3612
I know of some gay members of the church who live the gospel and are happy. What do you say about them?
President Oaks knows how to Mic Drop!
I love how firm yet loving this was said. Thank you Oaks!! ❤️
Do you wish the church would encourage us to sit down with LGBTQ people and understand their journeys?
Beautiful
How i love the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Laterday Saints
You can live however you choose, but the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will never change God's law
God's law never once states that it's wrong or that you'll be condemned for being gay, homosexual, or gender-non-conforming.
If taken in context and it's original language, not a single verse out of the original works condemns homosexuality, being transgender, or being non-conforming.
The Family Proclamation to the World has no backing to it without scripture, and considering there isn't scripture that justifies it, it'd make for a terrible argument to use it.
If there is a loving god he made me gay and my wife perfect for me. I’m a truly happy not to have gone to the temple to be forced to marry. My purpose as a woman was never to have kids I was never able. So guess I’m gay and I’m happy to be a foster parent. Maybe gods law is not what these men think it is.
@@graysonsudweeks2213
Fortunately, revelation is ongoing. We aren’t entirely dependent on ancient scriptures for truth. We have modern prophets. No, they aren’t perfect, just as ancient scripture isn’t perfect. And that’s why we have the most important gift of all: the Holy Ghost. He will confirm truth if we are willing to accept it and obey it when that confirmation comes. For those who aren’t willing, the Holy Ghost won’t be able to get through.
We love Elder Oaks and his wise and bold words. He will receive hate and criticism but we love his resolve to speak truth regardless.
This was a beautiful talk and was an answer to prayer. Thank you Elder Oaks. I know many will say this talk was controversial, even hateful, but as a same sex attracted member of the Church I love the doctrine of the family and appreciate this talk emphasizing the doctrine again during a time when so many push for it to change.
And there are plenty of same-sex members and non members of the church that hate this doctrine because it is used by members of the COJCOLDS to justify opposing laws that attempt to pass same-sex marriage and resources for trans folks, denying basic human rights. But hey, I guess you're the authority of whether LGBT people can find talks like this offensive.
Look, I wish I was nicer in tone, but don't expect me to tolerate an intolerant doctrine that makes no attempt to tolerate LGBT+ folks.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
God loves you and I do too!!!
Thank you for sharing! Though I can only imagine how difficult things have probably been for you, I have the deepest respect for your commitment to respect God's law above personal desires. The choice to put your faith before your passions is not an easy or popular one. It is a principle I can definitely improve with myself. Though my individual situation is obviously very different from your own, please know that you aren't alone in the type of struggle you face. Though few will ever talk about it, even heterosexual people such as myself frequently struggle with powerful sexual attractions, fantasies, fetishes, desires, or temptations that CANNOT be acted upon within the bounds of the gospel. No matter our sexual orientation, I wish more people like you and I would understand that we all have passions (sexual or otherwise) that must be bridled within the bounds of God's unchanging laws. (Alma 38:12) God Bless!
Always a delight to hear the apostles and prophets talk about the family.
@@NA-bn9er Jesus Christ is much more than a prophet. He's the living and only begotten Son of God, our Savior, our Redeemer, the only way back into the presence of God is through Him. If we love him we will keep His commandments and follow Him, by seeking to do as He did and do the will of Heavenly Father as we are directed by the Holy Ghost.
Jesus Christ ordained men and gave them authority to act in his name. When these Apostles were martyred, that Priesthood authority was not able to be past on and was returned to Christ. In preparation for Christ's second coming, this Priesthood authority had to be restored to the Earth. Under the direction of Jesus Christ, those holding certain Priesthood keys, namely, John the Baptist, Peter, James, and John, Elijah, Elias, and Moses Passed those keys onto Joseph Smith.
Joseph, under the direction of Jesus Christ restored the Church that Christ had established when He was on Earth 2000 years ago, once again calling Prophets, Apostles, Priests, Teachers, Deacons, Evangelists and Seventies. Just as in the past, the Gospel is perfect and true,. All God has ever had to work with is us, imperfect mortals, but in spite of that, His work rolls forth and is covering the whole Earth as He directs us to gather the scattered tribes of Israel before His Second Coming. It's exciting to be a part of it. You should consider joining us in this amazing work. There's still so much to do, so many people to help, and the laborers are few.
@@NA-bn9er You're entitled to your wrong opinion, it doesn't change the facts.
When family has conditions that excludes people who can’t control the way they are made and shamed for it. A church that has put out so much money to hurt trans kids not of there beliefs. Hurt same sex couple by trying to make it so they can’t marry. Sounds more like they are the ones against family. When have you ever seen a gay couple tell them heterosexual children they are not welcome to be who they are. The devil wishes to destroy family in your teachings. Seems to me like church distorts family. How many families need to lose LGBTQ+ plus kids to suicide before people see this not the way you show love for families
🥰😍😍🤩 I loves these amazing powerful spiritual spirit holyness messages ok thankyous my name is Ramiro Lopez Sanchez a true witness is a true living modern prophet from my God of Israel from our beloved Father in heaven and David and joesph and his only begotten son saviour and redeemer Jesus Christ and the holy ghost the holy spirit from the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints from Mesa Arizona ❤❤❤❤
One of the best talks in this conference. Telling us what much of the world nowadays doesn’t want to hear.
My family almost kicked out of their house for agreeing with Elder Oaks
Thank you for tuning in! We are sorry to hear of the conflicts with your family but that you found this talk by President Oaks helpful to you.
Right because everyone is so against straight marriage. I was actually kicked out and homeless for being gay.
Bless you. You will be in my prayers. I mean that.♥️
Jesus himself was hated for being obedient to His father. You are doing the right thing by believing and obeying his word. :)
Just because the world is changing it doesn’t change God. He is eternal and unchanging. Love thy neighbor as thyself even if you don’t agree with everything, there’s always common ground.
I'm grateful for this talk. My testimony has been dead in the water for a long, long time out of fear that the church would compromise it's doctrine on the family. This talk gave me a lot of reassurance.
Heavenly Father loves any kind of person in any kind of family.
@@ristopherobbins yes, he loves life and asks them to keep his law no matter what the situation. And in the end, they will live in one of the three wonderful kingdoms...the one they deserve, and because of their own behaviors, they will be happy in. I hope I make it to the Celestial Kingdom but I don't know. I will find out.
@@franciegwin you will if you strive for obedience. That's the requirement.
Why would god make this rule and cause so much suffering. You can’t understand the plight of the lgbt+ community unless you are in it.
Mary Gwin, let me give you the word's of Elder J. Devn Cornish who is a Seventy: "Let me be direct and clear. The answers to the questions “Am I good enough?” and “Will I make it?” are “Yes! You are going to be good enough” and “Yes, you are going to make it as long as you keep repenting and do not rationalize or rebel . . . I love the way President Gordon B. Hinckley used to teach this principle. I heard him say on several occasions, 'Brothers and sisters, all the Lord expects of us is to try, but you have to really try!' Really trying means doing the best we can, recognizing where we need to improve, and then trying again. By repeatedly doing this, we come closer and closer to the Lord, we feel His Spirit more and more, and we receive more of His grace, or help." -- Am I Good Enough? Will I Make It? - By Elder J. Devn Cornish of the Seventy -- General Conference October 2016
Thank You, wonderful talk inspired by the scriptures and our Lord . I do hope it can help our brothers and sisters.
Thank you for tuning in, Patrice! We are so glad to hear you enjoyed this talk by President Oaks.
Thank you so much Pres. Oaks. Your talk is true, plain and simple
Thank you for tuning in, Ted! We are glad to hear you enjoyed this talk by President Oaks.
Thank you President Oaks for this wonderful talk! I love it very much! I am studying about the Plan of Salvation, and your talk gives clear explanation about and it uplifts and enlightens me to always choose the covenant path that God has given us!
CAUTION: Listening to this true and doctrinal message back to back with Neil Andersen’s talk may cause severe whiplash and neck trauma.
Hahahah
As, I read comments, I'm startled at the accusations of "unkindness and unfairness" towards the Church of Jesus Christ. I'm confused as I watch two separate groups attack doctrines of the Church. One group claims its all "mythos", I can understand that argument, in a different time in my life, but not at my current state. Simultaneously, there is a group attacking the doctrines of the Church as though they themselves speak for God. "God wouldn't be like" and "God loves all" are used to attack doctrines and principles of God. What I find most interesting concerning the second group is knowledge that the Law of Moses commanded the literal stoning to death of people participating in homosexual activities. God is loving. God is merciful. God is just. These principles and attributes are declared in good order in this talk given by an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Beautiful doctrine, beautifully taught. Thank you!
Why are people who disagree with this message, watching it? This is a sincere question.
Because I was born into the church. And I’m Gay and married to my wife of the same sex. I know that living under the teaching of these men lead me to trying to kill my self. And that only speaking out can we hope to save others. This men make stupid amounts of money to say things they are in love but lead so many to their deaths.
I appreciate those who have a different opinion watching this and the comments that have been sent because it shows at very least a respect for a difference of opinion and support for agency. We need to protect agency at all costs because if someone doesn’t have a choice in even one area of life there is no agency. Which is integral to the plan from the beginning.
True believing members have a hard time understanding this, but the answer is really simple. A lot of people like to hear other's opinions in order to not live in an echo chamber. That's it. Only by eating of the tree of knowledge (listening to opinions and trying to discern for yourself what is right and wrong) can you become godly, correct? You have to step out of the Garden (the comfort zone) in order to gain further knowledge. You see, as a person raised in the church who was incredibly faithful, I testify beyond the shadow of a doubt that the average lds individual lives within a bubble/echo chamber, which isn't good, because it's like staying in the Garden of Eden; it's nice and comfy but you never learn or grow, but rather just reiterate the same things over and over again to yourself, and you bend yourself around to agree with the church leadership in order to stay within the Garden. And because they live in the echo chamber, they have a hard time understanding why people would want to hear things they don't agree with. No idea if that makes sense.
Also, some people are just incredibly contentious and are looking for a fight.
This talk breaks my heart.
same 💔
how? a lot(i dare say everyone) of people have issues, that are against the teachings of the gospel, and yes they were born with most of these tendencies, guess what you're human and you have the ability like everyone else to choose what you do. Christ sacrificed his entire life to do what his father wanted. as far as we know, he didn't do anything he wanted to do. get over yourself and start sacrificing like christ did. i dont mean to sound mean, but its the selfish attitude that my problems are the only ones that count. there are only two genders, and yes i have to control my self with only being to have sex with one person, you have know idea how hard the opposite that asexual,"gay"."trans" etc. do what you know is right.
@@bobhappy991 not a very christ like response. You need to get over YOURSELF and stop being so condescending. Its attitudes like this that make people hate mormons.
then repent and it won't.
This talk strengthened my heart
Loved the boldness of President Oaks’ talk defending the doctrine of Christ! God is the one who came up with the concept of marriage, and He has defined it as being between a man and a woman. Any other union deserves a different title. Humans trying to change that (…or their individual biological sex, for that matter…) is toying with divinity and second-guessing God (yikes)! I support President Oaks’ message and am so glad he brought the timeless truths of The Family A Proclamation to the World to the forefront of peoples’ minds again! His message is aligned with God, and that’s really what it boils down to! 👏🏻
If you think God has only defined marriage as being between “a man and a woman” you haven’t read and understood D&C 132, or the Old Testament. It’s shocking how ignorant so many LDS church members are. Oaks isn’t teaching God’s doctrine. He’s teaching the manmade philosophies of homophobic and bigoted conservatism mingled with scripture. You really should educate yourself.
Clarifying. We have a loving Heavenly Father that loves us and knows more than we do. Faith required. Boom
This man is a prophet of God, everything he said is truth. If you find yourself being offended by his language then you are wicked and in need of deep repentance. Your beliefs have been corrupted and Satan has you firmly in his grasp. This doctrine won't change, Christ won't change and Heavenly Father won't change. So either you must humble your prideful heart, repent and allow the atonement of Jesus Christ to heal you or you must suffer for your own sins as an imperfect sacrifice and receive a lesser glory. Those are the rules, take it or leave it.
Did you miss the part of loving your neighbor and accepting our choices is our own. You are judging what u don’t understand friend. What u been lead to believe.
@@jimbobs3612 just because you want to accept and/or participate in every wicked behavior doesn't mean I'm going to. You can be a sinner all you want but when you flagrantly put it on public display you better believe I'm going to call it out. I won't accept your sinful behavior as good or decent l refuse. Have a nice day friend.
@@tylerdurden4080 But we still love they anyway. Love the sinner not the sin!
"Salvation is an individual matter while exaltation is a family matter."
Good point
Sincere question:
President Oaks says, “Consequently he (Satan) seeks to oppose progress toward exhalation by distorting marriage, by discouraging childbearing, or confusing gender.”
The church website says “The church does not take a position on the causes of people identifying as transgender.”
Is Oaks description of Satan being the cause of “confusing gender” or the website’s description the accurate source we can share with our transgender brothers and sisters?
I would stick with President Oaks' words as he is a member of the First Presidency.
He’s talking about the philosophical roots of the transgender movement being inspired by Satan, he’s not saying that the feelings of transgender people are caused by Satan.
The LGBT socio political movement causes great damage to transgender people and society at large, and is correctly opposed by the church.
My take:
Confusing gender is an obvious way, among many others, that Satan can undermine the family and steer people away from participating in family life in a way that is consistent with God’s plan.
But that does not answer or account for the myriad emotional, psychological, physical or social challenges that contribute to gender confusion, in general. That would be a little different for each individual, and the Church isn’t going to make a broad, universal statement explaining it.
The only thing the Church will and can say is that Satan does contribute to the problem. That doesn’t mean he’s 100% to blame for it all. Again, we come with our own challenges in life that often are not a direct result of Satan’s meddling. But Satan is always there to make things worse, or to guide us into making the wrong decisions in our challenges, or to see true things in false ways, or to exaggerate our problems, or cause us to lose hope and focus and perspective… etc.
So, in that light I see no contradiction at all between the two statements you quoted. Does that help?
I would encourage you to share the actual document: "The Family - A Proclamation to the World". Much love my friend. ❤️
The church's General Handbook talks about transgenderism and the church's stance on it in several respects.
One of the toughest challenges for me as a member of the Church is to strike a balance between offering the hand of love and fellowship to all people while also standing up for the Lord's Plan of Happiness. I think it is important that we remember that we all sin and come short of the glory of God which makes us completely dependent on the Atonement for salvation. When I attend church on Sunday it is not because I am a good person it is because I am a beggar and I come to the sacrament table to hand over my sins to Him who has the power to forgive and to change me. At that moment it does not matter what your sins are because you and I are in the same boat. My sins are not compatible with the Plan of Salvation and must be left behind. Homosexuality and transgenderism is not compatible with the Plan either and must be repented if and left behind. The church can not bow to social pressures or to secular thought, it must, by reason of eternal law remain firm in standing against all evil whatever it may look like. I am grateful for a prophet of God who serves as a Watchman upon the tower who warns of approaching storms and temptations. This is what the Proclamation on the Family is. In 1995 President Hinckley saw the coming storms of social change and the challenges that would be made to traditional marriage and the roles of gender. This prophetic warning is one of the most inspired documents to be revealed in the latter days. It is the word and will if God. If members are offended by it maybe it is time to reexamine your commitment to the gospel.
Yes! Just like Spencer W. Kimball prophetic statement in his book "The Miracle Of Forgiveness" That masterbation causes homosexuallity... Perhaps you could answer this one question for me... President Neilson came out of the temple with President Monson at the time and other quorum of the twelve and others after prayer 🙏 and fasting and made the statement "This is how revelation is recieved" then talked how children of gay parents could not be baptized or recieve church ordinances and then apparently 4 years later changed the revelation... How is this possibly? The heaven's don't make mistakes when it comesto revelation do they? but men do! And prophet's and apostles are men. They are nothing but human like you and me, they are not super spiritual or super superior more than you or me...
Wow. So much for “love thy neighbor.”
@@gator_bait_8583 Gender and biological sex are two different things. For example, I don't remember having gender with your mom last night B)
Definitely loving God and his neighbor by pointing out a path that leads to greater happiness and to avoid falling into a pit. Would be neighborly to return the love by simply saying, "Thanks President Oaks, but I'd rather go it the hard way, I appreciate your concern on my behalf, but I'll take my chances doing it the world's way.
How so? What is incompatible with “love thy neighbor “?
The truth is the truth. You can’t change the truth but the truth can change you.
Did you even listen to the talk lol
Hey there, I identify as agender and asexual and I just wanna say that you can't tell me how to feel and you have no right to invalidate my life experience. I was a faithful LDS member for 30 years and left 3 years ago because the Family Proclamation made me feel misunderstood and unwelcome. But I bear you no ill-will and I hope you have a great day. 🌞
I don’t think that’s the message President Oaks wished to convey. His whole message was about God’s love for his children and how Christ’s atonement allows for all of his children to be saved! Your experience is there for a reason; it is there to help shape you into the best person you can become! Let God prevail in your life and have faith he will guide you. Many people might feel like they don’t fit the sort of cookie cutter perception of how to be. However, this allows people all the more to draw close to the Savior and discover their unique mission . God loves ALL his children and none are excluded from the privilege of coming unto him!
I'm so sorry that you have felt unwelcome and misunderstood. Such a painful place to be. I honestly can't begin to imagine such loneliness and pain. I have great faith and hope that the day will come when the Lord will reveal with clarity His plan and eternal destiny for my LGBTQ+ family and friends.
how far do you go before its considered crazy, if i identify as a cat, am i crazy?
@@bobhappy991 If you're going to sit there and mock people who don't fit in your binary boxes when people in the LGBT+ community are being killed on the regular, I have no interest in talking to you. Come back when you're willing to listen.
@@bobhappy991 there do exist personality disorders such as that lol.
I fully support this message. Men and women are supposed to be together and procreate. There are two genders. You cannot change your gender. End of story.
They why are some people born gay? Why can some straight women not have children? Why do some have to outcasted and treated horribly? Why is their test so much harder to handle?
What a blessing to know the pure truth!
Thank you, thank you! I love that you always come through with plainness and simplicity on a subject that is getting confused, even in our wards and stakes and with our members! Thank you!!
As someone who has been affected by these teachings in many ways, it is sad to see you say that. I hope you can learn to love those around you better, rather than condemning them and risking their lives to suicide.
@@ericjenkins5815 wasn't his whole talk about love? Did you even listen?
@EricJenkins i too have very close family members who have been affected by this but Jesus says, Love the sinner, hate the sin. I love this person with all my heart and love this person unconditionally, but Do Not condone the sin. You don’t even know me and you say I need to learn to love more? What you don’t understand is that you can’t just change scripture or God’s law to make it what you want it. President Oakes talk was all about LOVE, you’re just hearing what you want to hear.
Absolutely amazing!
Oaks is an icon of love and discipline, a role model for what it means to be intellectual and spiritual all at once
😳
Gay rights are human rights!
Trans rights are human rights!
Preach love not hate ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
He is Not teaching Hate. It is teaching religious freedom - and every individual's right to choose. If you go against God's plan, there are consequences. If you do your best to seek God and live his plan, there are blessings.
@@lisapaige6530 there is literally all of the information needed to completely uproot your religion on the church's website. If God's plan was to be transphobic and homophobic, he would have had his servants format it better.
If you're interested in what I mean, consider looking into the gospel topic essays.
President Oaks has been intensely involved in preserving and advocating for the civil rights of the LGBTQ community. This had nothing to do with hate, or going against the human rights of that community. May need to listen to the talk before making comments on it.
@@lisapaige6530stop using "religious freedom" as an excuse to be bigoted. If religion can move past racism, then it can move past homophobia and transphobia too. And you said it yourself "freedom of choice" so stop choosing to be bigoted. If religion is about love, then choose to love your neighbors no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity!
@@lisapaige6530 Paige I feel like you need to listen to this talk again and put yourself on someone else’s shoes of a person in the LGBTQ+ community. Or your loved one that is in that community. You will feel the pain that ppl are feeling because if this talk.
Enlightening sermon by President Oaks. Where would one be without inspired understanding from God thru the General Authorities. I find it remarkable that Gods divine work runs concurrently with the world, yet the world cannot see it. When I say to them, hey look it's God's laborer's. They say, "naw it's just Mormon Missionaries. There is no God. And if he wanted us to believe, he'd show up in the sky so all could see and know." And I'm thinking, man if he shows up in glory in the sky, it will be the fulfillment of prophecy. To know isn't necessarily to love. Even Satan knows that God lives.
God fearing man right there
Best talk of all conference.
First time I've broken out in applause after a General Conference talk. Not that all talks don't deserve it, but in this case, I just couldn't help myself.
Thank you Elder Oaks! Great talk and a much needed message.
Amen! Finally an apostle of Jesus Christ speaks boldly for the true doctrine of the Family Proclamation! I was wondering if the Special Witnesses had gone silent in defending Truth. There are two groups only: the church of the lamb of god and the church of the devil. I’m incredibly thankful to hear apostles courageously be 100% on the Lord’s side.
The Family Proclamation is not doctrine. It is not revelation. It’s a mere proclamation. 50 years from now no one will even know what it is.
I think Pres. Oaks is misreading 132 ("God's revelation that exaltation can only be attained through eternal marriage between a man and a woman"). Joseph asked a specific question about ancient prophets having multiple wives. God answered that question by teaching Joseph about a fundamental law (verse 7), and then he applied that law to marriage (verses 15-20). He doesn't even mention marriage until verse 15. This law applies to marriage as well as many other things. It reads like this: "do you want something to be eternal? Then it must be sealed by the Holy Spirit by a person with authority." It does not read "do you want eternal exaltation? Then you must be sealed in marriage to a man (or woman)." Read it closely. If this is core to our eternal salvation, it's worth the effort.
THIS
D & C 131: 1-4 (which is a doctrinal mastery) says that to obtain the highest degree of glory, a man must enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage. So, doctrinally, that highest covenant is essential to receive exaltation. As the prophet said, exaltation is a family matter.
Read the family proclamation to the world. It makes it all pretty clear.
So we'll said!
Fact: God created two genders, male and female. Genesis 1:27 states: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Both men and women have the agency to choose for themselves. Fundamental to LDS theology is that gender is eternal, and therefore unchangeable. The whole idea that people can "identify" as something other than who they are is dangerous. I'm 40. Can I identify as being 25? No! I am grateful President Oaks clarified God's true desire to save and exalt his sons and daughters. The 1995 Proclamation on the Family was truly prophetic.
Fact: God made Adam out of clay and then breathed life into him. He then took a rib and turned it into Eve. Also, according to Isaiah, the earth is a disc and the Firmament is another heavenly disc that floats above it which is suspended by the Pillars of Heaven.
To any who have yet to read the recent biography of the life of President Oaks....among the best books
Savannah Belle Hawkes was born at 8:30 pm. She weighs 7 lbs 9 oz and is 20.25 inches. Erin only pushed for 5 minutes and Savannah hasn't protested too much.
Much needed in our day and age! Thank you President Oaks! Our love for others need not compromise our love for God and his laws. The world needs this message now.
The invitation to repent is an expression of love…. If we do not invite others to change or if we do not demand repentance of ourselves, we fail in a fundamental duty we owe to one another and to ourselves. A permissive parent, an indulgent friend, a fearful Church leader are in reality more concerned about themselves than the welfare and happiness of those they could help. Yes, the call to repentance is at times regarded as intolerant or offensive and may even be resented, but guided by the Spirit, it is in reality an act of genuine caring.
God was Not confused the day he chose your gender and created you. Trust in him. Learn of him. Follow him. By following his plan, I have found happiness and peace.
If you believe the science, Drs. are finding that boys and men who are gay tend to have received too much estrogen in gestation. Yes, I do believe that some are born this way. You know Christ says there must be opposition in all things. That is why no one is born without challenges to overcome. Some are lifelong, many brothers and sisters find ways to overcome their challenges. I have challenges that may not be fixed until the resurrection. But I keep on trying, repenting, keeping a very close relationship with my Father in Heaven. I get the professional help I need also.
and he wasn't confused when he made gay and transgender people either.
God is chill with LGBT people, and there's enough evidence in the scriptures and in science to prove that
I tried this led to me trying to suicide to fix my self. Being married in my loving same sex marriage is the first really happiness and peace I found. Just because u found peace doesn’t mean everyone will or they are doing something wrong to not find it. But that’s what the church teaches right? You must be influenced by the devil of your not making it by our rules. Yeah I tried for 28 years. I’m so happy non godly friends love me in a way god never did. In a way the church never did. When I started self harming they got me help. They sat with me when I was suicidal. Never did the church reach out to do this only told me to prey. I told many members of my struggling and how I wanted to stay. But the truth is the lds church does not want lgbt+ among better we leave or die. That’s the hard truth. You fear what u don’t understand. Not that we will hurt u. But if u see us they way you say god must love us you find the church lies. Makes us easy to hate
@@jimbobs3612 sorry you feel bitter about the church and had tough time. I do not hate LGBTQ people and God loves all his children weather we are gay or trans, or criminals etc. In the end though you are free to chose keeping the lords way of doing things or not. In the end Jesus wants us to love our neighbors and I have learned to love or gracefully respect people who choose to live the LGBTQ lifestyle. Just like I show love to siblings of mine who struggle with addiction or any other thing that is not in harmony with the lords way of doing things. Glad your no longer self harming yourself and you feel at peace with your life.
He said (paraphrased) he wishes that god had given better, more clear rules and requirements from god about all this shit. Why is the Bible so unclear and ambiguous? Why did God leave such an important message so confusing? For those of you that will say it is very clear, then explain why there are so many denominations and so many religions.
He said God hasn't given us much information on the lower kingdoms of glory. That's because Heavenly Father wants us to keep our sights on returning to Him. God, Jesus Christ, and both ancient and modern prophets have always been clear about committing adultery no matter what form it takes. Even religious groups outside of Christianity, such as Islam and Jews, acknowledge God's position that the sanctity of marriage is between a man and a woman.
God is not the author of confusion, even in Jesus Christ's ministry he had corrected the Pharisees and Sadducees of ways they had changed the laws of Moses (whom they professed to follow.) In the New Testament, everything past the book of Acts is either correcting the members of Christ's church as they had already begun to stray off of the teachings of Jesus Christ, or it prophesies of the aforementioned "falling away" and apostasy and the "restoration" that needed to happen before Christ's second coming.
God has promised every person that He will give answers to sincere questions. New Testament, James chapter 1 and Book of Mormon, Moroni chapter 10 are good places to understand how we should approach Heavenly Father in receiving the answers we seek, and is the reason people can claim their understanding is clear.
Everyone of us have fallen natures that put us against God's laws. If we choose to accept God's invitation to join Him, He will, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, help us overcome and have our natures changed, so we can return to Him, but He respects our agency to choose and will not force anyone. I hope we all come to feel God's love and we share His love with those around us.
Be well, do good, and have a blessed day.
God does not cause confusion. The Bible has been translated and translated multiple times and through other processes and through time Humans with their own agendas have or may have influenced, with the whispering and persuasion of Satan, the content and translation of the Bible.
How do you you change a peoples understanding and perspective? How do you ensure people agree with you and you agenda? keep the people from learn what you don't want them to know and cause confusion so that the only choice is to accept your possition..
Also for centuries only the priests and those higher up in society could or were allowed to read those things that where the source of the Bible. This would allow for the possibility of change or removal of content from the books of the before it was provided to the masses.
As with anything I would recommend to follow James and Moroni's council and ask God with sincerity and real intent to understand and know what God want you to know and what is is the truth. As it is written by the holy ghost you may know the truth of all things.
I can see why you would say that the Bible is unclear and ambiguous, but the core messages are defined and distinctive. The first and great commandment is to Love the Lord thy God with all your heart, might, and mind and the second is to love thy neighbor as you love yourself.
The Lord can’t give you an exhaustive list on what you should do every day, which is why He gives guidelines and commandments, so we can know whether a decision will lead us towards God, or away. This is also where it becomes “muddy” for some people because it’s intended to use the power of the Holy Ghost to personalize the meaning to your situation, which can be hard to follow.
(as for the many denominations question, after Christs resurrection there was a falling away called the Great Apostacy, people stopped following the true meaning and did some shady stuff, which is why there needed to be a Restored Church of Jesus Christ)
Questions like this are good to have so you can further your understanding and I hope I could help.
So thankful for the truth.
But how do we know this is truth?
I respectfully disagree.
That is your choice. Which kingdom do you want to live in? Your choice has consequences . But through Jesus Christ, we can change and start living our covenants. The time you choose to do this is between you and our loving Heavenly Father. God Bless you!
that’s putting it lightly lol
@@franciegwin I want to live in the now and wait to die to be happy don’t feed people that passive suicidal ideation. Because people will die to try and stay pure. I’m so much more happy living with my wife and living in the now. I’ve become a better person outside of the church. If there are kingdoms of glory I’ll take my afterlife with my wife. Or non at all. Who wants to live to be a God anyway. If you do how humble are u? If you are living this way to only be happy in death how can you not ask yourself why god has chosen misery for u? I can’t not believe people who only want to marry the same gender but hold to everything else are considered so much less. If god is for families why does he want to ruin mine. For would he not have me leave my wife and rejoin this church. Or have my marriage made illegal. My wife means as much to me as your het partners do to you. God would not ask a woman who converts to lds to leave her husband of a another religion. It’s a double standard.
God loves you ❤️
@@NA-bn9er
John 17:3
3 And this is life eternal, that they might KNOW thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
1 John Chapter 2: 3-6
3 And hereby we do know that we KNOW him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
6 He that saith he bideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
James 2:17-24
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
2 Nephi 25:23-26
23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.
24 And, notwithstanding we believe in Christ, we keep the law of Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law shall be fulfilled.
25 For, for this end was the law given; wherefore the law hath become dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments.
26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.
💚
I was actually more or less with you until you got to the part about gender issues and sexual orientation.
- Non Binary Atheist, Former Homophobe and Fundamentalist
❤️
Wonderful talk! I loved it.
An incredible yet simple doctrine that I feel my generation needs to gain a deeper testimony of. The Family is something that still confounds the "wise" to this day.
Amen.
How do you mean it confounds the wise?
"individual circumstances may change" yes that maybe true, but people who are different are marginalized now, they're not validated in the church. they are discouraged. i'm not sure the church is winning.
The Church doesn't win people for Jesus. We share and they chose the truth and the right! God tells us how to live and we can accept that or not. There are three kingdoms so everyone will have a place where they will be happy.
THIS
I agree, I have seen this marginalization occur and it is heart breaking. I am confident that President Oaks is aware of this. He is clarifying doctrine, underscored by the fact that it is there because God loves his children. I completely agree that more work can be done to help include those who are different. However, the most important truth here is to let God prevail in your life, not your struggles. Then you can feel the love and guidance he wants to provide to EACH of his children :)
Its not about winning, it’s about truth.
In today's age, God's words are not winning "with the world" at all. In fact, the "church" isn't even trying to go after anyone. There are merely "standing still. And firm. And immovable.". But God will win in the end.
Healing
Yes,,,thank you President Oaks.
Thank you for tuning in, Ken! We are so glad to hear you enjoyed this talk by President Oaks.
Thank you Elder Oaks for this inspired message. God loves all his children and his plan for us is a plan of ETERNAL happiness, not only earthly happiness.
Unfortunately, our society and modern culture want to make you think that in order to love, you have to accept anything and agree with everything. Yes, God loves us, President Oaks loves us, but they don't have to agree with everything we want.
We should not judge others, instead, we have to socialize with and make everyone feel welcome in the Church. People with same sex attraction must be welcomed, participate in everything, give talks at church, have leadership callings etc., because they are no different than everyone, including in the part were we are all sinners, we all need to make changes in our lives, we all have to follow the commandment and follow the covenant path. Living with same-sex attraction is definitively not easy, but neither are many other trials in life. The answer is always trust in God, his Prophets and keep our covenants.
He is teaching true doctrine. It would bearing for him to teach false doctrine e don't you thiink? Elder Oaks doesn't make the laws of God, they just teach it for our benefit so we can choose by the choices we make based on truth,
Kinda like when the elders taught that black people were not allowed in church and couldn't get to heaven? Weird how "God" changed his mind
@@allandill2033 Where is the specific statement where somebody said that "black people were not allowed in church and couldn't get to heaven" I need that exact statement
They seem to repeat the same thing over and over, quote each other but lack true revelations, prophecies or visions which suggests that either God changed or these men are not what they claim to be.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is Simple and designed for true happiness. Get to know Jesus Christ and God himself. They will guide and direct your life. You have to put forth the effort.
@@lisapaige6530 if I had a dollar for every time someone gave me the same bs gaslighting response you just gave to this comment I could start my own Church and tell my own lies about God. You have no idea how much effort this person has put into trying to figure this all out. Maybe you should get over yourself and shut up.
@@lisapaige6530 what if they guide you out of the church?
@@lisapaige6530 i know God and Jesus Christ, and they aren’t hateful, bigoted, anne homophobic like the church leaders are.
Then, if you are questioning that, why don't you seek to know the truth? Why don't you ask God or study the scriptures? It's ok to question but it is not ok to keep questioning without trying to know the truth.
Sorry, but where is the peace to be found between beliefs when the church is commanded by God to oppose normalizing others' beliefs? How can one claim to honor agency when actively campaigning against the legalization of things that would not be forcing anything on anyone? And sure, there may be these lovely kingdoms prepared for nearly all good people, but only the heterosexual good people have the opportunity to receive absolutely everything? Why? If it's because God intended for us all to be straight, then why does doctrine flip flop between "homosexuality is of the devil" and "God created some of us with same sex attraction"? Consistency aside, this is an unfair system, and I thought that God was a just God. This does not sound like justice to me. Mercy, perhaps, but mercy for those who dare to love who they love, and be who they dare to be.
Sin is of the devil, doesn't matter what form it takes. We all have a cross to bear, something that we need to overcome in this life. Our crosses may look different, some have addictions, some sexual orientation, some physical illness, some mental illness, etc., but we all carry something that if we will seek out our Heavenly Father's help, He is able to change our nature, draw us closer to Him in this process and help us become more than we are. Christ's Atonement made this possible. I'm speaking from experience, and you'll have to soften your heart as I had to before that change can start to take place.
I am pansexual and genderfluid, and have been a bit abnormal ever since I was born. Because of trauma, I’ve tried to end my life multiple times. But over the last several years, I’ve sought to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and this has completely changed my life. I know that He loves me. It’s a feeling that words can’t adequately describe, it can only be felt. I’ve felt this as I’ve studied the Book of Mormon and *uplifting* (not this talk) talks. Jesus is not people. People are flawed. But His love is real, and it is perfect. I’m learning to let stuff like this roll off my back, because I know my Savior loves me.
what if you were born to "LOVE" little children? what then?
It is not up to any of us to dictate what anyone else should or shouldn't be doing. That's the log in our own eyes that we ignore. And if a church or church leader is pushing such behavior, then it's not in line with what God intended for us to be toward others -loving each other regardless.
Personal views can unite or divide people, and when that is incorporated into a church, that becomes a sin all in itself.
God will take the infirmities away one day either in this life or the after life. Be patient. Keep the commandments. Be true to His words and His covenants. It will work out.
Preach President Oaks!!!!!!🙌🏻🙌🏻
Thank you for tuning in, Tanner! We are so glad to hear you enjoyed this talk from President Oaks.
Thank you for always speaking truth so plainly! I love you!
Thank you for tuning in! We are so glad to hear you enjoyed this talk from General Conference.
@@churchofjesuschristgeneralconf this talk will no doubt increase suicide rates among lgbtq members of the church. and you get to live with that.
Aint no truth in this.
Then why did you listen to his talk?
❤️❤️❤️
The best talk ever about gender and natural origem and objective of the creation.
Utah has the highest suicide rate of lgbt children.
GOD BLESS US HIS CHILDREN TO OBEY TILL THE END. THANK U ELDER OAKS
God's commandments given to prophets from the beginning to now don't change, but neither does his amazing love for you and I his children. I repeat: God really loves you, and will be with you if we desire to show him love. We should choose to bridle our passions. If we try our best to follow Jesus Christ, he will help us to be able to balance our lives, and will be right with us to help carry burdens, that seem impossible to lift. I started volunteering to help our brothers and sisters who are experiencing homelessness, which has helped me to better bridle my passions, and has really helped me to love God more, and to feel his great love for me, and for all of you in the world! We are all born broken, but God knows perfectly how to fix broken things! You are in my prayers, and remember God loves you, and no matter what you choose to do, that love will never change, and anytime we come unto him, hope won't ever be lost!
What about D&C 132, the law of plural marriage, and Official Declaration 1? What about plural marriage in the Old Testament? What about the Old Testament and early New Testament practice of not preaching the gospel to the gentiles, then Jesus repeating three times in a dream to Peter to change that commandment to preach the gospel to the gentiles? What about the Old Testament commandment to stone disobedient children to death? What about Paul’s “commandment” that it’s shameful for women to speak in church and if they want to know something they should ask their husbands at home? (1 Cor. 14:34-35)? What about Article of Faith 9: “We believe [God] will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”? If you don’t think God’s commandments change you haven’t read and understood the scriptures.
My Favorite Talk this conference!
Oak has always been my favorite. The present hit us w some sun tzu this conference. how to maintain spiritual momentum? What? I took notes.
Are you serious?
When you have the opportunity to evolve, why would you not? 🙄
Not all change is good.
@@DamionJR4923 It seems the LDS church prides themselves in being a progressive religion and receives modern day revelation. With many "progressive" changes such as temple ordinances, blacks receiving the priesthood etc, it's just a matter of time before the church changes it stance in LGBTQ...
@lelalatte the problem with you classifying this conversation under the premise of evolution is that evolution is all about survival and propagation of the species. Evolution at it's most core expression affirms that the most important survival abilities or valuable genetic expressions present in members of a species will be the traits that make it into the next generation's gene pool because those individual organisms carrying those traits are the most likely to survive and procreate for that species. So if you say that evolving means to condone same sex marriage it really is contradictory in that homosexuals can't create the next generation of our species and their gene traits won't be expressed or continued-on through their offspring by way of procreation- it's impossible. Evolution actually would omit homosexual occurrence in the populous if all other hormonal/diet/chemical/industrial climates were kept static simply because of this fact that they can't make babies within same-sex intimacy, unless they choose to have heterosexual sex. Either way Elder Oaks talks very clearly here about loving all of God's children regardless of if they see eye-to-eye with us in regards to Christ's doctrine. Because of Christ most all of us who came to earth by keeping our first estate will be saved and given some degree of glory in which we will revel and pleasure in immensely. My pursuit is to be given ALL that God has and that is the most difficult target but is made possible through Christ. That is truly Christ's most loving and all encompassing doctrine and a gift to us.
Preach
This is part of why this is the only true church. Many are gonna freak out, but they don’t understand gods plan. They want their own plan.
Hi! Can you help me understand some things? I'm a little confused by your comment.
1) What is God's plan then?
If his plan is for us to be happy, why would he make children that are fundamentally incapable of happiness if they follow the rules, and condemned if they pursue happiness?
2) It was never my plan to be attracted to the same sex. What plan do I want exactly?
My attraction to the same sex is attraction that is just as real as my attraction towards the opposite sex. I'm lucky I have both options, because it lets me know that my attraction to the same sex is the same kind of attraction as the attraction I have towards the opposite. Why should one be called not real? It's the same kind of attraction, and I should note that it's not lust.
3) Why is it quintessential to this church that LGBT people are inherently less-lovable, less-desirable, or considered less-than? That seems like a really weird detail to make a part of your justification for this being the only true church.
God’s plan is steadfast brother. There is no my plan or your plan. All that happens is his plan and he loves his children the way he made them. ❤️
Except you don't actually know if this is God's plan, that's just what these people are telling you
So true
Amen.
Dear parents: your Trans kids are not under the influence of Satan who is not confusing them. By the way, do something the church won’t dare encourage but will bring you closer to real love: sit down with an LGBT person and get to know them and learn about their journey. Don’t love them at a distance.
Looks like you are confused. It is interesting these days just the fact that a behavior is disapproved and challenged immediately is looked upon as not loving. That perception is not only wrong but almost manipulative. What gives you the idea that Church does not encourage sitting down with a trans kid and show love? I'd love to see true evidences
@@22424 It may be easier for you to provide the evidence. I've listened to every single LGBT address the church has ever given. Show me.
@@jeffs.3348 You are the one making accusation.....
So: we love you, BUT
Love is not an endorsement of all behavior. It’s actually the opposite.
exactly.
Amen
Why is straight marrige required for godhood?
Why is Heavenly mother never mentioned and disconnected from our lives?
How are spirit children created in a way that requires a Heavenly father and a Heavenly mother?
Why did church leaders insist that being gay was a choice/mental illness/perversion?
How is it that the bible or the book of mormon never actually oppose committed loving gay relationships and yet the church continues to insist that their opposition of gay relationships is scriptural?
Why should our religious position on gay marrige be forced on those not of our faith through law when the academic concensus is that gay couples are just as good at raising children than straight couples?
Why do church leaders consistently misdefine gender as our biological sex when it is in reality the social attributes/characteristics that we associate with each sex?
Why is it better for me to stay single and never have a romantic relationship/children than to be in a gay relationship?
Why did Jesus never mention anything about same sex relationships if God knew it was going to be such a big trial for many of gods children?
Why can I not have one husband but Brigham Young have 55 wives?
If the purpose of marrige is to facilitate the creation of a family then why did brigham young only have 16 children meaning that those he married he did not have children with?
Similarly why does the church support the relationships of those who are unable to have children/those too old to have children?
Why can men have multiple wives but women not have multiple husbands(if you think it's cause a woman can only have one child at a time then how did Heavenly mother and Heavenly father create litteral billions of spirit children in a realistic amount of time)?
What happens if a bi person has kids, divorces and then wants to marry someone of the same sex, taking their kids with them?
Why does the church not reveal any doctrine on the origin of homosexuality or what's going to happen to it once we die?
These are the questions that I have been praying and fasting for for the last 4 years and not a single one has been answered. I feel an incredible amount of shame and hopelessness. I'm the only person of a large ward of over 200 weekly churchgoers who has talked to my bishop about being gay and he has no answers and it makes me feel alone. The shame I feel makes it hard for me to make friends with others and it only isolates me further.
If the prophets claim to be the mouthpiece of God, if the church believes in modern personal Revelation, if God cares about the hundreds of thousands of youth struggling with questions like mine, please please please help me answer my questions.
Thankyou for coming to my Ted Talk😪
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have spoken explicitly about not committing adultery, regardless of what form it takes. It's clearly defined that to be exalted in the highest degree of glory, we must enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. Regardless who we are or what our fallen natures are, we cannot obtain this without having our natures changed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Seeking to be taught by Christ personally, as admonished by President Nelson will bring a person to that point. It takes great desire, a love for God that is greater than the love of our own selfishness, it takes what the scriptures call 'mighty prayer' and giving up everything that is contrary to God's will, to come to that place. My experience has taught me we can not do this on our own, we absolutely have to be yoked to Christ to climb such lofty mountains. Not everyone will want to pay the price to follow Christ, because, as Elder Holland has so eloquently pointed out, every follower of Christ knows eventually that path leads through Gethsemane. However, we also know that path eventually leads us back into the presence of Heavenly Father with all that is promised to the faithful.
I have found it better, to instead of asking Why, why, why, there is more productivity in asking how. How can I overcome my fallen nature, how do I soften my heart, how do I become more obedient, how can I better serve God, my family, my brothers and sisters. How moves us forward in our progression, the whys will come as we are prepared to hear them, but they can stop our progression if we get hung up moving forward until we have all the answers.
I wish I could hug you and take your burdens from you. There is no shame in who you are. I’ve been where you are. There can be peace. Any who make you feel shame for something u didn’t choose is wrong. Your journey is had and it’s so hard to under by those not in your plight. I care for you bother. Be well.
I don't what I, a stranger on the Internet, can do to help you except to tell you that you are okay. You are perfect the way you are and no one can tell you otherwise. Whether or not you continue to stay in the church is up to you, but know there are many people who will love you and take you in. I wish you happiness and the best of luck ❤
I appreciate your Teds Talk! Those are good questions. I think I know the answer to some of them, and I don’t know the answer to others.
I have a list of question of my own, easily as long as your list :-) The topics are a little different, some are the same, but I am almost painfully curious about the answers. In some cases, I feel quite desperate for the answers. I, too, have fasted and prayed to know, but I haven’t received them yet.
And I have decided that it’s okay. I can wait. I have enough to go on right now. For example, God HAS revealed to me, and in convincing ways, that the Book of Mormon is real, as is the Church that God restored through Joseph Smith. So I do what Elder Holland taught in my favorite talk of his: I hold strong to the light and knowledge I have, doubting my doubts rather than my faith, and I wait patiently for the answers to come. I am prepared to wait all of my life. Nothing will take me away from this, God’s covenant path.
Your questions will be answered one day, too. Until then, I hope you will choose to stay the course. Patience is hard, but it’s possible. God can help us have more patience. He can also help us obey his commandments even when we don’t clearly understand the reason for all of them.
I have so many questions too. It helps me to pray about it, maybe it can help you too.
Elder oaks = apostle of the Lord
@@NA-bn9er Hello,
If you have a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, if you have received a personal witness by the spirit that the prophet is called of God by inspiration and revelation, then yes, Pres Oaks was chosen by Jesus Christ. So were all the First Presidency and quorum of the 12 apostles. I know this to be true but of course you have the right to choose to believe whatever you want. 😊💜