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In a stunning move, the Church of Latter-day Saints has made a 180-degree turn of marriage, reversing its policy that defined same-sex marriage as a grave sin against the church worthy of excommunication.
The church has reversed its rules to support LGBTQ people, saying the "very positive" changes are "effective immediately."
Meanwhile, progressives are moving HR 5 forward, with Rep. Nadler claiming that LGBTQ rights "trump religious beliefs."
Forces are forming against religious freedom.
Be informed.
LDS revising marriage?
The Mormon Church has changed its mind on what it has said it believes on marriage.
In a press release, the church outlined the surprise decision to reverse its rules implemented a few years ago regarding homosexual relations and same-sex marriage.
Same sex couples will no longer be seen as "apostates" which, in the Mormon Church, refers to those who have turned their back on the church.
The church says:
"Previously, our Handbook characterized same-sex marriage by a member as apostasy. While we still consider such a marriage to be a serious transgression, it will not be treated as apostasy for purposes of Church discipline. Instead, the immoral conduct in heterosexual or homosexual relationships will be treated the same."
The Church says, however, it is not "completely" reversing its doctrine on homosexuality and still views same-sex marriage as less moral, but felt moved to alter their policies, "to show more understanding, compassion and love"...and "reduce the hate and contention so common today."
Church leader, Dallin Oaks, says the church's decision to completely reverse its policy came after "an extended period of counseling with our brethren"...and a "united prayer to understand the will of the Lord."
I was personally shocked to see the reversal of the Mormon Church on this particular issue, given the strong support we evangelicals and Catholics received during the fight to protect biblical marriage in Washington State and having a somewhat clear understanding of how they view---or have viewed---the institution of marriage itself. I personally interacted with many LDS leaders here in the Northwest. They were all in for traditional, one man-one woman marriage back then.
I'm wondering if the rank and file members of the LDS Church will change their beliefs on marriage and the institution of marriage as quickly as their leaders have.
It's sad that religious leaders can spend time in prayer and conclude that God has directed them to violate His Word---which clearly defines marriage as only between one man and one woman.
God does not disregard His Word, nor does He change. His Truth does not evolve with the culture and culture's demands, nor is it based on a false prophet's vision.
Gay Mormons are praising the move, but saying it's not enough. There must be more change. They always demand more.
The biblical Christian Church is called to "transform" not "assist and confirm" the culture.
Compromise may look like a successful business model, but it's divorced from God's Great Commission---and what Christians ought to believe and live.
This is why true Christianity is based on God's Word, and only His Word. And it's why Christians must be informed regarding what God's Word teaches.
Some would say, "I'm not a Mormon, so this doesn't affect me." Think again.
The growing epidemic of false teaching in so-called "Christian" churches.
Recently, I've written here in this Faith and Freedom Daily article---and talked about it on our live daily radio program--- the growing demands within church groups and denominations to redefine marriage and revise God's acceptable model for human sexuality.
The United Methodist Church is currently facing a denominational split over this same issue. Presbyterians, Lutherans, Episcopals and other church groups have already split over the issue.
More and more churches have chosen to remain silent on the issues, while the culture stumbles toward Sodom.
The Church of Sweden is distributing an LGBTQ guide designed for "Christian queer kids" that identifies Jesus as "Queer" and describes the Old Testament's Joseph as a transvestite.
The guide is promoted as an outreach--- "a survival guide for Christian queer kids." It's not an outreach to help kids out of their destructive behavior and confusion---it's an affirmation that defies the very Bible the Church of Sweden claims to believe.
And if the Church of Sweden is doing it---and they are--- it's only a matter of time until some churches will be doing it here.
Redefining marriage and human sexuality is the most divisive and defining moral issue of our times.
It's the point of the cultural spear. And it's pointed at the heart of biblical Christians.
Rep. Nadler: "Religious rights must now bow to LGBTQ rights."
Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) has championed the so-called "Equality Act."
Nadler, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, told his committee last week that the bill---HR 5--- will make sure religious beliefs cannot be used to "discriminate" against the LGBTQ community.
He said:
"Religion is no excuse for discrimination when it comes to sexual orientation of gender identity," noting that under the Equality Act, everyone must fall subject to the LGBTQ agenda---with churches and religious employers, organizations and colleges being afforded no exemptions what-so-ever.
Dr. James Dobson says if the Equality Act (HR 5) is passed, it will be disastrous for Christians.
Dobson told WND, "Simply put, by creating a protected class of citizens out of the LGBT community, this bill places Christians who believe in traditional marriage at grave legal and civil jeopardy."
The Heritage Foundation, says employers, workers, medical professionals, parents, children, women, and non-profit organizations all will be harmed if this bill should become law.
In addition to this attack, Nadler and his crew are attacking 1993's Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and the religious freedoms by which Hobby Lobby and other Christian businesses and organizations were able to enjoy protections because of its passing.
Nadler has publicly noted the Hobby Lobby case--- noting the RFRA was intended to be used as a shield, not a sword, and it was used as a sword by Hobby Lobby.
Nadler, through his powerful committee, is making the case that Christians "are trying to get more religious freedoms than what has been guaranteed to them by the Constitution."
Then he explained that Christians living according to biblical teachings on human sexuality is essentially them pushing religious beliefs on others.
Hours before Christ would be crucified, he left his disciples for a moment of private prayer. When he returned from His intense prayers, he found his followers asleep.
This is not a time to change our beliefs in order to avoid conflict, nor is it a time to sleep through the course of human events of our times.
The events of our times have eternal consequences.
Be Informed. Be Vigilant. Be Faithful, Be Bold.
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