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Trestin Meacham, from Central Utah, isn’t happy about the recent same sex marriage ruling in Utah by Federal Judge Shelby.  He’s upset for a couple of reasons. He believes that the ruling of the Federal Government taking control of a states issue is unconstitutional, AND, he thinks that Same Sex Marriage is a slippery slope that will eventually force the Mormon church to marry homosexuals within the walls of their sacred temples.

He is so upset he’s lost his appetite. Not really. He made the choice to stop eating altogether. Meacham plans to fast until the ruling is over thrown. “The Constitution is literally hanging by a thread and I made an oath while serving in the military to protect this country’s constitution” said Meacham.

Meacham has already lost 26lbs from his 13 day diet of only water and an occasional vitamin. He is committed to death to protect the state of Utah’s right to ban same-sex marriage.

 

Richie T/@RichieTSteadman/@TheCulturalHall

 

 

188 Comments

  • Randy says:

    Richie, does that mean you too wish to overturn marriage equality in Utah?

  • Scott says:

    When did the 14th Amendment become unconstitutional I wonder? And does Meacham expect the 1st Amendment to just vanish?

  • Dave says:

    Wow. He’d better be prepared to go Ghandi. Why vitamins? Fasting with a homophobic purpose. Nice. What kind of wuss takes vitamins on a fast? There’s your slippery slope. What’s next, Ensure? You may be waiting a while for that burger Richie.

  • Adam Freep says:

    Feel free to die with him. If you think that the constitution protects you and not other humans then quite frankly we don’t need any of you around. I would like to know who the hell made people like you an the complete idiot Trestin Meacham the judgement holder of all people. The unconstitutional part that has been changed is simply controlling the legal marriage part of this conversation. The second they try to control our churches admittance policy I will be standing right next to you supporting the fact that it was the government that said we were to separate church and state. Until that time try supporting something that holds relevance without having a religious belief involved. #LOVEWHOYOUWANT

  • Nik says:

    And God “came to me in a vision and told me to live, and continue my protest in other ways…” in 3… 2…

  • CLINT H. says:

    Why doesn’t he “fast” over something worth “fasting” about?! He’s gonna shrivel up n’ die b4 he gets his way!

  • BonnieJ Mheshe says:

    Willing to leave your family to TRY to ruin other families. Nice. Plenty of others are doing faith works to counterbalance your misjudgment. Please WAKE UP, and choose life. G-d doesn’t worry or gain from suicides.

  • Tom says:

    Hope he gives up the not-so-good fight soon. Nothing wrong with same sex marriage and nullification is a ridiculous idea. Here’s hoping that when you do have that burger with him, it’s because he realized that God probably has no issue with same sex marriage, and his religious views should never be used to oppress his fellow man.

  • sirald66 says:

    Darwinism is sometimes self-imposed.

  • Amanda says:

    What a fool! And vitamins? He must know deep down he’s gonna lose more than weight. There is separation of church and state for a reason. His temples will remain a they have for years now. Get over it!

  • D. Michael Martindale says:

    I support Trestin’s right to starve himself to death if he chooses.

    He really wants to die over two people in love getting married? Geez!

  • Richie T says:

    To Clarify…I hope to have a burger with him….when he realizes that this is not the way to go about it.

  • Hellyeah! says:

    I also made an oath while serving in the military to protect the constitution, specifically Amendment 14. I also support his freedom to die of stupidity!

  • Hunter says:

    Sounds like he is doing what he feels is right. I wish him all the best and hope he can find some spiritual growth from his experience.

    With that being said, it sounds like he has a real misunderstanding about what same sex marriage in Utah will allow to happen. Forcing same sex marriage in temples is rather ludicrous. Especially since the church is an organization owned by Thomas Monson, which gives him the right to allow or disallow any behavior that he chooses. Opposite sex marriages (which sounds pretty odd!) have no way to force the LDS Church to give them a marriage in the temple. It is all based upon meeting criteria that the church sets. Kind of like a Boy Scout merit badge. If you don’t weave your basket, you don’t get your basket weaving merit badge. If you don’t meet the temple marriage requirements, you don’t get the temple marriage merit ba-, er…. Marriage certificate.

    To say that it threatens the constitution is also a rather strange idea in that the constitution is not a set in stone ruleset. When same sex marriage has never been mentioned in those rules, alloying it does not violate them.

    It sounds like this man is doing what he feels is right in taking a stand in a very personal and powerful way to himself. I give him the highest respect for that and I sincerely hope that he receives the answer to his spiritual quest that he needs. He sounds like a very brave man. I just hope that he is also humble and mature enough to accept the answer that he is given, in whatever form it comes. I think I know the answer already, but I might be wrong.

    In the long run I wish Mr Meacham the best. Every experience we encounter allows us the opportunity to open our hearts and lives to our fellow man even more. We may not agree with their decisions, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t love them and respect them anyways.

    Also, cut Richie T some slack. Nowhere in his piece did he advocate for or against this action.

    • BonnieJ Mheshe says:

      I’d like to know where his fast offerings are going? It IS a true fast, correct?

    • D. Michael Martindale says:

      There’s nothing inherently noble about believing you’re doing the right thing. The terrorists who flew the jets into the Twin Towers thought they were doing the right thing.

      Doing the right thing becomes noble when what you think is the right thing isn’t a stupid thing or a harmful thing to others.

  • zack says:

    Fucking douche bag. How can you be so hateful? Doesn’t your religion teach, to treat others how you’d like to be treated? How would you feel if someone was denying your rights to marry the love of your life? You are a joke, a pathetic excuse of a Mormon. Waste of breathe, and life. Rot in hell.

    • Dave says:

      It’s not like he’s the Westboro Baptist Church and actively ruining people’s rallies and personal events. He’s keeping to himself and not eating. The way he’s going about his disagreement is a little extreme, but he’s literally not hurting anyone but himself. If you went about your life and didn’t eat because you disagreed with me, I wouldn’t care because eventually you’d just die and I’d continue living my life.

      Plus, if you’re so adamant about him leaving people’s decisions alone, don’t be a hypocrite and slam him for disagreeing on the opposite end of the spectrum. The road goes both ways, bud. If you think people should be able to make their own decisions and live how they want, then take your own advice.

    • nolonger says:

      Take it from me, the mormons are nuts….I was almost kicked out for having a black fiance and then they wanted me to give my children up for adoption because we werent married and they finally DID kick me out because myself and my fiance refused to get married on the day they wanted us too.

  • Anonymous says:

    Good for you sir. Standing up for what you believe even in the face of all these haters that don’t believe in a constitution that has already declared freedom of speech and “equality.” At least you’re living by a single standard, whether others share your belief or not. All these negative, posts only attack from a double-standard, point of view. Ignorance from either/both ends leads nowhere.

    • BonnieJ Mheshe says:

      D. Michael Martindale January 3, 2014 at 3:13 pm – Reply

      There’s nothing inherently noble about believing you’re doing the right thing. The terrorists who flew the jets into the Twin Towers thought they were doing the right thing.

      Doing the right thing becomes noble when what you think is the right thing isn’t a stupid thing or a harmful thing to others

    • Scott says:

      ‘Anonymous,’ you’re being silly. All these people believe in the Constitution, it’s Mr. Meacham that doesn’t. He seems to have forgotten something about “[n]o State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” Freedom of speech does not make your (idiotic/bigoted/popular/et cetera) opinion immune to public scrutiny, it just makes you immune to government reprisal for holding that opinion. Which “single” standard is he living by? Certainly not Christ’s or the Bible’s.

  • Kylee Moore says:

    Hope he starves to death 🙂

  • Susan says:

    I hope the poor guy was a bit overweight. Ultimately, what saddens me is the amount of money the church has spent to deny marriages for those who want them. That money could have been used for service- to clothe, feed, and house the people who need it most- not to preach “less than.” So much of the bible has been misinterpreted and manipulated, and The Book of Mormon has also been, ahem, “adjusted” over the years. When will a revelation come that says gay marriage is ok? If we go by the calendar of African Americans getting the priesthood in 1978 when slavery was abolished in 1865, in a little over one hundred years, the church will get it and that nice man will be long gone, whether through a misguided fast or natural causes.

    • Hoonigan says:

      You kind of nailed it on the head there, stating how the mormon church has spent so much to stop EQUALITY amongst all people. They are more concerned with their agenda, rather then the well being of those in need. How Christian is that?

  • Colton says:

    The article also forgot to mention that this guy is an absolute moron.

  • fivespot says:

    The bells of hell are ringin Trestin. The world will watch you die for the obviously falsehoods put forth in your crony, ignorant church.

  • Kennedy says:

    What’s the consequence for suicide then?

  • sam says:

    I s our government here to only give rights to the LDS Faith, and ignore everyone else?

  • Ashley says:

    I think that if the government try’s to force the church to marry gays in the temple then the church will forfeit the right to preform lawful marriages. They would still do sealings but it would just be a religious ceremony. I don’t think that people should be as worried about it as they are. If the ruling gets overturned now it will just come back in a few years.

  • Herp says:

    Guy is such a derp… Enjoy your hospital visit and bill. We’ll all enjoy human equality, dumb fuck.

  • Adam says:

    One less bigot. Doesn’t hurt me any. Just like me marrying my partner of 8 years wouldn’t hurt him in any way shape or form. And if he is so worried that he is going to be forced to marry a same-sex partner maybe he should try to find someone on his own terms. When you leave your happiness and decisions in the hands of others, you generally don’t get what you want. You get what someone else wants. Besides, think of the other partner. Whoever is set up to marry this guy is getting the short end of the stick. Male or female alike. Think about someone other than yourself ya selfish jerk!

  • Connor says:

    Wow, this guy sucks and is seriously worried for his church? If the church doesn’t already allow gays in their walls then whats there to worry about… I hope he starves and all the gay people who get married deliver a slice of their wedding cakes to his house.

  • Connor says:

    Separate church and state and maybe then you could enjoy eating a dick or something.

  • Kris says:

    I too am lds I also have a daughter that is gay who is a wonderful person on dec 23, she was able to marry the love of her life and give me a beautiful daughter-in-law. Was it the wedding they wanted no, time to plan no. My daughter-in-laws parents didn’t even come. But Jesus teaches us not to judge and love unconditionally.

    • Loveall says:

      Good for you- I find it interesting that so many people are lumping all Mormons with this guy in their comments. What a shame. This guy does not represent any Mormons that I know nor the core of their beliefs.

      • sirald66 says:

        LDS Church Apostle Dallin C Oaks;
        LDS Church Apostle Boyd K Packer;
        UT Senator Chris Buttars;
        UT Eagle Forum Gayle Ruzicka;
        UT Sutherland Institute Paul Mero;
        Entertainer Alan Osmond of The Osmonds;
        Novalist Orson Scott Card.

    • Adam says:

      That’s beautiful. Thank you for sharing. And no, I don’t feel all LDS people are the same. There are idiots in every walk of life. My partner of 8 years and I give you much deserved respect and appreciation.

  • Amanda Fowers says:

    Trestin don’t be ignorant and fast until you die. Plus government and religion are not supposed to influence eachother if you remember. It’s obvious your religion does not permit gay marriage but to say the government shouldn’t as well is unconstitutional. If you don’t like it then dont do it but allow others the freedom of choice.

  • Spanka says:

    Here’s hoping he sticks with it to the BITTER END.

  • Ruth gist says:

    The marriage that takes place in a church, temple, synagogue, or mosque is a specific religious ceremony ordained by the religious entity and sanctified by that institution’s religious laws or ordinances. It is not legal unless registered by the state. Marriages licensed by the state but not in a religious entity, however, are legal according to state laws. This is called separation of church and state. No one is forcing the churches to perform any kind of ceremony. I know the man means well, but whether gay people are allowed the legal rights of other citizens will not change his religion, unless his religious hierarchy determines that it wants to chage. Unfortunately, starving will get him about as much change as the prisoners at Guantanamo, who have bee starving themselves for months.

  • Parker says:

    Let him starve. The only reason the world needs people like this is to pay their tithing so the church leaders can drive expensive cars and live in mansions. Religion will always poison everything. Most religious people are empty husks filled with lies and hate.

    • Zach says:

      I am sorry that you apparently don’t know anyone who is actually religious. Also, the Church leaders are not paid by the Church to be leaders. They have been very successful in their various professions however, so if any live in mansions, or drive expensive cars, it is because they are well to do independently of their position in the Church 🙂

  • Bridgette says:

    If he is upholding the constitution then perhaps he forgot the one stating we have freedom of choice! Idiot. The mormon temples turn down people they deem unworthy now why would anyone think they wouldn’t do that for homosexual couples.

  • Heather says:

    Good luck with that bro! You’d better start planning your funeral.

  • Kari says:

    He’s going to starve to death if he’s not careful. This law isn’t going anywhere any time soon. Perhaps he’ll gain some much needed insight though while fasting, and see that there are folks who have waited a very long time for this right that the rest of us take for granted every day.

  • janice says:

    Survival of the fittest….I’ll be laughing when he dies of starvation.

  • Vito Gasparro says:

    Well if he keeps it up, I count 1 less homophobic moron in our state. They’d better get a Darwin Award ready for this guy. Natural selection at its absolute finest. More proof that it’s time for marriage equality in this world!

  • Ashley says:

    Well he will die trying makes me sick that he is that judgmental. I’m happy to live in a state that now let’s all marry. Boring wrong with being gay good lives all his kids no matter what. People like him need to put on their grown up pants and deal with it.

  • dj Pancho says:

    Bye Felicia

  • Rees says:

    Hmmm. Read D&C 134. Then have a sandwich and be grateful for the protection of individual rights.

  • Justin says:

    Rigid faith, but intellectually and morally bankrupt. We have a thing called the rule of law in this country. If Mr. Meacham believes so strongly that states should decide who gets married, does he disagree with the Supreme Court decision in the case of Loving v. Virginia? Virginia claimed children were best raised by parents of the same race. What’s the difference here? A simple question which Meacham is too coward to answer apparently, since he blocked me on Facebook.

  • Clint Batterton says:

    Of course, I am sorry that some poor, deluded individual would do this to himself for, essentially, no reason. In case he missed it, he doesn’t get a vote on whom other people fall in love with and marry. It doesn’t affect him and is none of his business. If he wants to die for this “cause,” so be it.

  • D. Michael Martindale says:

    What really needs to happen is his bishop needs to sit him down and tell him, “Dude! This is not the way! You’re going to an extreme that God would never ask of you.”

  • Irina Brown says:

    Wow! There’s so much hate in here. Trestin is not judging gay people, he is standing up for what he believes is right. All of these comments posted nothing but judge him. Trestin is entitled to disagreement and freedom of speach just like gay people are entitled to chose for themselves. Disagreement doesn’t mean judgement. I disagree with gay marriages being pushed on this society as a norm where it’s not a natural act and not how God has created us and commanded us to procreate. And that’s my opinion I’m free to have and am entitled to. And I’m not judging gay people for what they chose to do in their closets or do I care. I respect and love all people even though I disagree with them.
    Trestin: I respect your opinion and I support you and I will keep you in my prayers.

    • D. Michael Martindale says:

      That’s funny. I don’t like your religious beliefs being pushed on society, which is exactly what banning gay marriage is about.

      • Justin says:

        Irina, Mormons should know better than anyone about persecution. And yet, many forget one of the most important lessons of history:

        “First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out–
        Because I was not a Socialist.

        Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out–
        Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

        Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out–
        Because I was not a Jew.

        Then they came for me–and there was no one left to speak for me.”

        Careful how willing you are to trample on the rights and dignity of others.

    • sirald66 says:

      You judge through your religion.

    • Adam says:

      You don’t care what they do in the closet? You may want to choose your words a little more carefully. To me that sounds like you don’t mind them if they hide their true identity. And judging is exactly what he is doing. He wants gay people to change. He thinks it is wrong. And besides, we have gone way beyond judgement by not letting people share their commitment with their friends and family telling them that caring for another person is wrong. Now people are just flat out mean. The heart wants what the heart wants. If being gay was the majority, could you go gay if the majority wanted you to? I didn’t think so. Telling people that loving someone is bad is ridiculous Jesus gave us free will, forgiveness, and unconditional love, and the government says all men shall be treated equal. So before you point the finger, try sitting in the back of the buss with Rosa Parks It’s the same hate just redirected. And once this topic blows over, they will just find someone else to pick on.

  • maranda says:

    Hope you like starving to death. -_-

  • Irina Brown says:

    This country and it’s constitution is found on a belief in God and freedom of religious worship. No body is pushing anything on you! It’s how this country has began on it’s belief in a living God! That belief and it’s foundation being destroyed in this country! That’s what Trestin is standing up for! No body cares what you do or believe in but it’s not right to push that on this society that it’s a norm and try and change it’s foundation.

    • D. Michael Martindale says:

      Yes, someone is trying to push something on me. You!

      You’re trying to push your religious beliefs on me.

      I do not believe that gay marriage is against the will of God. You do. You want your belief to be the law of the land. That’s pushing your reigious belief on me.

      Why is this simple concept so difficult for those wanting to ban gay marriage to understand?

      • nikki says:

        Agreed!! It’s such an old school way of thinking. If we keep letting religious beliefs be “the law of the land” how will we ever overcome discrimination in our society over homosexuals? It just blows me away when I hear these ignorant people talk and now this idiot is getting recognition for starving himself.

    • sirald66 says:

      This country is not founded upon god – http://hnn.us/article/42835

      • Paul Lortz says:

        True enough, BUT look at how “God” has pushed Himself into our Government. Even our currency says “In God we Trust” on it” Is that not God and Christian religion pushing itself into our lives?

        I am a “Pagan” meaning i do not believe in the “1-God” concept and personally i think our Government should do like the Constitution of the US says and KEEP CHURCH AND STATE SEPARATE, but of course I KNOW it’s wishful thinking.

        As for this guy starving himself: one less Bigoted ASSHOLE and i think we should all have a “1 less Bigot” party on his grave when he dies.

  • Irina Brown says:

    No body is persecuting any body. We love and respect every body. It’s disagreement of opinion, not disrespect in any form or shape. I have gay friends I respect even though I disagree. To disagree, doesn’t mean to judge. God is the only judge who will judge all of us. I’m not perfect in any shape or form but I will stand for what I believe in and it’s my right. You have freedom and the right to chose what ever you want because you have free agency as well. No body is asking you to stop what you are doing if you chose not to do so. All we are asking is not to change the original foundation and the constitution and freedom this country was built on which is the believe in the living God! Because if we change what this country was built on then we are changing the belief in God or what He says, this country might as well not exist then.

  • james bradshaw says:

    So this guy’s a Mormon and believes a man with over two dozen wives (some of them under the age of 15) is a man of God yet he can’t tolerate even civil benefits being extended to two committed gay consenting adults. Can someone explain the logic of this to me?

  • Janice says:

    Great! Another bible thumping mormon who has been brain washed. I’m not surprised.

  • JOck says:

    Fasting? What is he looking for a boyfriend?

    • Kikimom says:

      My thoughts exactly! I’ve found that so many who show extreme judgement or fear of another’s sexuality are in fact, in some way wondering or not on good terms with their own sexuality.

  • Trent says:

    Haha can we please do before and after pictures of this buffoon? What a great example to set, I fasted cause gays got married lmao. How pathetic

  • Jessica says:

    This is literaly one of the stupidest things I’ve ever read! Why? There is NO freedom till there is equality. There are lots of concerns about the beliefs of Mormonism. You are not to judge! I agree on the right to have an OPINION, but come on… why do people care about this kind of stuff. Is worrying about homosexuality, or if women can wear pants a church really all you have in this LIFE! LIVE A LITTLE! I’m not saying go be gay, just let people live there lives. Its not for you to decide

  • Alex says:

    I find it strange that mormons beleive any homosexual couple would ever choose to be married in one of their temples. The mormon church has shown how it feels about gay’s and Lesbain’s by supporting proposition 8 and asking their members to do the same. Why any gay couple would choose to follow a beleif system (mormonsim) that has shown such hate against the homosexual community and marry in their temples is beyond me. This guy needs to get over him self and his beleif system. Trust me any “sane” clear thinking LGBT individual would never choose the temple as a place to worship or marry.

    • sirald66 says:

      Gay mormons grew up in that community. Imagine having to leave both your god, community, family and friends to be yourself.

  • nikki says:

    He sounds like a damn spoiled brat! I’m sure he’ll be hospitalized before too long and forced fed, then fox news will make a huge deal about it. And eventually this brat will get his way and be rejoiced (by very few people) as another dumb hero for NOTHING!

  • Irina Brown says:

    Well if you don’t believe that God disagrees with gay marriages then you should read in the bible what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah. I’m not pushing my religion on you. You are free to worship whom ever, where ever, when ever and how ever you chose to. That’s the beauty of free agency.

    • nikki says:

      Hmm Irina maybe you should brush up on your history, because this country was started by people who were trying to break free of religious tyranny, which you seem to hold so dear. We respect that you have the freedom to your religion and beliefs, kudos to you! But when you say “I don’t care what people do in their closets that’s their choice” that’s when your ignorance really shows. Do you know how many people are killed, beat, teased, tormented, and kill themselves because of comments like that? GOD has no boundaries and loves everyone, not just bible thumpers like you. So stop being so damn judgemental.

  • Irina Brown says:

    Just don’t try to change this country and it’s foundation. Amen!

    • BonnieJ Mheshe says:

      You mean Masonry, equality, no rule-by-religion, and a government based on The Federation of Northern Tribes? No ma’am, I’m protecting it!

  • Irina Brown says:

    Ha hah! That’s a funny comment Nikki. You made me laugh. I apologize if I have offended you with my closet comment it wasn’t my intent and I’m sorry. I respect all of you and you are my friends. You are right, God loves all of us the same. It’s just breaks my heart that this poor man starves himself for what he believes in and all of you guys make fun of him and make such mean comments.

    • sirald66 says:

      Its not just his belief, but the self-righteous and selfish tantrum he is using to hold civil rights hostage.

      I think you are asking us for compassion for this idiot. In that I wish him a better path.

  • Irina Brown says:

    My religion is not a tirrany but is a religion of peace, love, and love for all men. It’s the poor man that starves him selves that breaks my heart.

  • Jerry says:

    Let Mormon women have multiple husbands!

  • sue says:

    There are much more prominent messages in the bible that people should be focusing on than what is written about gay marriage (also there are many more things the bible says we shouldn’t do, why do people conveniently ignore those and focus on fighting gay marriage, why is that any more wrong than anything else?) Imagine how much less hate there would be if more people chose to focus on the message of doing onto others as you would have done onto you. To those who go out of their way to oppose gay marriage I ask you what affect does the marriage of two people who love each other have on your life? Seriously, how are you hurt by it? Don’t say it will destroy the sanctity of marriage because with the divorce rates we have straight people have done a pretty good job of that already. I am not gay nor do I have anyone close to me that is, I just believe in equality for all. I grew up in a religious household and still hold the values I learned there, which included loving God and all his children, not judging or trying to deny anyone happiness. I’m not that familiar with the Mormon faith but I just can’t believe that the church leaders wouldn’t try to stop him from killing himself, which is a sin and will not get you into heaven (that’s also I’m the bible).

  • Jerry says:

    Trestin, don’t quit your ridiculous, bigoted quest!!!

  • Tausha says:

    Why are you so worried? If I were gay the last person I would want to marry me is a Mormon.

  • Seup says:

    hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

  • Irina Brown says:

    “Sue on” the church leaders can’t make any one do anything. It’s all about free agency. What’s offending me is all those mean comments about this man and about the hate towards Mormons and about pushing gay marriages upon this society as a norm. I’m not saying gay people should stop being gay or stop doing what they are doing. What I’m saying that they shouldn’t try to force it upon this society as a norm for our children’s sake.

    • sue says:

      I didn’t say the church leaders should force him to stop but at least try to convince him to stop. How does allowing gay marriage hurt our children? Why shouldn’t it be part of our norm? Being gay is not a learned behavior if that’s what you’re worried about for your children. I will be teaching my children that it is ok to love who you love and you deserve that same rights as anyone else, no matter who it is that you fall in love with. You have your opinion, I don’t understand it but it is your right to have it.

    • sirald66 says:

      There is an excellent movie to watch called “8: The Mormon Proposition”. It clearly details that religion forcing its members to participate in politics and the blocking of equal rights.

      Oh yes — Think Of The Children!™

  • Bob says:

    Does this man know that the God of this universe will judge him for what is in his heart? Their is definitely no room in heaven for the self rightieous.

  • sirald66 says:

    LDS Church Apostle Dallin C Oaks;
    LDS Church Apostle Boyd K Packer;
    UT Senator Chris Buttars;
    UT Eagle Forum Gayle Ruzicka;
    UT Sutherland Institute Paul Mero;
    Entertainer Alan Osmond of The Osmonds;
    Novalist Orson Scott Card.

  • bruce says:

    Get over your self! Who are you to tell or in force other people what to do! Really christ – like. Good job dumb ass!

  • me says:

    don’t let the door hit ya…

  • Dave says:

    Trestin, I know that you think that what you are doing is right & just & probably in the name of God, but I urge you to really consider your stance on this subject. I think there is a common misconception that homosexuality is a choice & that same sex relationships & sexual acts are perverse, or against nature. I promise you that the vast majority of LGBT people did not choose their sexuality. Being gay is a “natural” occurrence in a very high percentage of cases. People are born gay & most begin to recognize this in themselves at a very early age. I grew up in a fairly conservative environment with catholic parents & it was made clear to me from a young age that homosexuality was abhorrent & that gay people were disgusting sinners who would not make it into heaven. So at 4 years old I felt that I was doomed to eternal hell fire, because I knew that I was different. Over the years I prayed & wished & struggled to change. I could not accept that I was this sinful thing. I was disgusted by my thoughts & behavior & my slightly effeminate mannerisms & speech patterns. I noticed all the differences between myself & other boys & worked really hard to disguise them. I didn’t disguise them well enough, because I was severely bullied by other kids & also by some teachers & other adults charged with my care, including my own father. All through school I worked to disassociate myself from who I was. My father was clearly appalled by the possibility of his only son being gay & ridiculed & scorned & even beat me severely. I suffered black eyes & a broken nose amongst other injuries at the hands of a man who to all others appeared gentle & friendly. All this time, I felt that I deserved this hatred & punishment & I wanted to change. Everything I heard & saw, told me that I was flawed. I continued to lie & hide & wish & pray to change. I felt unworthy & loathed myself. At one point I came very close to ending my life, because I saw no purpose, or reason to live. I buried my desires & disguised my truth. I dated women & lied to them with every touch. Intimacy was possible, but difficult. I eventually married a wonderful woman, who loved me & I lied to her for 10 years. We were intimate a handful of times during our marriage whilst I made excuse after excuse about my lack of interest. We share a wonderful daughter, who I thought would hate me if she ever knew the truth. A year after my marriage ended & after much soul searching I began to like myself more & I recognized that I was a good person with much to offer & that my sexuality was a part of me that would never change, whether I denied it or not. I accepted myself & my sexuality. I finally saw myself as deserving of love & respect. It has been almost 10 years since I came out at 37 & I more of a man now, living as a gay man, than I ever was, living a lie. My relationships are honest & I have a lot of love in my life; including from my wonderful daughter & my ex wife. I have a boyfriend of 6 years, who one day I hope to marry & grow old with. I don’t want any more than to live my life with equal status & love. I don’t want to take anything from you, or people like you. I wish you love & happiness in your life too & hope that you find your own peace. There are millions of people with similar stories to mine. There are probably people in your community, who are terrified to be honest about who they are, including children & teens that you know. They can’t stop being who they are, even if they suppress, or lie about it. They will still be gay. Your protest is very hurtful to a lot of people & it provokes angry responses. They are retaliating. Whether I, or people like me marry, or not, has no bearing on you & your life. You are free to find love & marry whomever you choose (as long as they are a consenting adult). You don’t have to fully understand my desires, or my heart, but you should try to accept it with love. God does not want you to judge others. That’s his job. Focus your attention on helping the needy, surely that would be more fulfilling. Eat.

    • Irina Brown says:

      Dave: thank you for that letter from your heart. It must have been horrible. I’m so sorry you had to go through this. You are the only one who has no hate in your letter. I love all people and I don’t judge anyone. I think things would go smoother if you chose to call your marriages a union instead or a partnership. It’s just differences in opinion. The Mormon church doesn’t hate you, I can assure you of that. The foundation of our belief is Christ who loves everyone and forgives everyone. And no one is perfect. We all do make mistakes. Again, thank you for that heart felt letter. Hope your life is better now.

      • Dave says:

        Hello Irina, Thanks for your response. I want you to know that my life is wonderful & I am happy. I do feel the sting of other peoples lack of acceptance & their pursuit of my unhappiness, but honestly, I have been through enough & have a pretty thick skin & I don’t worry for me. I do worry for the kids & teens that are growing up gay & transgender, because I want them to suffer less discrimination than I did. I want them to feel safe in their homes & schools & towns. I want them to be celebrated for their differences & encouraged to be the best person that they can be, but be who they are. You mentioned that perhaps if we just called it a union, or a partnership, that it might go smoother. If you think that gay people should have the same rights as married people in committed legally binding relationships, then you are for gay marriage already. Calling it something different only makes it seem less. Less is not an option for me. I want to be equal. I want to be able to say.. “This is my husband”. “This is our wedding”. “We have been married for X years”. It is just a word, but it is the difference between equal & not equal. My marriage/relationship is mine & my partners alone & has no bearing on yours or anyone else’s. I may, or may not marry. Time will tell, but I want the choice. I want to be equal & I want LGBT kids growing up to see that we are treated equally & are as good & worthy as everyone else. You mentioned that I was the only one who didn’t have hate in their letter. I haven’t read them all, but I imagine there is a lot of anger being expressed. There are a lot of nasty things said by people on both sides of this issue. This is extremely important to people. You must understand that as LGBT people we have been ridiculed, bated & scorned all our lives & have been shown how to be vicious. These people are not hateful people, they are wounded & defensive & so lash out. I have seen quotes from people that say that “Liberal left is intolerant as they ask for tolerance”. For me, I don’t want to be tolerated. I want to be accepted as an equal. I want the same rights & freedom as everyone else. You don’t have to agree with me, or even like me, but I do want the same opportunities & freedom as the next man, or woman. The Mormon Church released a statement recently that said that Mormons should not hate, or be unkind to LGBT people (I’m paraphrasing), but that the Church feels that being gay is not a sin, but acting upon gay desire is sinful. That to me is like saying that you can be a Mormon, but you can’t pray. Does God really not want people to experience love. I don’t think God is so selfish. If the bible says that my love is wrong, then I say that the bible needs to be corrected (this has happened before). I can tell that you are a good person & that your heart is in the right place, but I urge you to search your soul & think about the question of gay marriage. Is it really so bad? Just let us be equal & we can focus on the real problems that we are really important in this world.

        • sirald66 says:

          Inspired by muse. Well said.

        • Irina Brown says:

          Dear Dave: I do know the church of Jesus Christ of LDS is true. please review these scriptures Leviticus 18:20-25, Romans 1:26-32, Jude 1:7. Genesis 18-19. As you can see homosexuality, sex with children, adultery, sex with animals, fornication, ect are all forms of sin and are uncleanliness in eyes of God. What the LDS church said is only supported by the Bible. So you are saying you love your partner and can’t overcome those desires so where do we draw a line then? If somebody wants to have sex with children and can’t stop those urges we suppose to except it and make it a norm in our society? Do you see my point? What if somebody likes his neighbors wife and he wants to love her so bad he can’t stop. Where do we draw a line???

          • Irina Brown says:

            I do believe that with faith in Jesus Christ and through Him people can repent, change and overcome anything! All you need is a choice, desire to change and faith in Jesus Christ!

          • sirald66 says:

            I see that you presume your religion is “the one true religion”, as all other religions do; and that your bible has anything to do with the lives of others that do not believe in it. And that you cherry-pick your Leviticus argument, as you surely do not burn your loves ones to death because they wear dress made of two different threads. And that you choose to ignore the difference that adults consent and children/animals can not. You are becoming tiresome, Thumper.

          • Irina Brown says:

            You don’t have to chose if you don’t want to. Every body has the free agency to chose for themselves. Everybody will be accountable for their own choices they make in life. You won’t be accountable for mine nor I for yours. I do know the church of Jesus Christ of LDS is true because I was a convert searching for a true religion in a different country. I didn’t agree with any of them. I grew up catholic in a poor family, well poor after the government took everything we had from us and threatened to kill my family. Well, I didn’t know one thing about the LDS church. I came across the Book of Mormon. I was 18. From the first book of Nephi I felt the holly ghost for the first time in my life who testified to me it was a true word of God. I knew then the church was true.

          • Irina Brown says:

            I don’t know you but I feel nothing but love for you people

          • sirald66 says:

            “You people”. {sigh}

          • Irina Brown says:

            Sorry. I don’t know you brothers and sisters but I love you in my heart

        • Irina Brown says:

          Jesus Christ, our savior, died for us sinners, he suffered an unimaginable pain, persecution, beating, betrays, he was spit on and rejected and He suffered for sins of the entire world. He was crucified for us. All he is asking is to keep His commandments and chose to follow Him over sin and our wordy desires and lost. And He gives a ton in return: an eternal life with Him! I chose to sacrifice a little for Him.

        • Irina Brown says:

          I have a sacred and pure relationship with my Savior. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior so much. I am so grateful He gave His life and suffered so much willingly for me, an unworthy sinner. I respect Him so much and I feel like the least I can do is try to keep His commandments. I’m not perfect by any means but I’m trying to do better every day. I slip and fall but I try and try again. The least that I can do is love everybody I meet and be kind to them and not judgmental but excepting.

          • Dave says:

            Hello Irina, I know that you are a good Christian & that you want to be better. You have been told all your life by your parents, teachers & church leaders what is right & what is wrong. You have been told that obedience equals heaven & everlasting joy & that if you do as you are told & don’t question anything, then you will surely rise to the Kingdom of Heaven. You & I are living & we cannot know for sure what comes next, no matter how much we want to believe what we’re told, but I know that many people find immense comfort in the faith, that there is a chance for ever lasting joy in the afterlife. But what if…? What if all this was invented & written in a book to keep the masses under control. Scaring people into obedience with stories of eternal damnation & the firey pits of hell? What if it’s all made up?
            You speak of Jesus suffering “an unimaginable pain, persecution, beating, betrays, he was spit on and rejected.” This is something that happens to gay people far too regularly & I assure you it is not for their own sins. So whose sins are they being beaten for?
            A few weeks ago, a friend posted a video clip on FB that said “2 gay men beaten to death by huge chunks of wood, while police watch”. I thought it was a news report that would describe this atrocity, but it was actual footage of 2 gay men in Nigeria, literally being beaten to death in a busy market place surrounded by 100s of people, including police, who had so little regard for these men, that they cheered on the attackers & let them be bludgeoned to death. I watched them die! I wish I had nor seen this clip. I wish that I had clicked stop, or turned away, but for some reason I didn’t & now I cannot get this image out of my head. I can’t unsee it. The clip was less than a minute & throughout it I felt that someone was going to stop it. I literally, could not believe what I was seeing. This happened on December 11th 2013. In trying to find out where this happened, I discovered that their bodies were set on fire where they lay. Their only crime was that they were born gay & probably loved each other.
            You asked me if I would be willing to trade marriage licenses for civil unions. Absolutely not. I want full equality & acceptance, globally. Anything else is unacceptable. I know that it won’t come easily, but I will spend my life fighting for it, for future generations.
            In another of your responses you compared homosexuality to bestiality, sex with children & adultery. When I talk about homosexual sex & love, I am talking about consensual sex between adults where both parties are of sound mind & are there by their own choice. Of course sex with children & animals is abhorrent. They are unable to choose for themselves. Adultery is a basic lack of self control & there are innocent parties who stand to be hurt, so I don’t condone adultery either, but I am not sure how sinful it really is. It’s not for me, but I think there are worse sins, like beating people to death because of their sexuality in the name of God.
            I feel that you are a good person with a good heart & you have your reasons for following your faith so close to the letter, but I implore you.. I beg you to think for yourself. There is great cruelty in this world & there are far worse things than 2 people of the same sex committing to each other to live as one. We are just people. Like everyone else, we want love, respect & an EQUAL chance in this world. Is that really so much to ask for. Please think about that.

          • Irina Brown says:

            Dear Dave! That is absolutely horrible video you’ve seen. Im so so sorry for those two man. It is an act of cruelty. That is just horrible.

            I’m thinking and I am a thinker. I don’t know how old you are but does it really seam like you’ve lived on that earth this long? No! This life is a temporary period that is very very short to prepare to meet God, your maker. This earth and the universe, space, galaxies, the stars, the moon, the sun, the trees, the planets in the right order, the perfect atmosphere to live on earth, your body and the birth of a child, everything around you testifies there is a God! A maker! An everlasting and amazing, most loving and just eternal Father in Heaven. Go outside and open your eyes and you will see there IS A GOD! Ok, now, I know that if there is God this life is not the end because Christ came to this earth to prove it and show it to everyone! He came to show miracles of God and a miracle or a resurrection. He conquered death! He came to show us all, the man kind that if we follow Him and keep His commandments we can be redirected. I do know for my self we are eternal intelligences. I know that death is not the end. I don know that. I see death all the time and it is just a step to another progression. Trust me! We are here for a purpose to prepare to meet God, our maker. Those murderers will pay one day. God is just!

          • sirald66 says:

            First of all, there is no god. That means those murders have ended their lives violently and there will be no justice – just savagery.

          • Irina Brown says:

            If there’s no God then there’s no you. You don’t exist either.

          • sirald66 says:

            Poof! I don’t exist.

          • sirald66 says:

            I think you will find this an inspiring perspective – http://vimeo.com/38101676

      • sirald66 says:

        I would be fine with all gay people AND straight people calling their legal and fully recognized bond “civil union”. Are you ready to trade in all “marriage” licenses for “civil union” licenses? That way your church (or any other religion) could use the word/ceremony of marriage without its complicated connection to secular law.

  • Kirby says:

    I hope that everyone that is hating on gays and/or is anti-gay marriage has at least one flaming gay son or grandson or one butch lesbian daughter or granddaughter!!! Karma is a b**** people and it going to kill you! #onelove

  • Mark says:

    Hey Trestin, I read you miss Mexican food. Yummy chips and salsa with cheese and guacamole with olives, chicken enchiladas, refried beans, fajitas. Oh, you just got to have one meal. Nobody will find out. 😉

  • Lynn says:

    He looks like he could stand to lose a few pounds anyway.

    I, too, was in the military (25 years) and swore to uphold the U.S. Constitution. SCOTUS recently declared DOMA unconstitutional, yet diehard homophobes still fight it. Just remember the words of an earlier prophet – “The most important work you will ever do is within the confines of your own home.” Spend the time improving YOUR relationships with your family. Please leave others free to do the same.

  • Mark says:

    Hateful and not too bright.

    I love bigots who think if they don’t get their way ‘the gays’ will try to take away their freedom…but all they want to do is to deny the freedom of others.

  • Richard Kasteler says:

    You can’t work for change if you are “committed to death “. It takes true courage to continue to fight. Don’t deplete the ranks of those against this ruling by asking someone else to step up after your death.

  • sirald66 says:

    This is NOT a christian nation.

    The Treaty of Tripoly, attended by a number of founding fathers including John Adams, begins:

    “As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion….”

    Those founding fathers did not dispute this.

    • Irina Brown says:

      This county was founded of a belief in living God who doesn’t change….

      • sirald66 says:

        Now you are just displaying willful-ignorance. I suppose now you think President George Washington was not a True American™ for signing that statement of treaty.

  • Paul Lortz says:

    When the Utah AG and Governor state publicly that “the voters in 2004 voted that marriage is to be between a man and woman therefore that is the WILL OF THE PEOPLE, they LIED to us all.

    The fact is that it is public record that 66% of the people who voted, voted for Amendment 3. 66% of the people who voted are NOT all the people. It is that % of who voted; therefore 66% of the people who voted are not even all of the registered voters let alone ALL THE PEOPLE OF UTAH.

    This is FREE AGENCY IN UTAH: “You will do, live and believe the way ‘I’ [the LDS Church] tell you to or you are not part of the State of Utah, not part of the church and are GOING TO HELL for not believing and living the way God says [aka the LDS Doctrine states] so come back to us [the Church] and blindly SUBMIT TO OUR WILL. Resistance is Futile”

    The US Constitution says there is SUPPOSED to be separation of Church and State. But when denouncing Polygamy to become a state I guess Utah forgot THAT part. So, you can have 5 wives of almost any age, but two adults who love one another even of the same gender cannot marry? What drugs are allot of you here in Utah on?

    As for this guy starving himself: one less Bigoted ASSHOLE and I think we should all have a “1 less Bigot” party on his grave when he dies.

    FREEDOM IS NOT FREEDOM TILL IT APPLIES TO ALL!!!!!

  • Janet Schen says:

    He’s an idiot. I know so many people who have cancer and are fighting to live. And he is purposely ruining his body. And you know what, if he starves to death it won’t change one thing in the marriage laws. But his loved ones will have to deal with what a stupid thing he did. You don’t just throw away your health when there are so many who would do anything to be healthy. Stupidity!

  • BonnieJ Mheshe says:

    This is a man with a fixation that may be based in his own homosexual impulses. It’s often the case that people take a hard line,, against that which they despise in themselves. The reason I rail against authority and control is because I’m battling my programming which was heavily weighted towards obedience. This man is undoubtedly homosexual or bi-sexual. By taking this stand, he’s deflecting. I hope he doesn’t do permanent damage to himself. It may be easier for him to simply come out.

    I can relate to trying to obey, and trying to trust someone else’s proclamations day-to-day. And when I couldn’t get the “right” answers, almost ending life itself because I though it was me that was “broken.” Maybe this poor man IS disguising his suicide

  • Aaronita says:

    USA – from Puritans to Impure-itans

    Is there a connection between beautiful New England and entire American cities turned into smoking rubble? There is.
    Take same-sex marriage. I would have guessed that a “sin” city (San Francisco? Las Vegas?) would have been the first to legalize it.
    Oddly it’s been the place where America started that’s wanted to be the first place to help bring about the end of America and its values! It’s been a Nor’easter of Perversion (helping to fulfill the end time “days of Lot” predicted in Luke 17) that began in (you guessed it) Boston in 2004.
    New England has gone from the Mayflower Compact to the Gay Power Impact, from Providence to decadence, from Bible thumpers to God dumpers, from university to diversity to perversity, and from the land of the Great Awakening to God’s Future Shakening that will make the Boston bombings look like Walden Pond ripples by comparison!
    The same Nor’easter has been spreading south and as far west as Washington State where, after swelling up with pride, Mt. Rainier may wish to celebrate shame-sex marriage by having a blast that Seaddlepated folks can share in lava-land!
    The same Luke 17 prediction is tied to the Book of Revelation which speaks of the cities that God will flatten because of same-sexism – including American cities – a scenario I’ll have to accept since I can’t create my own universe and decree rules for it.
    I’ve just been analyzing the world’s terminal “religion” that has its “god,” its accessories, its “rites,” and even a flag. It’s an obsession that the infected converts are willing to live for, fight for – and even die for!
    Want more facts? Google “God to Same-Sexers: Hurry Up,” “Government-Approved Illegals,” “FOR GAYS ONLY: Jesus predicted” and “The Background Obama Can’t Cover Up.”
    Also Google ” ‘Jesus Never Mentioned Homosexuality.’ When gays have birthdays…”

    [Above seen on web. Any reactions?]

    • sirald66 says:

      Its called unhinged bible-thumping. Very similar to what happens when someone has a psychotic break. Nothing more.

      • Irina Brown says:

        It’s actually a reality and the truth! Very sad…… It’s hard to take the truth! It cutteth to the very center……
        I thought, this person is an amazing writer. Written very well. I bet you can write books and novels. Amazing!

    • Irina Brown says:

      Amen! Written very well!

  • memich says:

    I say this with love,Trestin you are being selfish in my opinion.Think about the worry your loved ones are experiencing right now,think of the people who do not have the choice of eating or not eating because they have no access to food. I do not agree with your opinion on gay marriage at all.I also do not like it when people do destructive things to themselves either. So please stop starving yourself.

    • sirald66 says:

      Religion often becomes mental illness. His bishop needs to form an intervention.

      • Irina Brown says:

        Homosexuality is mental illness

        • Dave says:

          “Homosexuality is a mental illness”? Now you are really showing ignorance. I’m afraid there is no hope for you. Disgusting.

          • Irina Brown says:

            I’m sorry but homosexuality is disgusting to me!

          • Dave says:

            So don’t do it. Straight sex is disgusting to me. Really. It doesn’t make sense to me. It seems unnatural to me personally, but I understand & accept that is not true for the majority of people. We are just born with different attractions. I assure you that I am not broken, or damaged, or mentally ill, or mentally challenged in any way. At least not by my sexuality. I am maybe sensitive to discrimination. If you think that homosexual sex is sinful & wrong in the eyes of God, that’s OK, then God will decide what to do with my soul. Leave the judgement to him & go focus on helping someone that needs it. No matter what you say to me, or what you think, I cannot change my sexuality, but you can change your position on this. You don’t have to change your principles, or beliefs. You have a right to them. Just appreciate my right to live a happy life with equal human rights.

          • Irina Brown says:

            Are you happy? Look inside of yourself, are you truly happy?

          • Dave says:

            YES! But what difference does it make?? I would still be gay if I were happy or not. I bet you.. I guarantee you, that I am happier than you. I am exactly who I am supposed to be. The only things that I am not happy with, are having my rights debated & people expecting me to apologize for who I am.

          • Irina Brown says:

            I know who I am! I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father. And I’m very happy if you are happier then me then that’s great. But I know for a fact that no happiness comes from living in sin.

          • sirald66 says:

            {bzzzt} I am happy and ‘sin’, so either your god is wrong, or you are.

          • Irina Brown says:

            God is never wrong. Read my message again. No body living in sin is happy.

          • sirald66 says:

            Blind faith.

          • Dave says:

            Luke 6:37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.” If I am a sinner, so be it, but so are you. So by your logic, you will never be happy. I am not going to respond to any more of your posts, as I am clearly wasting my time, which saddens me, but I I will give you this gift:
            http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lance-bass/the-first-thing-my-mom-di_b_4556471.html

          • Irina Brown says:

            19Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:19

          • Irina Brown says:

            Choices

          • Harry Dschaak says:

            Wow. tThe argument you are trying to promote is idiotic. Happiness, even a state of happiness comes and goes. Same as one’s inner peace. Some days you have it, but it like every other feeling you could feel, it never stays. Does that mean you are sinning just because something disturbed your peace?

            Jesus. Try to educate yourself before showing your ignorance. There are scientific approaches to this subject. Science doesn’t respect your silly two cent religious diatribes or your personal opinion and in the end, the argument can only be concluded scientifically. A homosexual person is quite capable of experiencing every emotion that any human can feel and express, and so as humans who can identify with every emotion, compassion is extended to those who feel to declare their predicament and we move ahead. Simple stuff. Let gay couples marry whoever they wish. Marrying the one you love is a rare, (sometimes once in a lifetime) experience, and it is a huge step towards absolute personal contentment. The gay community comprises a fair percentage of the global community. They have said that they are not asking to be superior, but equal in all things. They would like their unions and their couples to be recognized as something as normal as an interracial marriage, something that was once seriously frowned upon. However, gay marriage is not exactly like interracial marriage, so to ask the world to treat them the same may be asking too much? Why? Because not everyone believes that one is born gay. Some believe that it is a choice. If it’s a choice, then there never will be a total acceptance from the heterosexual majority. If there is no choice, then compassion allows for it. I’m enclosing a link to an article that provides a scientific argument that does not support the claim that one is born gay, but chooses to be gay. It suggests that no species could survive if the dominant genes were such that homosexuality became the norm. (paraphrasing) I’m not sure that I agree with everything in the article, but it is an argument that in this instance may be somewhat relevent.

            http://www.wnd.com/2012/10/why-you-cant-be-born-gay/

        • sirald66 says:

          Not mental illness (although the stress society places upon them often causes it). Might be argued to be a degree of birth defect, but then a wide range of everyday people have variations (called evolution). Read up – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biology_and_sexual_orientation

  • MORMON says:

    The Sealed Portion of the Book of Mormon has been Translated and it is released to the world.

    You can download it FREE at MWAWTV.com

    Read what it says about the GAY Community and how it should be accepted

    • Irina Brown says:

      Ha hah! I bet! Was it translated by the gay community? Hmmm! We Mormons haven’t heard of such thing! Please do believe in what you chose to believe in and so will I. I will chose to believe in what I believe and know is right…..

    • sirald66 says:

      MWAWTV – Marvelous Works and a Wonder® TV, appears to be a cult lead by Christopher Nemelka. I would strongly advise anyone (especially Mormons) to read a couple critical sites before proceeding past his gate – http://www.mrm.org/christopher-nemelkahttp://chrisnemelka.com/

      • sirald66 says:

        NOTE: Mormon Research Ministry tries to convert mormons to “christians”, which is just cult hopping. My point was only to provide critical thinking about Christopher Nemelka.

    • Kari says:

      Seriously?? He thinks he is the reincarnated Hyrum Smith!! We don’t even believe in reincarnation for Pete’s sakes. This guy is about as far out there as people get. Delusions of grandeur is what this is called clinically, with a heavy dose of narcissistic personality disorder thrown in for good measure.

      • BonnieJ Mheshe says:

        Yeah, many of Joseph Smith’s teachings are no longer believed in,and have bee erased from church documents; reincarnation being but one.

    • Harry Dschaak says:

      Apparently poster MORMON is still in the closet.

      There is nothing at the MWAW site that has anything at all to do with the LDS Church or its leadership. Christopher Nemelka is a foolhardy atheist who took it upon himself to write his Sealed Portion (beginning in 1992) and has tried to present it as something comparable to LDS’ Scripture since that time. There is a part in it that teaches that two of Christ’s disciples (Barnabas and an obscure one named John) were openly gay and Jesus, (of course) was okay with it. His book also goes into great detail explaining how the family unit is evil, and is the source of all of the world’s problems. (Something you might expect from someone whose family wants nothing to do with him). It’s a thousand pages of one very disturbed ex-mormon’s fantasy that contradicts itself continually. Its target audience is mainly people who are growing stagnant or impatient with the leaders of the Conventional Church, who might be ready for something new.

      You can investigate Christopher’s controversial claims by visiting the site that is dedicated to exposing him and his silly charade at the link sirald66 posted. You can click on a Timeline that is supported by documents that tell the real tale of the man who wrote (not translated) the Sealed Portion..

      As for this guy Trestin and his statement against gay marriage, I think he’s just going through a phase, same as any staunch believer in Joseph Smith and his Church. The drum they are beating is one I used to beat, sure, but being bigoted gets old.

  • Paul Lortz says:

    I am called a “Pagan” because I am NOT a Christian. MY ancestors were Viking so my belief is not of the Christian belief of the “ONE and Almighty” God. I believe that there is, has been and always will be too much going on Earth and the cosmos for one individual to be all-seeing, all knowing and in charge & control of everything.

    BUT as a Pagan I have read the Book of Mormon, the Bible, and several other “Scriptures” from around the world so I will have SOME idea of what I am talking about when I discuss religious things.

    I do not recall in the Bible which is supposed to be your Christian God’s WORDS seeing anything about two people who love one another AND being of the same sex cannot marry or that it [the same sex love and marriage] is a SIN. If I am wrong in this, someone out there please show me the chapter and verse(s) in the Bible. Besides, was it not your Christian God that said to “Love one another as thy self”? and also to “Love everyone”?

    So, IF that is the case, is the idea of two people who just happen to be of the same gender loving one and wishing to “marry” their lover is in line with the concept your God laid out about love. Besides, I also do not recall in the Bible seeing that it was/is a SIN for anyone to get married UNLESS IT IS A MAN AND WOMAN.

    Oh, I must be wrong yet again.

    AND finally, what about “Free Agency”?

    MY RIGHTS BEGIN WHERE YOURS END AND YOUR RIGHTS BEGIN WHERE YOURS END.

    I DO NOT HAVE THE “RIGHT” TO IMPOSE MY BELIEFS AND RELIGIOUS IDEALS ON YOU AND PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO IMPOSE YOURS ON ME.

    • Irina Brown says:

      You are wrong! There is a God and He is all mighty and He created this earth for you and gave His son to die for you so you can have another chance. Read the Bible again. You have a choice and a free agency and you will be accountable for your choices I will be for mine.

      • Paul Lortz says:

        As I said in my post Irina ” I believe that there is, has been and always will be too much going on Earth and the cosmos for one individual to be all-seeing, all knowing and in charge & control of everything.”.

        That is MY belief. Always has been, always will be. And I have read your posts along with all the others and I understand that you believe the way you do and no one is going to change your opinions. I also respect your opinions even though i do not agree with them. Please on the other side of the coin respect my opinions and that I have the “free agency” to differ.

        Furthermore, just because YOU do not believe the same way that I do, I do not say that your beliefs are WRONG, so please do not try to tell me that every belief i was brought up with is wrong. That is a very narrow and closed-minded ideal.

        AND of course i am accountable for my choices; EVERYONE IS to one extent or another.

        Enough “religion-bashing” on MY part.

        The man who is starving himself is only hurting himself and the ones around him as well as choosing to chose to show that “his” views are narrow-minded. I respect that he is standing up for his views, I just do not believe that 1: that is the best way to do so and 2: that he is seeing the WHOLE picture. People like him that have bigoted and racist attitudes are why there are so many people all over the world dying in wars and senseless violence.

        BTW: Have ya ever noticed how many groups go to war “in the name of GOD”? Makes one wanta go Hmmmmmm.

  • Paul Lortz says:

    Ok everyone, time for ANOTHER reality check:

    The Constitution of the United States [where we all live], no matter what state we are in and whatever religion we choose to believe in states that Religion is not to use itself to influence Government and visa-versa. The same Constitution states that we as citizens are to have freedom to speak our minds, worship and have equality UNDER THE LAW.

    Now, rather RELIGION, be it the LDS or any other believe that same sex marriage is wrong, or that as “Irina Brown” has so forcefully pointed out that homosexuality is wrong, a sin, and of late has stated that it is a “mental illness” is correct or not is ILRELIVENT TO WHAT IS GOING ON HERE.

    The argument before the US Supreme Court is rather same sex couples who wish to marry have the same rights UNDER THE CONSTITUTION to have their marriages ACCEPTED AS EQUAL UNDER THE CONSTITUTION just as marriages of man/woman are.

    If RELIGION in this country like the one based here in Utah have their way, the answer would be a resounding NO. I myself am thankful that there is a Constitution of the whole 50 states, which Utah is a part of by the way [even though they wish the were not part of that way they could have the religion that seems to want to and tries to run the state and it’s affairs] that states there are EQUAL RIGHTS FOR ALL CITIZENS, which is all the same sex couples are asking for the Court to affirm.

    This again has NOTHING TO DO WITH ANY RELIGION BUT ABOUT THE RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUALS TO HAVE EQUAL TREATMENT UNDER THE LAW without any single state or religion trying to shove it’s individual beliefs down their throats, which is again against the US Constitution, which all 50 states have agreed upon when becoming a State. IF the individual state does not like it, then they should succeed from the union and become their own country then the could force the masses to be good little automatons and “sheep-a-lows” like the upper echelons of the LDS Church all their members [and everyone else] would.

    RELIGION, and religious belief needs to clam up, suck it up and let the issue be dealt with like the LEGAL ISSUE IT IS.

    • Irina Brown says:

      Ha hah! You’ve just contradicted yourself. You are the ones who are forcing your beliefs and your religion upon this country and trying to change this government and the constitution.

      • Paul Lortz says:

        NO, I DON’T THINK SO! YOU NEED TO READ ALL MY PAST POSTS.

        I am currently living in the Salt Lake City area, but i am NOT LDS. I am NOT even from this state, let alone the USA. I am an LEGAL immigrant from Norway. My ancestry is VIKING, so I am a PAGAN, as in NON-Christian. As i posted before, I do NOT believe in the Christian belief of the “One-God” principal and I do not discuss my religious beliefs beyond the above statement UNLESS SOMEONE ASKS ME TOO, so YOU need to read all the posts before you tell ME that I am being as you say “contradictory”.

        • Irina Brown says:

          I mean when you said about religion pushing stuff on constitution when gay people are the once who are trying to change the government and laws and it’s original constitution which was built not on LDS religion but on belief in the One and Living God. You are the one who is trying to change that not us.

  • sirald66 says:

    This comment thread is about wrapped up. Trestin failed to weed himself out of the gene pool. Another case winds its way through the courts. Utah displays its “values”. And Irina Brown is willfully-ignorant.

    • Irina Brown says:

      SALT LAKE CITY — The LDS Church affirmed Friday the constitutionally protected rights of its leaders and members to express religious convictions and called for civility and kindness in the debate on same-sex marriage.

      The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also detailed instructions relative to same-sex marriage in a letter to congregational leaders in the United States.

      “Just as those who promote same-sex marriage are entitled to civility, the same is true for those who oppose it,” the leaders stated in the letter, posted on the church’s website. “The church insists on its leaders’ and members’ constitutionally protected right to express and advocate religious convictions on marriage, family and morality free from retaliation or retribution. The church is also entitled to maintain its standards of moral conduct and good standing for members.”

      The letter also emphasized that those who promote same-sex marriage are equally deserving of civility.

      “While these matters will continue to evolve, we affirm that those who avail themselves of laws or court rulings authorizing same-sex marriage should not be treated disrespectfully. The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to love and treat all people with kindness and civility—even when we disagree.”

      The letter referred to the most recent court developments regarding same-sex marriage in Utah and stated that “changes in the civil law do not, indeed cannot, change the moral law that God has established. God expects us to uphold and keep His commandments regardless of divergent opinions or trends in society.”

      The letter also restated the church’s position that its officers neither perform same-sex marriages nor permit use of LDS meetinghouses for them.

      “Consistent with our fundamental beliefs, church officers will not employ their ecclesiastical authority to perform marriages between two people of the same sex, and the church does not permit its meetinghouses or other properties to be used for ceremonies, receptions or other activities associated with same-sex marriages. Nevertheless, all visitors are welcome to our chapels and premises so long as they respect our standards of conduct while there.”

      The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve used Bible passages in the letter to reiterate the church’s doctrine that marriage between a man and a woman is part of the divine purpose of the world.

      “Marriage between a man and a woman was instituted by God and is central to His plan for His children and for the well-being of society,” the letter says. “Strong families, guided by a loving mother and father, serve as the fundamental institution for nurturing children, instilling faith, and transmitting to future generations the moral strengths and values that are important to civilization and crucial to eternal salvation.”

      The letter urges congregational leaders to teach members the church’s doctrine in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” issued in 1995.

      Email: twalch@deseretnews.com

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      Comments (66)
      1. 1.96 Standard Deviations
      OREM, UT,
      18 hours ago
      Read the entire release from the church website. Well done!
      2. Baccus0902
      Leesburg, VA,
      18 hours ago
      The LDS Church has made an official statement, which is reasonable, respectful, and clearly expresses its opinion and rules about Same Sex Marriage.

      As an LDS I regret the decision. However, I have no recourse other than accept it as the voice of the authorities of the church.

      As an LGBT man I respect the LDS church decision and certainly accept their rejection to SSM.

      There is no resentment and as always I wish well to all the saints.

      However, the conflict has never been because supporters of SSM want to use the LDS buildings or LDS to officiate in our ceremonies. The conflict is because the LDS church has interfered in politics in an attempt to prevent some individuals to live their lives according to the dictates of their conscience.
      3. windsor
      City, Ut,
      18 hours ago
      Love the always careful wording of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve so no one on either side can misunderstand their position or statements.

      Also liked that they reiterated that while we as LDS disagree with those who support SSM, we will treat them kindly and allow them to believe and act as they will….

      Just as we hope supporters of SSM will reciprocate and allow us the same freedom to believe and act as we will—

      And that they would offer the same kindness to us.
      4. ImaUteFan
      West Jordan, UT,
      18 hours ago
      “Marriage between a man and a woman was instituted by God and is central to His plan for His children and for the well-being of society. Strong families, guided by a loving mother and father, serve as the fundamental institution for nurturing children, instilling faith and transmitting to future generations the moral strengths and values that are important to civilization and crucial to eternal salvation.”

      There it is. That pretty much sums it up for all of the LDS members who have been confused on this issue.

      I appreciate this statement being issued by the Church and applaud their call for civility on both sides.
      5. Chris B
      Salt Lake City, UT,
      18 hours ago
      I am not Mormon but I stand with Mormon prophet Monson(and Pope Francis) on this issue!
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  • Harry Dschaak says:

    I’m glad that the current leaders of the LDS Church took the time to carefully explain their position on this issue, because it proves that even though they have softened their position towards the LGBT community, they are still able to discriminate against them. It’s like saying, “We approve of same sex marriages, but we cannot actually put our “seal” of approval on them”— which is a classic contradiction and reveals that loving LDS Church leaders reserve the right to be prejudiced towards a particular segment of society which in turn allows the general Church membership to justify their own personal prejudices.(respectfully of course)

    Not to worry folks, the LDS Church will eventually back away from their present position, just like they always do when it becomes obvious to them that they are not impressing the nonmember public.

    I consider myself to be a regular guy, and I can only imagine what it would feel like if I was not permitted to legally and lawfully marry the person of my own choosing.

    I think that I would eventually come to to despise the organization or the institution that forbid me to do it. I might even forsake my peers and their many opinions on the subject and rise up and join a movement that seeks to over throw those in power. If I am a regular person with those kinds of emotions, just imagine how many regular people with those same kinds of feelings and emotions might eventually rise up and put pressure on their Religious leaders worldwide to either relent, or be left to themselves without any tithing money to pay bills with? I’m not gay, nor do I have any hidden tendencies to be gay. I just know how it feels to be able to marry the one you love and bring closure to an engagement. It can be a life altering event. Everyone ought to exprience the feeling at least once in their lifetime. It happened to Bambi, Flower, and Thumper, so why not every living organism, including you? I say rose petals for all.

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