In Defense of Elder Packer

There has been an uproar from many people in regards to Elder Packer's talk that was given in conference. It has been a bit surprising, yet when someone takes a position as clear as Elder Packer, some are bound to be offended.

Let me start out by saying that while I don't agree with the lifestyle of the homosexual community, I don't have any hateful or unkind feelings towards them as human beings, the only issue I have is with their reactions to a differing belief. Somehow it feels a bit unfair that they demand acceptance without returning it and then attempt to force Elder Packer and the Church to alter doctrine just because it doesn't condone their lifestyle. That seems unfair. I realize that this is not something these people take lightly and they have many deep feelings. I also realize that they want to be accepted and to have self-worth. It was a hard thing to say what Elder Packer said, but I believe what he said was correct. Let me step away from feelings for just a little bit and approach the subject with a little logic.

First of all, Elder Packer believes in God. The God Elder Packer and I believe in has a plan for his children. That plan that we believe and accept revolves around the idea that we are here on earth to be tested. That plan also includes that we are to raise families and have children. The temple is for the sealing of families and the progression of humanity through eternity. That is it. That is what we believe.

So my question is, as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ and as a man who has an abiding testimony and belief in this plan, a belief so strong that he was willing to accept the call as an Apostle and give the rest of his life for that cause, how could he say anything else than he said? Had he done so he would have been denying his testimony. A person who believes this plan cannot speak for anything that would not encourage people to move closer to the realization of this plan which includes being sealed in the temple and having posterity. To teach otherwise would be to show a misunderstanding of a core doctrine of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It is not hateful, it is not mean-spirited. Yes, Elder Packer was blunt, but he did not say anything that was out of line with what he believed is central to the plan of salvation we believe in as members of the Church. Also, we believe that plan applies to all people on the earth. How could Elder Packer support a lifestyle that will ultimately lead away from this goal? It is illogical and in opposition to who he is.

There is a lot of talk about being true to oneself. If I disagree, I don't have to be disagreeable. All people deserve love and respect. It is claimed that there is nothing some one can do who has homosexual attractions. This is a relinquishing of agency and will-power. There are people who claim biology. We are what we think and choose to believe.

My belief tells me that people are "free to choose". This is not limited. We are free "according to the flesh" (2 Nephi 2:27). We have agency. We can decide what we become. "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). I cannot accept the argument of "that is just how I am". I spend my days teaching that we are in control of our lives. Just because a thought enters our mind doesn't mean it is true. Just because a desire or attraction comes into our mind or heart doesn't mean we have to entertain it or start to believe it. I think that sometimes we have a thought enter our mind that frightens us, in regards to any subject, and we are afraid of it, then we panic and fight against it. The more time we spend fighting it the more tired we come. I have learned to stop fighting the thought and after analyzing it for true or false, worthwhile or worthless, I can either simply dismiss it or accept it if it passes for truth. I have found that lies that enter are based in fear and darkness. Truths always promote courage, freedom and light.

So, in essence. I agree with Elder Packer. I agree one-hundred percent. Not just because I trust him as a leader, but because after debating the issue in my mind and struggling with where to stand for the past 15 years, because of my personal relationship with people struggling with homosexuality, whom I care about, and based on my belief in God, who loves all His children, but has set up a plan that requires family: husband, wife, and children relationships, my conclusion is that God needs families to get his children back home. Nothing else makes sense. I also believe in the power of the mind to shape a person. I believe that people are malleable and adaptable and can change. To think otherwise for me would be to deny a basic part of what make me human.

This is a sensitive topic in the world, if you disagree with me for whatever reason, that is fine. Just don't think that because I believe differently with all my heart that I am cold and insensitive. Don't call me names. Don't believe that I am full of hate and spite, because that is not true. I care about what people go through and struggle with. I care about the pain they feel because they don't think they belong. I believe the pain is real. I also believe in a Savior who helps people change.

Yes, I believe homosexuality is a temptation, I know that offends some people, that is not my intent. My intent is to state my belief that WE are in charge of who we are and that just because something came into my mind, or just because my body desires something, doesn't mean I have to submit to it. Many of the things that enter our minds any given day are not true. It is the things we are afraid of that we give too much credence to until they find a place to take up residence. I would say, don't be afraid of a thought. Examine, decide whether it is worthwhile or not then move forward. Hand to the rod, eyes on the goal.

Elder Packer's talk stirred up much controversy, but I believe his intent was to give hope to people who feel like this is a struggle. Perhaps he wanted to give hope to people who want to change.

If you're curious here is the link to Elder Packer's talk: http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1298-23,00.html

If you read the whole thing you will realize that Elder Packer is concerned and is trying to help. To quote part of his talk:

"Every soul confined in a prison of sin, guilt, or perversion has a key to the gate. The key is labeled “repentance.” If you know how to use this key, the adversary cannot hold you. The twin principles of repentance and forgiveness exceed in strength the awesome power of the tempter. If you are bound by a habit or an addiction that is unworthy, you must stop conduct that is harmful. Angels will coach you, and priesthood leaders will guide you through those difficult times."

"Nowhere are the generosity and the kindness and mercy of God more manifest than in repentance. Do you understand the consummate cleansing power of the Atonement made by the Son of God, our Savior, our Redeemer? He said, “I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent.” In that supernal act of love, the Savior paid the penalties for our sins so that we might not have to pay."...

"Strangely enough, it may be that the simplest and most powerful prevention and cure for pornography, or any unclean act, is to ignore and avoid it. Delete from the mind any unworthy thought that tries to take root. Once you have decided to remain clean, you are asserting your God-given agency. And then, as President Smith counseled, “Don’t look back.”"

"I promise that ahead of you is peace and happiness for you and your family. The ultimate end of all activity in the Church is that a man and his wife and their children can be happy at home. And I invoke the blessings of the Lord upon you who are struggling against this terrible plague, to find the healing that is available to us in the priesthood of the Lord. I bear witness of that power in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." (Elder Boyd K. Packer, October Conference 2010)