3/4’s Straight

I remember in the late 60’s, early 70’s when I was a teen being taught in church that Satan was trying to blur the distinction between the sexes in an effort to disrupt Our Father’s plan for His children to come to earth as part of a family, etc. I think we can say mission accomplished. When one doesn’t have a firm testimony/personal witness of eternal truths, one can be swayed by the braying from the GSB (Great and Spacious Building). This relates to the later marriage ages, falling birthrates, and general confusion about sexuality and gender roles.
Perhaps we need to heed the counsel of Paul to the Corinthians: “Wherefore, come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing: and I will receive you.” (2 Cor. 6:17, see also Isa. 52:11, Alma 5:57, D&C 38:42, D&C 133:5)

This is insane. I always remember being told by pro-gay people that about 10% of the population was gay, with anti-gay people insisting it was much lower, maybe 3%. Now even Muslims are 15% non-straight?

I hope at least some of the something-elses were people who rejected the premises of the question and said something like “I’m normal.”

@ WJT,
My response to such questions is usually, “None of your business,” because it really, truly isn’t. Unless you’re a single young man interested in marriage, in which case that topic is relevant.

There has been an emphasis lately on not labeling yourself based on sexual attraction

Two thoughts

1 – I think the Lord deliberately gives his Saints the same temptations and trials as those in the World. That way, when they live faithfully, the Wicked have no excuse.

2 – That said, I don’t think that is the entire explanation. Unless there is a rapid and widespread repentance, then the Lord will give us trials, we who are faithful in the First World. Indeed, I think we can expect our popularity to take a drop. We can expect to see real persecution.

Looks like we’re in for interesting times. I’m glad I’m older and I wish the youth of today luck.

From President Benson:

“The plaguing sin of this generation is sexual immorality. This, the Prophet Joseph said, would be the source of more temptations, more buffetings, and more difficulties for the elders of Israel than any other. (See Journal of Discourses, 8:55.)

“President Joseph F. Smith said that sexual impurity would be one of the three dangers that would threaten the Church within—and so it does. (See Gospel Doctrine, pp. 312–13.) It permeates our society.”

If you’re wondering, the other two dangers Joseph F. Smith identified were flattery of prominent men in the world, and false educational ideas.

My optimistic spin is that the middle ground hasn’t completely vanished and many of those ambling down the broad way still considered themselves members of the church. Fifty years ago they would have been people with a smoking habit who still support the church in various ways and welcome the home teachers.

I must confess, when I first heard the Proclamation on the Family, I wondered why we needed it at all. But, that is why I am not a General Authority.

The quote by Joseph F Smith is interesting. I can certainly see Sexual Immorality as an issue. Flattery seems believeable. But what False Educational Ideas are on an equal level to be a threat to the Church? That one I don’t really understand.