Same gender attraction is such a sensitive and controversial topic in today's world. Many are torn between religion, ethics, personal choice and genetics. But how do we know what is acceptable and what is not? In the LDS church we know marriage is between a man and a woman, and we need to need to preserve the traditional marriage and family. But I think this such a complex topic that we can not leave the topic that basic.
Many people argue whether being gay is genetic, or if it outside factors that causes same gender attraction. But in my opinion it doesn't really matter. Yes, we are taught that homosexual feelings should not be acted upon, but I also think God would not want any of His children to be unhappy or in so much pain from the feelings they have. I have from leaders in the church, that before some spirits came to Earth, they knew one of their trials would be having same gender attraction. So whether its personal choice, genetics, or outside factors, that cause these feelings, I think that we were born that way for a reason. And I do admire the people that can remain celibate and following the standards of the church, because their faith is so strong, but I also think it is a harder feeling than many of us do not understand, so we can not judge or blame someone for acting upon their feelings.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Saturday, October 10, 2015
The Culture Around Us
Culture influences many of our thoughts, feelings, and actions. The world in which we live in has many different cultures, some that are accepted, and some that are not. But is it our place to say our culture, in the United States, is better than other cultures around the world? Or even with our culture of being apart of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we have the tendency to think that our culture is better than other cultures. Is this the right thing to do?
In my opinion it is a 50/50 dilemma. On one hand yes, our culture in the United States is better than many others because of the freedom and privileges w have. Or even as a church, we know the Lord's plan, and we know the truth behind the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, I do not think it is right for us to say that we are better as a society, because every society has its problems, and everyone is also a children of God. So we need to focus on ourselves, and keeping the Lord commandments, and not letting the world's culture into our lives.
The world is full of so many negative things, and things that are supposed to be glamorous, or fun. But we need to be firm in out beliefs to keep the standards of our faith. So many people think marriage is unnecessary, or think families are not essential in this life, because of the things that have happened in their lives. The world wants us to believe we are better on our own, and we do not need the basic things, like a family, that our world has focused upon for so long. It is our job to maintain the culture of our church, and represent God the best we can, to show what a powerful thing families and following the Gospel of Jesus Christ can do for one another, and our societies.
In my opinion it is a 50/50 dilemma. On one hand yes, our culture in the United States is better than many others because of the freedom and privileges w have. Or even as a church, we know the Lord's plan, and we know the truth behind the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, I do not think it is right for us to say that we are better as a society, because every society has its problems, and everyone is also a children of God. So we need to focus on ourselves, and keeping the Lord commandments, and not letting the world's culture into our lives.
The world is full of so many negative things, and things that are supposed to be glamorous, or fun. But we need to be firm in out beliefs to keep the standards of our faith. So many people think marriage is unnecessary, or think families are not essential in this life, because of the things that have happened in their lives. The world wants us to believe we are better on our own, and we do not need the basic things, like a family, that our world has focused upon for so long. It is our job to maintain the culture of our church, and represent God the best we can, to show what a powerful thing families and following the Gospel of Jesus Christ can do for one another, and our societies.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Where Do I Fit In?
Family dynamics are really weird if you think about it. How come kids who are raised by the same parents and have a similar life style, often have so many different personalities and traits? Or why do people say birth order always affects someone's life?
This week in class we talked about how everyone in a family plays a certain role. Are you the trouble maker? The 2nd mom? The peacemaker? Whatever your role is, it has an affect on the rest of the family. It was somewhat hard to see what the roles my family played because we are all adults and more or less living our own lives. We all have very different lifestyles out of my four siblings and I, but I could not really peace together who has what role. But when families are living together under one roof, it is probably easier to see what roles kids will play.
In a few of my other classes I have taken besides family relations have talked about family dynamics and roles as well. Research has shown that oldest children are more likely to be very driven, and career oriented. Middle children are supposed to be the most social and out going. And youngest children are mostly to rebel. So when I thought of this I was wondering, do these statistics change when you don't have three kids? And what are the factors that play into studies like this?
In my opinion I think it is important to recognize your role, and your family member's roles in the family unit because then you can become closer. I think a lot of times people focus on themselves and what they want to be in the family, instead of understanding how to use their talents to better the family as a whole.
This week in class we talked about how everyone in a family plays a certain role. Are you the trouble maker? The 2nd mom? The peacemaker? Whatever your role is, it has an affect on the rest of the family. It was somewhat hard to see what the roles my family played because we are all adults and more or less living our own lives. We all have very different lifestyles out of my four siblings and I, but I could not really peace together who has what role. But when families are living together under one roof, it is probably easier to see what roles kids will play.
In a few of my other classes I have taken besides family relations have talked about family dynamics and roles as well. Research has shown that oldest children are more likely to be very driven, and career oriented. Middle children are supposed to be the most social and out going. And youngest children are mostly to rebel. So when I thought of this I was wondering, do these statistics change when you don't have three kids? And what are the factors that play into studies like this?
In my opinion I think it is important to recognize your role, and your family member's roles in the family unit because then you can become closer. I think a lot of times people focus on themselves and what they want to be in the family, instead of understanding how to use their talents to better the family as a whole.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Does It Really Matter?
Does it really matter when we get married? Does it really matter if I don't have kids? Does it really matter if same-sex marriage is legalized? Does anything really matter?
In today's society everything seems so black and white. We need to fit in certain categories to be good people, or we need to make a certain amount of money to be successful. If we get married young it's like we are throwing our lives away, but if we get married when we are older we seem selfish and prideful. But why is does it have to be this way?
In the LDS community we are know that one of the commandments is to multiply and replenish the Earth. Many people have different opinions of what this means. Some think we need to have as many children as possible, and bring as many spirits of God to Earth. But others think it is up to your spouse and yourself to decide if you want 1 or 12 kids. But in reality we need to decide with our spouses and the Lord, how many kids our family needs. It is nor right to say that we need to have as many kids as possible because we need make sure we can love, and support each kid, but also fulfill our other responsibilities. It does matter how many kids we have, but it is all a personal decision.
Why do so many people feel pressure to get married, and why do so many avoid marriage all together? In my opinion, I believe that in the United States, everyone has preconceived notions of what will bring us happiness. Some think it is children and a family, some think it is having the latest new trends, and some think it is experiencing the world. But why cant we have all of these things? So many people think if they get married young they will not have be able to have the same enjoyment or satisfaction as being single. But also so many people that the only way they can be happy is if they get married and have kids, but do not understand that being married is not as easy as it seems. I think it is all a very personal thing, but we need to realize the blessings we can have from the different scenarios we can have in our life. Not everything needs to be planned out, we need to live our life and be open to blessings the Lord has in store us.
How many kids we have, when we get married, and controversial topics like same-sex marriage all matter, but we do not have to fit into society's reason why they matter. We need to decide why these topics matter too us, and do our best to live righteously while contemplating these important issues.
In today's society everything seems so black and white. We need to fit in certain categories to be good people, or we need to make a certain amount of money to be successful. If we get married young it's like we are throwing our lives away, but if we get married when we are older we seem selfish and prideful. But why is does it have to be this way?
In the LDS community we are know that one of the commandments is to multiply and replenish the Earth. Many people have different opinions of what this means. Some think we need to have as many children as possible, and bring as many spirits of God to Earth. But others think it is up to your spouse and yourself to decide if you want 1 or 12 kids. But in reality we need to decide with our spouses and the Lord, how many kids our family needs. It is nor right to say that we need to have as many kids as possible because we need make sure we can love, and support each kid, but also fulfill our other responsibilities. It does matter how many kids we have, but it is all a personal decision.
Why do so many people feel pressure to get married, and why do so many avoid marriage all together? In my opinion, I believe that in the United States, everyone has preconceived notions of what will bring us happiness. Some think it is children and a family, some think it is having the latest new trends, and some think it is experiencing the world. But why cant we have all of these things? So many people think if they get married young they will not have be able to have the same enjoyment or satisfaction as being single. But also so many people that the only way they can be happy is if they get married and have kids, but do not understand that being married is not as easy as it seems. I think it is all a very personal thing, but we need to realize the blessings we can have from the different scenarios we can have in our life. Not everything needs to be planned out, we need to live our life and be open to blessings the Lord has in store us.
How many kids we have, when we get married, and controversial topics like same-sex marriage all matter, but we do not have to fit into society's reason why they matter. We need to decide why these topics matter too us, and do our best to live righteously while contemplating these important issues.
Monday, September 21, 2015
The Family
The family is such a basic structure of life, that often times we under estimate the power of the family in our lives. The meaning of family is personal to each individual, yet everyone is entitled to their own support system, and in many ways these "family" structures have many similar qualities, that bring each one of us happiness.
I will be sharing my thoughts and perspectives of topics covered in my Family Relations class, at Brigham Young University-Idaho. I am confident many people have had similar questions, concerns, and ideas about the family, and hope that I can share some of my thoughts regarding these areas of the family.
I will be sharing my thoughts and perspectives of topics covered in my Family Relations class, at Brigham Young University-Idaho. I am confident many people have had similar questions, concerns, and ideas about the family, and hope that I can share some of my thoughts regarding these areas of the family.
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