A gay Latter-day Saint’s reason for staying in the Church

[@saramullenish]

I was raised by a single gay man. He raised me in the church. He had been excommunicated. He went through the repentance process and was rebaptized. He strive to do the Lords will. I saw it. It strengthened and convicted my testimony. That my father was so willing to "suffer" through his own pain so that I would have the opportunity to know my Savior so I wouldn't have to suffer without the Gospel, the Holy Ghost and the precious gift of the Atonement, was the perfect example of the Savior's love that I needed. I remember watching my dad study the scriptures daily. Eventually, he met a woman that he loved completely. He was sealed in the temple and died living the gospel standards. I am so grateful for his sacrifices and love. I'm also very grateful to see this video. What a comfort it is to know that today, gay brothers and sisters don't have to suffer in lonely silence. God bless you for your faith, devotion and willingness to forgive.

[@Ceibhfhionn]

Thank you sharing his story and yours, and I'm glad he felt more happiness at the end of his life. With all due respect, if he loved his cherished wife romantically he was bisexual, not gay.

[@MichaelLivingston-me]

This is a good video which shows someone with enough maturity and experience to explain his experience. I left the LDS Church many years ago. I'm also straight but have worked with people as well as family members that are LGBTQ. I appreciate hearing from others that have a different experience and perspective. I think these sort of Q&As without judgement are very helpful.

[@nintendofan1750]

I hope this video reaches a large audience. Thank you for this. Both of your genuine emotion is beautiful.

[@maryannstout7600]

I MUST get your book!!!❤🎉I’m 73yrs.old and have children and grandchildren who are part of the LGBTQ community. My family members who are LGBTQ are really kind and understanding with me. Sometimes I handle this well and sometimes I don’t. Most of them have left the Church. Only one is active. I am close with each one of them. I really appreciate their help and advice and love 💕. I am very grateful for your interview. It’s really insightful. Thanks 🙏. God bless you for your testimony, faithfulness and honesty.❤😊

[@ErC-oj6rc]

They are really kind, and understanding with you because they want you to accept them for who they are, and support their Behavior. I really could care less if the Church Loses a Generation. I've only been here a Few years, and alot of Members don't have any backbone its nothing but being Nice, and Kind to everyone they even go so far as to "Support them" in their Unrighteous behavior. I don't know...Maybe I'm the one who doesn't make it to the Celestial Kingdom...but this much I am certain...Is that id rather hope, and Pray that the entire world gets Glassed, and me with it if it means that The Father will sit on His Throne. Because The Book of Mormon is Literally True, and Temples are REAL....and Posterity is important...but I would sooner their branches be cast into the Fire then support them in their Iniquity, and if that means someone like myself doesn't make it to the Celestial Kingdom. Small Price for an End to Chaos, and the Establishment of The Eternal Order that will bring this world to Heel.

[@Cindybin46]

There is no "LGBTQ community", and people shouldn't even know what that stands for. We never heard of such a thing when I was growing up!

[@fiamedknuff]

@@ErC-oj6rc Enjoy the outer darkness.

[@ErC-oj6rc]

@@fiamedknuff Right....and Im pretty sure your real name isn't Sofia.

[@theQiwiMan]

What an amazing man. Beautiful testimony, made me weep tears of joy. God bless you, Ben, and all who struggle in our own ways with overwhelming trials but try to stay faithful regardless. ❤

[@latterdaydad]

Phew! Not a simple topic! Thank you for having this conversation and allowing us to see things from multiple angles 🥰

[@SaintsUnscripted]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidchoate512]

@@latterdaydad yes, not an easy topic .

[@magaDi97]

Being straight and single is also hard. Being straight and married is also hard. Being divorce is also hard. Keeping the commandments is hard, take your cross and follow Jesus. Amen

[@sbladbyu]

This was absolutely amazing! This should be required listening for every member of the church. I am a psychologist who is LDS and I have had the privilege of working with so many LGBTQ individuals over the years and it is an honor to be with them and to hear their stories. We need to listen and love and trust God that He has a plan for each and every one of His children. We need to keep the conversation going…

[@Cindybin46]

But people shouldn't even know what "LGBTQ" means! i grew up in the 60s and we never heard of this stuff!

[@Lando_P1]

@@Cindybin46 Homosexuality has existed since ancient times. You may have grown up in a bubble but the Stonewall movement was making progress for civil rights in 1969.

[@Cindybin46]

@@Lando_P1 you guys always tell me that. It doesn't make it right to indoctrinate our children!

[@casperyeow8996]

This was such a wholesome positive conversation. Loved it. Thanks Ben and Sabrina!

[@k.bronson7343]

Incredible exchange. Thank you so much for enlightening as many as are willing to learn more. Loved it.

[@SaintsUnscripted]

Thank you for your comment!

[@maryfletcher9905]

U just made me CRY😭 SO MANY X's during This presentation! Thank you for your encouraging words! 💥GOD BLESS YOU!!🙌💪😆 ALWAYS HE WILL OPEN UP THE WAY 🙌😘 FOR ... EVERYTHING TO BE HEALED AND THAT'S TRUE!!😂❤😊

[@Jace28142]

I have Ben’s book and I have learned so much from him. I have many friends and family members who are in the LGBTQ community. It warms my heart that Ben has chosen to stay strong and active.

[@Nikki-wy9np]

I’ve met Ben several times. He’s a great guy. As a nonbinary member of the church, I feel pretty much exactly like Ben does about the church and identity. It’s really really difficult. But I feel called to stay and I feel called to share. ❤

[@beckischreyer]

Every gay man I’ve listened to… that have stayed in the church are so open to any path taken by their gay brethren in the church. It’s been… this path brought me peace… but it’s not the path for every man that experiences being gay. I’m incredibly inspired by each of them… including you… for finding your strength in your faith in Jesus Christ… and knowing that everything will work out in the end. Each of us face unfairness… it’s true… learning to be ok with life being unfair but still good… is something we all need to find, to see… to honestly feel and believe ❤

[@elissajones5154]

This was so wonderful to listen to! ❤ I wish more members would be open minded. I think growing up in the church makes you believe that all members are “cookie cutter” and should all have the exact same testimonies. I’ve learned that each member has their own customized testimony! And THATS OKAY! stop getting mad or uncomfortable, like you said, when someone has a testimony and also has a colorful Mohawk; or has a testimony and a bunch of tattoos. Or has a testimony and is gay. ALL OF THESE THINGS CAN COINCIDE! Anyways. Thank you for helping us know how to love better and be more Christlike and unafraid of differences.

[@judileemhuis1723]

I would suggest listening to podcasts by Becket Cook, Rosario Butterfield and Christopher Yuan. Amazing individuals who were gay and now share their experiences of coming to Christ.

[@jrblack78]

Beautiful testimony…thank you for sharing and being so vulnerable. You are right…all things will be made right some day through Jesus Christ. Hold on brother! Things will work out more gloriously than we can possibly imagine!

[@PageTurnersbooktube523]

he has to live the same law of chastity as unmarried straight people do which is probably hard but not immpossible

[@papasteph3226]

Perfect comment. It is all about the law of Chastity. Embracing a lifestyle can make it tough, but similar to other unmarried straight people. We believe in being Chaste. No matter your sexuality.

[@Eli12344]

13:10 was powerful, I have never thought of that in that way. Thank you for sharing.

[@wendyfoster5579]

What an amazing guy. Years ago I read the book in Quiet Desperation and seeing the pain of those 2 young men but yet the love for the Lord was amazing. This is a great episode.

[@rhi6536]

Thank you Ben, excellent information and advice. God bless you brother ❤

[@trenthav]

this is very enlightening i really enjoyed listening to this discussion. i really do believe whoever is at church we need to be glad they are there. we are all individual on our own path and the church is a place of love and fellowship where we go to help each other grow closer to Christ.

[@HalE14]

Really good episode! I love the vulnerability and the Spirit in this conversation ❤

[@djlarkin76]

Loved this. Thank you for sharing your experience and perspective. Very helpful and insightful

[@cheryllindsay7718]

I loved watching this! You both are truly beautiful souls!

[@staceys5525]

Thank you so much for your valued insight and inspired words. What a beautiful discussion that helped me to understand things so much more. Absolutely beautiful!

[@jh-nt9ws]

Thank you for sharing and helping others to better understand.

[@mormonismwiththemurph]

I appreciate Bens experience and perspective! I appreciate him accepting his sexuality while trying to maintain active in the church and live the gospel.

[@josephspratling3511]

Thank for sharing your story with all us! I’ve always wanted to discuss this with some of my gay friends but I’m afraid I’ll offend them or that they’re just going to criticize me as member. But I wish to see them as Christ does and prepare myself to be there for people in my life that may possibly have this struggle. I love the advice of being with someone in their problems ❤️❤️ thank you so much

[@ermkayyy]

Thank you for this beautiful video ❤

[@speciallady96]

I love this. Ben, you are a light and I appreciate your candidness and thoughtful remarks. I think we all need to be willing to hear the experience of others and let our hearts grow bigger. The Lord loves ALL of His children. That is something I know and believe. As we come unto the Lord He changes is and opens our minds and hearts to greater understanding. I have seen this in my life and can only imagine what greater understanding is to come as I continue to keep my Covenants and continue to have a desire to follow Him, not only will my love for the Lord increase but my love for my brothers and sisters will increase too.

[@gondorr3460]

Thank you for sharing your experience as a same sex attracted faithful member of the Church. It is truly helpful.

[@RLDRemembrance]

This is awesome, thanks for the conversation.

[@SaintsUnscripted]

Thanks for watching!

[@RLDRemembrance]

Ofcourse! I love the host so much I just wanted to hug her towards the end. Such an amazing beautiful soul inside and out.

[@veggiterriw2477]

I am a single, straight woman who is almost 60. I have never been married so I'm in the same boat - until a man asks me to marry him I will be single and live righteously because I love the Lord and the church and know that the Lord loves me and strengthens me. I see married couples, families, and don't understand why I didn't have that in life, but my testimony is everything and I trust there is purpose. There will be an opportunity for me either in the future or the millenium.

[@aBrewster29]

My wife and I have followed Ben’s content for several years now. For orthodox members who are satisfied with the options to remain single and celibate or enter into a mixed orientation marriage, I would encourage you to listen to his podcast Questions from the Closet and/or read his book A Walk In My Shoes to deepen your understanding of the implications of those options. There are unique faith challenges here that ought not to be glazed over, especially by those who have made a covenant to comfort those that stand in need of comfort.

[@imawordgirl]

Unfortunately Ben also tends to "glaze over" challenges associated with the LGBTQ movement. I have never heard him express any concerns about it. He never mentions the increasingly sexualized messaging connected with LGBTQ issues and events (like Pride), the effect on children of being exposed at increasingly young ages to sexual topics, the pressure on gay men to be promiscuous, nor the medical consequences of people identifying as transgender (which is very different from having SSA, and yet he still speaks authoritatively about it).

[@SodoMojo22]

Really appreciate you Ben and I wish more in the world had your attitude. Your approach of compassion, listening, and trying to understand on an individual basis is so refreshing to hear. One size does not fit all.

[@LarsCallahan]

Huge Ben Shilaty fan. His book is awesome. And yet I struggle with the soft-shunning I receive from my LDS family and friends. While I'm happy for Ben and Charlie because they've found a lot of acceptance, I don't believe most LGBT members receive that level of love or support. My family and the great majority of my LDS friends suddenly have no interest in my life anymore, or have cut ties completely. The silence is deafening. It seems to me that they feel that if they love me or are happy for my happiness, that equates to condoning sin, and somehow means they don't love God. I see Jesus loving and associating with sinners in the New Testament, even while not condoning their choices. He never shunned anyone, except for the hypocritical religious leaders of his time. Yet no one ever accused Jesus of not loving God, so there is a massive disconnect somewhere.

[@SaintsUnscripted]

I am so sorry. I can’t imagine how that must feel.

[@aerotrooper]

If you’re gay and single and abstinent the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints has the Holy Spirit and is a good place to fellowship and worship and learn about the restoration. If you find another gay person and fall in love, that’s where more of the complications begin. From my understanding you can’t hold a temple recommend if you’re in love or married to another gay person. But of course a true connection with heavenly father is available despite the times you live in. Do you really believe Black people were not able to hold the priesthood before 1976? Of course heavenly father wanted them to have it but the people stood in his way. I’d go so far to say the Holy Spirit, Heavenly Father and the priesthood as only he could give was with Black people the whole time. Being gay is as innate as skin color and is as immutable. Talk of “preference“ as I see in these comments is only slander and should be called out as such. I’ve gained a lot from my experience with the church as a gay man, the people have been so welcoming and open. You would never guess the harsh media this church has around the topic is an actuality once you’re participating. I feel the spirit in the church and with its teachings and I wouldn’t recommend giving that up because of a few antagonists in and out of the faith. The church will withstand and no doubt benefit from the full inclusion of gay people. I just pray gay people can withstand the time they are living in to witness and experience the things to come.

[@bethanygonzales5529]

This was so helpful! He has such a wonderful spirit and kind heart! I’m thankful he has chosen to do this work he is doing. He can help so many people understand themselves and understand others. He is completely blessed with the spiritual gift of belief. Wonderful interview!❤ aaahh! “Invite them to tell you theirs.” Yes!! Communication! ❤

[@derekpratte7259]

This was a wonderfully relevant, informative and enjoyable discussion. Thank you very much!

[@mp112501]

This was awesome. Thank you so much!

[@brianlewis727]

Thank you for bringing Bro. Ben on your show. I am a new convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am 45 and gay. I’m an attorney practicing in military law and VA claims appeals. I had excellent missionaries who have gone well above and beyond what they needed to do for me. I relate a lot to some of the things Bro. Ben said. I understand the feeling of loneliness Ben described because the West St. Paul ward, where I attend, is lonely in the sense you describe even though the people can be awesome. What is available out there for gay members besides Gather for us to have some similar shoulders to cry on?

[@jennifermarsh1469]

I loved this interview! I learned so much! ❤

[@SaintsUnscripted]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@katherinewells3099]

Hi Ben. Really like your book. Also I'm friends with Jay and Audrey. Good people. It would be cool to meet you some day.

[@miainelom1104]

SO MUCH LOVE

[@eliraven85]

I wanted to stay in the Church, I loved it, right after high school (around 2004) I came out as gay, and I simply where not welcome in my Ward, I stopped going. I ended up joining the Community of Christ/RLDS in around 2015ish but stoppedattending because where a currently live. , i met my husband in 2016ish, I know attend his United Methodist church, I believe in the book of mormon ect. When I loved back to my home town in Indiana I met with the LDS elders a few times, even visited the closest Ward to me, people where so mean and horrible to me, I cryed as I left the service, I wanted to come back, was not asking people to accept my marriage or change there belife. I just want to attend, but it was not possible.

[@777johbro]

😢

[@brigdonfoster359]

They took the same sex relationship questions out of the baptism interview questions. Now it just asks if you live the law of chastity.

[@tiffanyseavy565]

And that means you do not have any sexual contact with anyone but your legally married spouse, and legally married by CHURCH STANDARDS only. Husband and wife only.

[@KylonRic]

Similar to how “tattoos” were removed from the Strength of Youth. The church isn't authorizing tattoos, they're calling us to a higher law to reach those same conclusions on our own I.e. Not in harmony with the gospel

[@leistickit2953]

Awesome!! My old neighbor was gay but always bore his testimony of this gospel!! Thank you for sharing!! ❤❤❤❤

[@Lehite]

You know a lot of straight people tend to pass over and not respond to gay or LGBT video or social media for fear of someone thinking they might be gay but I think everyone should watch positive stuff like this and be more supportive. 👍 In the church worthy singles who live the law of chastity can attend the Temple and even be a worker and there is a hopeful future of Temple marriage but it must be harder for those who want to get married and have a boyfriend/girlfriend but won’t be able to because of their sexual orientation, ..or can’t a celibate gay person have a boyfriend/girlfriend in the church ? I hope one day the church will allow marriage for all, no matter what preferences

[@brianllewellyn683]

Ben is an amazing individual. I have met him many times.

[@redpanda2467]

The reason he never left is because he didn't stop praying and reading the scriptures and he submitted completely to the will of God, no matter how painful that cup would be.

[@andrewbowles9753]

Elder Schilaty nice to see you there. Gonna do Ward Radio?

[@ja-kaz]

Other than this brother being gay, homie is ripped! Lookin good my man

[@scottmay9500]

I really appreciate this video

[@MrJackrlove]

My dear LDS friends, you are so special.

[@Ceibhfhionn]

Lovely video. Would you consider interviewing a lesbian member about her experiences? The experiences of men and women are so different in the LDS church.

[@cwn89015]

It could seem so contradictory to hold groups like that, but there is a purpose. Just like addictions recovery meetings, people need connection to get them through what they're dealing with. We get through these things together, and throw off the shackles of isolation, it will work. People don't have to leave the church because they're feeling this way. There are ways to be happy and stay.

[@ThoseOneGuysInc]

Ben is a good guy.

[@ginskicam]

As a member of the Church, I believe that people should not take pride in their sexual preferences, as these preferences do not define one’s character but rather reflect carnal and frivolous desires that should be controlled. For instance, if a heterosexual person is attracted to multiple partners rather than keep his relationship close to a marriage, that is a sexual preference. I see no reason to take pride in it, raise a banner for it, or even create a community of "brothel-goers" or "spouse cheaters" (...and believe this could be much bigger than the LGBT community). Suppose someone is attracted to individuals of the same sex or any other carnal desire. In that case, this person should exercise self-control over those desires rather than raise a banner of pride. Nonetheless, everyone must show respect towards individuals (not communities or ideologies) by showing love and understanding that everybody has weaknesses and challenges.

[@judileemhuis1723]

Becket Cook, Rosario Butterfield and Christopher Yuan have called out their past as sinful. They are not members of our church but stand for truth and righteousness and hope. Their podcasts are beautiful. They have been severely criticized by the LGBTQ community.

[@heidijarvis]

They are truthful.

[@kathleengolding7823]

Thank you Ben 🥰 and saints unscripted…this is so needed and helpful ♥️

[@kstevenson3504]

I'm confused. I'm not sure why you guys didn't clarify this. Saints can be actively gay and not excommunicated? I'm not sure why this wasn't discussed.

[@cecynay7369]

Thank you so much for this! I'm going to listen to your podcast. I wonder about continuing to use "LGBTQ community" and "allies".. at least for me, those are associated with something very different from a faithful perspective, even if the words themselves are fitting. Does that make sense? Saying "I'm an ally" means something very different, usually.

[@777johbro]

Awesome.

[@ahh-2-ahh]

22:14 this really hit me hard!!!!

[@roscowbrown3937]

how privileged of you

[@KylonRic]

If been in the Mormons Building Bridges FB group, and the majority of their content is aimed at justifying homosexuality and the belief that the church will one day change the doctrine on eternal marriage. And they're incredibly hostile toward members standing up for the family proclamation, to include apostles who reference it in their talks. By their fruits ye shall know them, and the fruits of those who cling to LGBT labels in the church are not often in harmony with the gospel. “Tolerance without limit can lead to spineless permissiveness” -President Nelson Come to church to be healed, not to spread an ideology. That's all we ask

[@davidchoate512]

@@KylonRic exactly. The proclamation on the family is STILL SCRIPTURE AND THE WORD OF THE LORD unto us today.

[@CarolynAitken-yp2rq]

Your head is full of confirmation bias you haven’t listened to a word this young is saying he has been trying very hard to change you are too judgmental but for the grace of God goes each one of us!

[@KylonRic]

@@CarolynAitken-yp2rq his books are filled with lgbt apologist propaganda and imply a changing of church doctrine regarding the family unit and celestial marriage. Read his books, they speak for themselves

[@davidchoate512]

@@CarolynAitken-yp2rq so you’re saying the proclamation on the family is too judgmental and must be disregarded as scripture

[@zutharthirteen]

@@davidchoate512 “We belive in all that was revealed, revealed now, and to be revealed” - articles of faith

[@Evan-ky6qe]

I'm a genderfluid (my gender identity fluidly changes) and abrosexual (my sexuality fluidly changes) but I am a believer and love the Holy Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, and the church. I believe God loves me and made me the way I am so I didn't want to leave God and I found out I'm queer when I found the restoration and started to believe in it. I tried joining the LDS church but the LDS ward where I live didn't even welcome me in any good way, I got looks and then never walked into the ward again. I have now been going to the Community of Christ church where I live and its been amazing, I pray all people who believe in the restoration where ever they go will understand God loves unconditionally. I love this video and I love Saints Unscripted, I do have two questions and I hope you could make at least one happen, the first is could Saints Unscripted have someone who is trans or genderfluid and believes on so I could see myself in something I already love, second could Saints Unscripted have someone who is a member of Community of Christ on so more people can know the wider restoration. thank you again for every video and especially this one!

[@adlad75]

@Evan-ky6qe , hope that #SaintsUnscripted or another non judgemental channel could interview you (or someone like you) along with someone like @JCal-f1f, who probably doesn't understand or is having a tough time accepting non-straight people. 🙏

[@thawts9087]

What is the difference between being gay and any other craving of the natural man? Everything he stated regarding being gay, wanting to change, wanting God to take it away, thinking that one is inherently bad etc. can all be applied to any person who struggles with any addiction or weakness. It feels, to me, that LGBQT is this generations Rameumpton. The General Conference comment about pain is not exclusive to LGBQT members. Sometimes it does hurt when our desires, natures, and actions aren't in line with the standards of the church. Peace and healing start when we stop asking why or seeking to change the Church, and instead choose to follow Him. I guess my point is that I don't see being gay as different than any other struggle, it just makes you human just like me. I will say, I greatly appreciate Ben's testimony and that despite his natural desires he is choosing to follow Christ.

[@josebach9377]

Wow! Respect to you Ben.

[@RyanMercer]

☺

[@BramptonAnglican]

It’s very interesting following from a different church as a trans Anglican.

[@artgivinghope]

This guy gets it.

[@PageTurnersbooktube523]

wonder if he has spoken with David Archuleta

[@racealexander1660]

David's still probably going thru that anger phase

[@davidchoate512]

@@racealexander1660 David’s distance from the church right now I guess?

[@racealexander1660]

@davidchoate512 oh yeah. He considers himself an ex-mormon

[@davidchoate512]

@@racealexander1660 that’s unfortunate, but we’re all on a different faith journey. I pray for him .

[@robertlong9029]

I feel so sorry that people have to struggle with this. I am a little afraid that they hold hope that God will change the rules and allow them to be married.

[@Si-gz9ee]

When was this video made?

[@livingmombirth4005]

I, for one, am very grateful for Jesus Christ and his willingness to help me change and especially his patience at my pathetic attempts because I am a hard hearted person but I want to do better. In contrast, there are many things that Ben is doing that are good and very admirable including helping people that don't deal with same sex attraction understand how to be more compassionate and caring. However, it is also true that we live in a society where people want to deny that God is calling us to change and be like him. Sexual sin is exalted and worshipped and the voices are loud and clear in demanding a special class of citizens based on their sexual proclivities. We are committing a huge travasity to say that sexual immorality of any kind should be accepted and normalized and that it is ok to define one's whole being by ones sinful sexual desires. For example, the title of gay Latter-day is strange and would be humiliating given a slightly different context. I wouldn't want to show up on your show and the title be the adulterous Latter-day saint's reason for staying in the Church and we discuss how all my unholy desires are really ok and painful and how much I suffer at being monogamous. Strange world we live in.

[@Trevolution1989]

❤❤❤

[@jamesmorphe8003]

how can you be a part of something that wont let you be who you are? Without big change you cant get a temple recommend. Do you wear garments? If so why?

[@sandy-ke1kr]

I can't say for sure, but I would say it's a strong belief that the Church is true and a complete trust in God that things will work out.

[@toddjackson3136]

There are many people who belong to religions that are biologically wired in ways contrary to the teachings of that religion. Not just feelings of sexual attraction, but other things that also pose a moral delema. They choose to stay with that religion because they believe that their religion is true and have faith that even if they don't understand how, everything will be made right eventually. It's the same with people who have been seriously harmed by members of the Church, although a bit different, the principle is the same. The gospel is true. Eventually, we will understand everything, and it will be made okay.

[@kristinrichmond8185]

Help me understand “ won’t let me be who you are”

[@cindymacferran331]

A little personal…

[@Eddie_Bear_702]

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭

[@MarcTheUtahan]

Sin is sin, not something to wear with pride.

[@latter-daydiscussions4289]

Why does anyone need to be associated with "gay" and all the cultural associations connected to that? Why call oneself gay? I think that is at the heart of the issue is association with that identity. Why embrace a gay identity if you don't act or live that out?

[@CrossAndWindMinistries]

We need to pursue holiness, not heterosexuality.

[@karabrown5077]

I have a difficult time hearing that there are members of the LGBTQ that are dating and still remaining active and calling them LDS. Isn’t the end goal of dating to get married? Why date if you can never move it to the next level? You are just asking for Satan to tempt you to sleep around. Now staying single and never dating is extremely difficult and a hard road to travel, I get that but promoting that you can be gay, date, and probably sleep around does not make you a faithful member of the church. Seems like everyone is tiptoeing around and not just calling out a sin they seem to be eluding to. As with most LGTBQ content it is super vague and does not provide much more insight than I already knew.

[@Comeputergeek]

Agreed, I got very worried when he started talking about the “spectrum” of choices. But some of the choices he mentioned would lead to breaking the law of chastity, which says sexual relationships are allowed only between a man and a woman for the purpose of bringing children into the world. Two dudes can’t have children together…

[@james.lambert]

I get the feeling that they are expecting the church to change policy on gay marriage

[@Eli12344]

Can you please point the minute where Ben supports members of the LGBTQ community to date and still remain active?

[@HalE14]

If I’m being honest, it doesn’t really make sense to me either because I think the same thing. But even though I don’t understand and not sure if I even really agree, I’m gonna let people have their agency and worry about myself

[@HalE14]

@@james.lambert maybe some are but I really don’t think most are. I think they know full well that they have no idea what’s going to happen in the future they just want to be happy and for a lot of people, dating someone and feeling romantic love brings a lot of happiness. We don’t get to decide how someone should be happy

[@aaronhinton92]

This is the guy who literally dates men and then pretends to be a faithful member. Why would you feature him?

[@PresidentBrighamYoung]

Cause the channel is becoming more progressive.

[@Eli12344]

Can you please point which minute he said he's dating men?

[@aaronhinton92]

@@Eli12344 It’s literally on his blog. He made a big announcement about it a few months ago. The dude is not a faithful member of the church. He’s an activist masquerading as a faithful member.

[@HalE14]

He’s not pretending anything. I know a lot of the LGBTQ members of the church. Not all of them are dating/married but they still have very similar experiences to what he talked about. He’s a good speaker and knows his stuff. Why WOULDN’T they invite him? Plus, they’ve had an Atheist, people who’ve left the church, and people of different religions on the show before. It’s all about the conversations! To be good and faithful members of the church, it’s good to listen to testimonies. Then you can decide for yourself what YOUR testimony is.

[@crenshawize]

Wow u go in education wow...also as a lds...it's got to b tough...good attitude.

[@madogg152]

Those, referenced, "that most unkind", have lost the spirit of our savior. We all have challenges. No temple worthy nice woman will have me. I feel as if condemned to Satan's place. Its a Rough road for those without a temple marriage and the whole 9 yards.

[@josephclayson2714]

Yes but there’s a difference between voluntarily giving up on any chance of finding a good relationship and just not having found the right one yet

[@madogg152]

@@josephclayson2714 So very Accurate.

[@toddjackson3136]

Being LGBT does not mean you can't receive blessings. The Lord promises that he is bound and will bless you each time you exercise your faith and make good choices. He doesn't say you will only be blessed if you are perfect in all of your practice of the gospel. We all have parts of our lives that are not in harmony with the gospel. We all are being tried and tempted. As with all parts of the church, things are revealed as we gain more understanding. We dont know what the Lord still has in store to further clarify and reveal. Have faith, do the best you can, and tomorrow be a little better.

[@truthseeker4286]

Actually, regarding transgender ism, it is absolutely clear: " The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God." Abomination, not blessings. Love is correction when needed , not acceptance..

[@toddjackson3136]

@truthseeker4286 guess your women are all forbidden from wearing pants, shirts and hats then.

[@tiffanyseavy565]

He leaves too much ambiguous. I attended a virtual fireside with him for my stake and he didn't teach doctrine. He likes to leave room for changes. He should be very careful and members should pray for discernment!

[@Comeputergeek]

My thoughts exactly. Yes there can be policy changes but some things won’t change, like the purpose of marriage and families.

[@paulblack1799]

If I were gay I would not be LDS. Clearly Ben has far more faith than I. ❤

[@soggysunshine8700]

At least you’re honest. I would be LDS if I were gay, but it would be darn hard.

[@binmyrtmind]

I’m going to ask this question I’ve always had: I believe we are all born with gifts yet at the same time desires we have to work to overcome in order to follow the gospel of Jesus Christ both ancient Israel, New Testament era, Dark Ages, and in the Babylon of modern day. I notice a huge increase of broken homes and gay boys or girls. I notice good homes and gays but they’re also trying to change at least to live the way forward as God set forth for salvation. Yet over the many years time passed before my eyes in the medical field these issues became accepted by tolerance and not wanting anyone hurt. I believe once an ideology is brought through a door and not any real teaching the why’s of God laws, people will see’s certain actions a go for their beliefs or actions God has stated as abominable. Struggles with a gay desire, struggles with drugs, with lies, with arrogance with desires for stealing, money, deceit, and much more as all people have some issue. We are spending too much effort’s in looking for justification and not helping one another with God’s help to overcome. There are just so many vices in our current society trying to be normalized. Will we be able to work together in a way truly meaningful so we can all be together? I pray and hope so even ask God to give me insight so I can contribute. Will this ever happen or do people merely want to be heard but never change? What do you think 🤔?

[@KylonRic]

There are plenty of non-lgbt members in the church who have to live a celibate life because they never found a worthy companion to marry. Its not necessarily a uniquely lgbt challenge

[@davidchoate512]

@@paulblack1799 this is a topic I would really like the Lord to make known His feelings . Keep the law of Chastity.

[@Lehite]

Excellent bloke 👍 Sorry, but he does remind me of a cartoon character from the side though, cant just remember who it was ?

[@metalground212]

From my point of view it is not fair what the church is doing to you. Isn't it too hard to attend a church where all you are is wrong?! I dont even think the church knows what to do with you, but maybe within a 100 years the church will pay real attention to gay people. As they gave priesthood to black man 100 years after slavery was abolished.

[@hpagalla]

I am sorry but this video is funny..HEHEHEHE...but it's ok, and thanks for sharing, good video. We must love one another, they are our brothers and sisters.

[@rickyricky4738]

mix orientation marriage? .. bisexual?

[@RxCthulhu]

I really appreciate this conversation. Thanks all.

[@melissah1656]

There are definitely two kinds of voices in the lgbt Latter-day Saint community. The Ben Schilatys VS the Sky Sorensen or Preston Jenkins voices (there are so many more). Sky and Preston are defenders of traditional marriage and the doctrine of the family is eternal while Ben is nebulous and encourages same-sex dating. I would have loved to hear more from the Sky and Preston side on this podcast and preferred Ben did not get this platform. Disappointing.

[@franciscojariol]

if gay become GOD in celestial kingdom ?

[@davidchoate512]

Being gay is the one issue Jesus did not have to “deal” with.

[@kirklandmeadows]

Maybe not we don't know

[@papasteph3226]

He did "deal' with it. He also wasn't literally pregnant, but chose to suffer the pains and afflictions of all things. He literally is the only One who knows how it feels for a gay person to feel gay, not generally, but for them personally. It is why He performed the physical Atonement and not just a revelatory experience. He was 'dealt" everything. See Alma 7.

[@KylonRic]

Well, this is false doctrine…

[@imawordgirl]

Strange comment.

[@jrblack78]

He did go through it…in Gethsemane and on the cross.

[@Cocoon68]

The church speaks kindly to them but their theology doesn’t! How can you reconcile that? How can you tell him he’s really ok when you tell him he is BUT he can’t get married to a man! That’s BS!! If he does he gets exd! Do heterosexual people get exd for being married? NO! Will he also plan to stay single till he dies? And then he will get changed in the twinkling of an eye! Wow! He has so much to look forward to! Why aren’t you talking about how many take their lives because they don’t feel they belong? You won’t talk about that will you

[@WingedPaladinLight]

There is NO SUCH THING as "gay," "lesbian," "trans," "bisexual," "queer," etc. These are feelings and behaviors NOT identities. Satan wants people to replace their IDENTITY as a child of God and follower of Jesus Christ with one or more of his false identities so that he can lock people onto a lifetime of sin. If you make SIN your identity then you go to Hell because no sin can enter the Kingdom of God, only those who have JESUS CHRIST as their IDENTITY, having a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with the REAL Jesus Christ and having been made pure in Him, having ones sins washed away by His blood, what He innocently suffered on the cross and in the lowest part of Hell in your behalf to pay the ransom to free you from sin and Hell. It has everything to do with IDENTITY.

[@JCal-f1f]

I’m starting to miss being an evangelical Christian. It was a much simpler time.