The ally within | John Dehlin | TEDxUSU

Growing up as a conservative Mormon in Texas, there was little in John's upbringing that would have predicted he would become an ally for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Mormons. He discusses his transformation from homophobe to LGBT ally and his research on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Mormon experience from a sample of over 1,600 LGBT Mormons.
John Dehlin, a Psychology Ph.D. candidate at Utah State University, is interested in the nexus of religion and mental health. John's master's thesis focused on the treatment of religion-based obsessive-compulsive disorder (also known as "scrupulosity"), and his dissertation explores the experiences of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Mormons (and former Mormons).
Prior to graduate school, John worked for 16 years in the high-tech industry, including positions with Bain & Company, Microsoft, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. John is the founder and host of Mormon Stories Podcast, and his work with the podcast has been highlighted in the New York Times, Good Morning America, and on the CBS Evening News. John is married to Margi Weber Dehlin and has four children.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@ikeeuler6299]

I was one of the Mormons in the crowd who didn't raise their hand. Thank you John for planting the seed that eventually led me leave that destructive religion and enabled me to discard the bigotry I once had.

[@ZDES178]

Ike, God bless you! Mormonism isn’t a religion it’s a cult! Thank God you’re free!

[@brandonpaul5000]

Instablaster.

[@icemoney24]

@@ZDES178 nah fam

[@tracytomlinson3409]

You've graduated to anti-Mormon bigot.

[@Lornespapertowel]

@@icemoney24 it hits every checkbox on the cult checklist. I’m sorry, but it is

[@espritdragon]

Effective advocacy, as usual. Thanks, John for being an ally.

[@ladydy2824]

I am surprised by the fervent hateful and bigoted comments on here. Don't you remember how this talk started? Don't you realize that you are the very people who history will look back on in disgust and embarrassment, just like the bigoted hateful people who opposed the rights of women and thought that slaves weren't human?

[@poisonoushollyberry]

A lot of commenters still seem hooked on the fact that this "is wrong" so how dare he support it being an active Mormon? Whether being LGBT is wrong or not is not the point at all of this talk, it is the point that our intolerance and hate as a culture (Mormon culture, Christian culture, American culture, whatever culture you want to use) is causing death. This issue is causing individuals to come to such deep despair that they are committing suicide. As far as I remember, we are commanded (in every religion) to comfort those in need of comfort, and LOVE our neighbor. This is not about Bible thumping to prove whether or not LGBT persons are evil, it is about loving people like Christ did. And if you are choosing not to love people you find to be sinners, you are a worse sinner yourself.

[@Costplus2255]

I totally agree.

[@danpiedra3910]

Sadly, John is also un-Christ like as he goes on the offensive with half-lies and twisted truths which much of his audience is either all too willing to accepts at face value, or do not know or care to fact check him. You don't accomplish good by bashing either group.

[@jaytee3baxter]

As a long-time listener of John's podcast, and a Facebook friend, I had high expectations of this talk. I wasn't disappointed. This is a TED talk that can and will change lives, and save lives. Beautifully done. Please watch and share it with others.

[@Canemikat]

I'm Mormon and this deeply upset me but I'm GLAD it did. Those statistics woke me up to the fact that a church that I love can produce such harmful effects. It really is just a matter of time before the things change for the better. Let's keep going Mormon allies!

[@Ether-pb5gb]

Being a Christian towards all, including lgbt is a worthy endeavor. John is a self proclaimed martyr, however, who is not an ally for Christ or the church, and truly is not an ally for lgbt. The one true path to God for all lgbt is through Christ, who Dehlin denies. The church has been a vehicle for relieving so much pain and suffering. It has been a vehicle of helping us understand our true identity. John refuses to break bread with us at Christ's table, and he is openly mocks the church and its doctrines. He who was once a wolf in sheep's clothing no longer hides his true colors

[@carajones6805]

@@Ether-pb5gb let he who has not sinned cast the first stone

[@Ether-pb5gb]

@@carajones6805 it's important to understand where we are getting our inspiration/information. Should we look to a wolf in sheep's clothing (although he doesn't try to hide it anymore)? Or look to God? I am not trying to stone the guy to death.

[@mykingdom7121]

Ether 12:27 I totally agree with your comment

[@damonm3]

@@Ether-pb5gb you’re convinced of lies. We are not. It’s that simple. It’s religion that creates hate with a guise of love. Sure there is real love in the church but there is true love and acceptance outside. Hope you come back to reality...

[@drsamlyman]

Excellent job John. You have inspired me to be a stronger ally for the LGBT people that I know and have yet to meet!

[@robbiefl58]

As a gay Mormon (and a writer of Mormon history), I thank you for your work, John!

[@4benprice]

God bless you

[@mcwarburton]

This makes so much sense. I hope more people can become LGBT allies.

[@Brigadier_Beau]

Totally awesome! A glimmer of light in the darkness. This man understands a concept of Christianity that most people who call themselves Christian forget. Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. His light shines brightly and gives me hope for the future of the religious. The darkness that I saw in the church is one of the things that drove me away from the church. As a child I had great faith and hope, but the adult church was nothing like children's Sunday school. The adults forget that they must be as children. Matthew also speaks of having the faith of a child. The adults killed that faith in me. John Dehlin has just sparked that faith a little in me.

[@Brigadier_Beau]

If you cannot tell positivity from negativity, you should do some soul searching of your own.

[@carajones6805]

@@Brigadier_Beau who made you judge?

[@Brigadier_Beau]

@@carajones6805 The only person I need. Me.

[@Ryattt81]

I think my user name might tip you off that there is one question me & John Dehlin wouldn't agree on, but I found this to be an amazing video. For those who are faithful, I think the message is clear :. Don't let your faith trump your compassion. Let your compassion inspire your faith. That is a world I'd be proud to live in.

[@krisnye]

Don't be so sure.

[@Ryattt81]

What do you mean? I wouldn't be proud to live in a world where compassion was more important than dogma? Don't think you're qualified to judge my values, you don't even know me.

[@steevf]

AtheisticConclusion I think that the one question you spoke of in your first comment, that you and John wouldn't agree on the "AtheisticConclusion" might surprise you. I know him personally, he is a complex man who has talked at length on many aspects of belief and doesn't hold a black and white view of things. I wouldn't be so sure he would disagree with you.

[@Ryattt81]

steevf That is something I'd be glad to be wrong about. I got the impression he was a practicing mormon, although, as you said, these things aren't so black & white for everybody. Next time you see him give him a big ol' hug from his fans here on YT!

[@tokaran07]

AtheisticConclusion I think he is a practicing member of the LDS church, he was addressing the audience and inferring that all active members should be. However I think the doctrine of the LDS church would disagree with him in that he seems to assume that God made a mistake in placing male spirits in female bodies, and female spirits in female bodies, and that we should just deal with God's mistake. That's not the doctrine of the LDS church. It is our doctrine to love homosexuals just as much as heterosexuals, we should not judge or look down on them, that's not what Christ taught (I realize the original commeter is an atheist, but the video is based on Mormon philosophy). But since God does not make mistakes, and the LDS doctrine of marriage is that Eternal Marriage is only between a man and woman, then John's solution of legalizing homosexual marriage and embracing it in the LDS church doctrine does not line up with what the LDS church teaches. After all, if one of our goals is to have an eternal marriage (one that lasts even after the "till death do us part" line that is heard in most marriage ceremonies) then the marriage must be patterned after what our Heavenly Father has ordained. To encourage our members to shoot for less than an eternal marriage is a disservice to them. I know I'm going to get a bunch of flak for this post, but I just wanted to outline what the Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' doctrine is, compared to John's proposal for all LDS members

[@tundramom]

I'm a little late to the game. Thank you once again John! At the 15:15 mark you show pictures of healthy LGBT couples. I am so proud to say that on the lower right I saw a picture of my life-long friend Brett with his husband and their daughter. So proud of him and all he must have gone through to live his authentic life. If you see this Brett, I love you dearly! Go OHS class of '85!

[@CBJAMPA]

How come christians won't act more like John? What a briliant soul!

[@kaitlynthompson7623]

You, sir, are my new favorite person. Thank you so much for saying this, because it needed to be said!

[@Think_4_Yourself]

this video aged wonderfully. John's more prophetic than the church's prophets

[@tysonwoodcomedy]

KZbin videos don't usually make me want to stand and applaud. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful and urgent message, John.

[@cindyirene2001]

Proud to be an ally. I’m now ex-Mormon after experiences with racial discrimination in the church as well as sexism and other issues within the church. And, I have lupus. And yes, our quality of life is very low.

[@lac1769]

Wow, I’m ex-Mormon as well for the same reasons. I cannot tell you how much guilt I feel over how I treated others who weren’t like me, and every day I try to stand up for those that I was so hatefully taught to push away. I also got diagnosed with lupus this year, my life changed completely. Stay strong. 💪

[@cindyirene2001]

@@lac1769 I feel you completely. Much love, stay strong. 💪🏼

[@yak55x]

Fundamentalism should be seen as a psychological abnormality. It just doesn't lead to the stated goals of Christian religions to love and be inclusive.

[@rancox265]

He's since been excommunicated for his LGBT support views. Sad.

[@REMlNGTON]

That is not the reason why he was excommunicated. Look up facts from several reputable sources before spreading misinformation.

[@johnpatterson1750]

yeah its sad that someone like him could hate gay people so much. he got what he deserved.

[@REMlNGTON]

***** I know Mr. Dehlin personally. Lachlan you are making a point that is quite different from the point I was making.

[@FFM115]

And that makes him a bad person? You're morals are very screwed up.

[@LS-vp3du]

NO rancox! HONORABLE!

[@Kimobubby]

Great talk! And may I say you rock the sweater vest. Was the color choice on purpose? Thanks again for your hard work in this !

[@rustyjones8995]

Absolutely loved this presentation!!! I knew when I was active LDS it was easy to just accept what the brethren were saying about gays. It's sure surprising to see the effects the LDS doctrine has on gay teens. Keep up the good work John.

[@lucymcgee4106]

John Dehlin and people like him, are moving humans on planet earth in a most positive direction which will improve the lives of many. I congratulate his efforts, here and with his Mormon Stories podcast. Thumbs up Mr. Dehlin, and may your influence grow among your piers.

[@goodgirlkay]

I like kind people, and Mr. Dehlin strikes me as extremely kind...therefore I like him. My experience with Mormonism was a short interlude in my childhood when my mother ( a completely bibically ignorant soul ) dabbled with this religion for a few years...I now know that her short stay in the church is typical of converts. Though my Mormon childhood experience was short it had a great impact on me...I increased my vocabulary greatly reading Ensigns...LOL! But my belief in the intrinsic equality of men and women...and my confidence in an unbiased God means every fibre in my being must reject biblical Christianity and its more unique manifestation known as Mormonism.

[@sirnate9065]

John Dehlin helped save my life.

[@tysonwoodcomedy]

What a beautiful message, thank you.

[@kimberlylawson6401]

This really made me think!! Thank you. I have a gay brother and we were brought up Mormon... I get it and I love and support him completely. Not sure how to become a supporter. but I think that this is awesome!

[@Jadi11]

Proud to be an ally!

[@mr.bob4630]

A moving video, which only increases my great admiration for, and gratitude to, John Dehlin.

[@rubyray777]

Amazing, powerful talk! Thank you! I am learning a lot from you and your podcast Mormon Stories. I am coming from a lapsed Catholic Faith background and have not found a recovering Catholic group but there are many similarities with the fundamentalism side of Catholicism. This is a VERY high demand religion if you come from a very Traditional Catholic family. Lucky for me, I am not a "Cradle Catholic," so it was easy for me to leave. I miss the culture but not the fundamentalist aspects of the Catholic Faith. I find comfort in Mormon Stories and a good education in learning to love others and be my authentic self. Thank your for your work!

[@codextraordinary]

Thanks again, John. I will definitely begin listening to your podcast.

[@DerekG8383]

Excellent presentation. I certainly felt the spirit. Mormon leaders say a lot of things and they are just speaking as men of their time. Should we bring up what they have said about blacks?

[@debbieallen6548]

This is a wonderful talk delivered by an inspiring human being. I recommend, most highly, the work done by John Dehlin, and recommend that you listen to Mormon Stories Podcast. I'm fortunate that I did not have to recover from hateful religious dogma in order to be supportive of my LGBT family and friends. But all of us need to challenge the biases we do have that are irrational, unnecessary, and damaging to others. If you'd like to do me a favor... please, SHARE THIS VIDEO!

[@rebalene]

I love this! I am even more inspired to be a vocal ally to my LGBT friends. John Dehlin is my hero!

[@lashram32]

What? only 18 mins? psh... It aint John Dehlin unless it goes for 5 hours.

[@11UncleBooker22]

God is easy,Religion is hard.

[@brooklynparkse]

Some things still need to be heard.

[@conwaysuccess]

I saw the documentary Believer, it's people like you who make the world a better place. Sending love your way with gratitude.

[@SkylerBaird]

Thanks John

[@tailee123]

This was beautiful. ❤️

[@tracirowland4599]

Thank you, John Dehlin

[@tracirowland4599]

Hi Beau! :)

[@WhyDidIJustEatThat]

Almost had tears in my eyes by the ending of this. Very powerful!

[@briancollins1579]

I was bored, not particularly moved.

[@briancollins1579]

:ToggleSwitch: funny since you never met me...what a presumptuous chunkhead.

[@briancollins1579]

:ToggleSwitch: good for you

[@briancollins1579]

:ToggleSwitch: hope your ego feels much better...enough to get you through the day...I glanced at your YT page and saw.................nothing.

[@briancollins1579]

:ToggleSwitch: no already have an ego you feel the urge to feed constantly....sheez..cant you answer with a response that is shorter than a novel ? The only thing I feel full of everyday is an enthusiasm of being alive...beats me where you get your ideas and prognosis from....probably where your warped code of morals comes from as well...just typing to you is tainting my spirit....

[@jralph920]

Beautiful. Good job mr Dehlin. Lots of love.

[@lisahansen5790]

I'll be showing this lots of places. Thank you, John.

[@petersmythe6484]

Retrospective Allies are growing in number everyday.

[@stevens.554]

John, You Rock Man!!!

[@kimsteinke713]

Thank God for you John you saved lives that you will never know but you saved a lot of them thank you so much for all you've done I've been following you for as long as I can remember 2022 now good job faithful servant. 🌈😇🙏

[@contact3604]

An amazing and heart felt ted talk. Thank you John for your courage, your compassion and for your willingness to discuss such a sensitive subject, which touches many families as well as individuals. My hope is that as more people open up their hearts to just to love! Amazing things, will and can happen.

[@JanetteBuhler]

In 2013!? Way to go John Dehlin!! Way to be! I wonder how many lives you've saved! And, how many more you have helped to improve significantly! I honor you! I love you! And, as one of the above, I am deeply thankful for you! ❤💚💙💜

[@georgewindes6747]

Thank you John. You speak for my two gay brothers, for my gay son, and for me personally. I have so much change in the last fifty years. It gives me hope. I only differ with you in one instance, I don't think it will be thirty years. With hope thru Pope Frances and many others, I am hoping for a much shorter time period.

[@truthseeker000000]

John, you and your beautiful family as allies are not only saving (LGBT) lives in Utah or the USA but literally all over the world! As a Mormon and family man you are also changing (and helping) non-Mormons like me see the LDS Church in a softer more compassionate light. I live in Singapore and your inspiring and life-giving talk resonants with others globally! Thank you!

[@viator14]

John, thanks for your courage, your wisdom, and your work for those of us in this marginalized subgroup in society. While things ARE getting better, and some like to jump on the bandwagon late in the game, you deserve kudos for keeping the message out there!!!

[@HALtheCOW]

John Dehlin is still one of my heroes!

[@MTtyer]

Excellent.

[@CaptainTaco2023]

Really good talk. Makes you think 🤔 what others may going through even if it may not be popular to empathize with them at a certain time or place in history. It truly does take courage to stand up for what’s right when most others won’t.

[@sullivanwhiting4113]

Thank you John for your work and for sharing. Question about the stats: 0% of the survey population reported that any of their conversion methods worked - You also only surveyed those those who identified as LBGT Mormons -so those who still identified as LGBT Mormons could not be apart of a population with even a chance to say their conversion methods/efforts worked, correct? Mostly curious, especially in Mormon population, about a larger survey population and what they might report - My theory is some might say their efforts did work; but especially curious if surveyed again at future dates what responses would be and - if they changed, why?

[@fleelp]

Although I really appreciate this TED Talk, I think it is important to acknowledge this is not about LGBT issues.. .it is about gays and lesbians, and by some extension, bisexuals. There is nothing in here about the struggles of being trans. Using the umbrella term LGBT to talk only about issues that are only or most relevant to the G further marginalizes Ls, Bs, and Ts, and is (unintentionally) sexist.

[@jimgreen97]

Frankly, trans activists make it virtually impossible to be an ally because of attitudes like yours. This strategy of attacking gays rather than society is self-defeating and at times homophobic.

[@janetgoode1156]

I was raised in a Mormon house hold, and I am lbqt

[@kennethd.9436]

The Mormon church should change their position on the LGBT membership, even if Bednar doesn’t think they exist.

[@KTPurdy]

John has made this world a better place.

[@hippiedachshunds1632]

Great talk from a man I have grown to respect.

[@Ziradcom]

Thanks John..You are inspiring me!!

[@elev84u]

wow wow wow! Thank you so much John Dehlin!!! This is incredible. Wow.

[@MattSlaughter]

This is a very interesting video, but I would now like to know if the awareness of John's bigotry made him question the origin of his bigotry, his Mormon background. His church (and many others) fight so hard against people having the basic respect that we all should have. Why still put so much faith into things that cause people to want to "Change their sexual orientation" instead of accepting them for who they are? Why do you think a kind loving God would want that for any of us? If you realize he/she/it wouldn't, then don't you see that most churches out there are corrupted from the top? Why still put faith in that? It doesn't make any sense! The Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Qur'an, etc. all talk about either the tortuous murder of LGBT people via stoning or the dissecting of their rights. Why not drop the fairy tale and realize there is no reason to hold any distaste for anyone based on race, sex, age, sexual orientation, etc.?

[@MattSlaughter]

Jeanmarie, who did I slander? I simply said he was a part of an organization that teaches that LGBT people were evil and not deserving of the same respect as anyone else is. That is not slander, it is a teaching of the Mormon church (and many others). I did find what he said to be a positive thing, I was simply asking how far he took his line of inquiry, and if further inspection caused him to question the church as a whole. Only this month did his church reject the teachings that dark skin meant you were evil and cursed. This month! 

[@geofox84]

Matt Slaughter The views of the Church are highly influenced by overall American culture. So John's "bigotry" does not necessarily stem from Church teachings but from an overall societal issue in the United States. Also, you are just simply wrong about the Book of Mormon talking about brutally murdering homosexual people - The Book of Mormon says *nothing* on the matter outside of a reference to Sodom, which is a quote from Isaiah and is condemning violent rape. Note: I am not comparing homosexuality to violent rape, only pointing out the idea that most people have linking the story of Sodom and Gomorrah to homosexual behavior (which is debatably inaccurate).

[@jnpack8883]

Actually the mormon church does love and respect LGBT's. They love them, but believe that all of us have challenges to overcome while we are here on earth to become more like our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. That's what this life is all about. Some people are born with this challenge and we don't hate or disrespect anyone with this struggle. We simply believe that God's laws are higher than mans and that regardless of any struggle we personally have here on earth we should strive to follow His laws above all else. The struggle is what sanctifies. Through the struggle we learn and grow. This isn't just applicable to LGBT's, but anyone struggling with anything. Our whole purpose in life is to align our will with his. Even though some people may struggle with this their whole life, we believe that if we are valiant in trying to cope with this in the right way that all will be made right in the next life. This life is a drop in the bucket compared to eternity. The struggle is real, but for a short time. This is what the church believes, so let's respect their beliefs and before we hate on them try to understand them. Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.

[@MattSlaughter]

The idea that this life is a drop in the bucket I'd what fucks up so much in this world. You have no evidence of that, but are willing to risk all for that concept. Also, you think eternal reward or punishment hinges on thus drop in the bucket. There is no logic in the theist mindset on life.

[@LydiaTV]

Matt Slaughter I've listened to his podcast a ton, and his belief system seems to deviate in many areas from traditional Mormonism... but Mormonism is more than just a system of beliefs...just like a Jew cant unjew themselves..its similar with Mormonism. you cant just unmormon yourself. and i think its isnt that black and white. its kinda a heritage that I think he doesn't want to abandon entirely. and I can relate to that. i believe there are other benefits for him self identify as mormon. for example, you can help change it from within, help be a voice for all those "different" thinking Mormons. there are feminist mormons, liberal mormons, non practicing mormons, non literalist mormons.

[@seanmathews957]

John is AWESOME!!!!

[@tallulah2]

Amazing talk, John!

[@cathyford5181]

3 words for this man only..........I applaud you!

[@MsAcedia]

Are sweatervests a Mormon requirement? Like seriously. Aside, good talk.

[@Canemikat]

I am Mormon and I can confirm this as true. You will be excommunicated if you do not have the 5 principal color sweater vests.

[@jenyme4ever]

Even in Mexico the Mormon laws are the same. Every time a see a man without a sweater vest my eyes feel sinful.

[@VivKittie32]

Canemikat Haha.

[@mathonitorke6764]

This needs to have billions of views

[@DayTripperII]

Supporting and encouraging homosexuality goes completely against the LDS philosophy and doctrine. The best they can do is make more efforts to preach love but they can never accept homosexuality. The LDS church has come out and exclaimed they are in the business of preparing folks for the highest of the highest in the eternities. Homosexuality does not fit. But surely loving and acknowledging them for all the wonderful things they otherwise are is the proper approach for LDS folks. Unless of course somebody knows what lies at the core of homosexuality is evil. Does anybody know? I am EX LDS but not because of this issue.

[@barbsehestedt6894]

You shine! Thank you!

[@seanandsaraannestorms]

He is not Mormon.

[@LoriCole-q3u]

You're correct; he was excommunicated (against his will) -- in large part for this presentation.

[@Mormonfan]

Nice one John.

[@TheArkwelder]

Interesting. I think the samesex marriage issue will be what ultimately ruins the LDS Church. As the world moves forward, the Church's uncompromising stance is going to look increasingly more extreme. Yes, I know the language that the hierarchy uses has changed, but the policies in place remain largely the same. In essence, they are venturing as near to the line of policy change as they can without actually crossing it. As the Church's position becomes more and more outdated, those who are sympathetic to LGBT concerns will leave the Church faster and faster. Soon all that will be left are a bunch of geriatric, ultra-rightwing, tea-partying bigots. All the young people, moderates and liberals, and intellectuals will have left.

[@EmilyAllan]

Thank you John. Thank you so much!

[@toltschin]

Thank you John!

[@FrigidDeath]

John loves him some beautiful men.

[@jacobopstad5483]

I have had LGBTQ friends. I have known people who committed suicide. It's a heart-wrenching reality that needs to change. Thank you, John!

[@LoveLifeBusiness]

Hi John, that you for sharing this part of your journey.

[@danpiedra3910]

It's too bad that John's messages are all tainted with anger and a need to grind an axe with a select number of the same class of human beings he professes to want to help. For many of us, his message is old and tired yet he is cunning in his delivery, painting himself as one who cares for the greater whole while deep down, he goes after those who do not agree with him. It is sad, that he spends most of his energy grinding an axe that only those that think like him care about. Meanwhile he collects a significant amount of money to finance his empire of "care".

[@NiflJonne]

What a strange person. I supose his delusion didn't counteract his genetically programed altruism. This makes me happy.

[@jaytee3baxter]

What a strange comment. Perhaps you should watch the talk again and really listen. Best wishes!

[@stuartsenften237]

Great and Enlightening Presentation John, and PS, Your One Tall Dude! LOL!

[@Alnava-ml3wn]

Ex-lamanite. Great work John.

[@whyme760]

It is not that the lds church does not support gay rights. But they do not want gay rights to interfere with what they believe to be right or wrong morally in the sight of god. So, we have two separate issues when it comes to gay rights: the secular and the religious. The problem comes when one overlaps the other. John should understand this very well. Also, why was this presentation basically about the lds church?

[@nickmathews5784]

Religion, one's personal beliefs, should trump another's right to pursue happiness? Roger that. What if all mainstream Christianity got together and passed an amendment that Mormons don't get rights, especially marriage, you wouldn't oppose, right? After all, they were voting "what they believe to be right or wrong morally in the sight of God."

[@billrobinson5110]

"Also, why was this presentation basically about the lds church?" Because he's speaking as a Mormon, based in his place in Mormon society.

[@buellerferris]

If you knew from a historical perspective statements made by church leaders on LGBT issues, YOU should understand this better. I know John in person and he is very familiar on church positions

[@ZbmwM5]

If that were the case why was the church so heavily invested (literally) in support of Proposition 8 in California..........

[@omiolo]

buellerferris John Dehlin likes to rewrite Church positions to make himself the intermediary. He is and always has been a celebrity and media chaser.

[@TheSkewedReview]

Who was the one person who didn't like this? .... That's .... kinda weird.

[@LifeScience96]

Thank you so much! We really need more people like you.

[@seanandsaraannestorms]

He lied from the start then he pulls you in with sympathy.

[@LoraleeArmstrongNunley]

That was amazing John!!

[@marciajensen1824]

Bitterness is so pathetic.

[@derek062786]

Strong words. I derive my views on life from biblical teaching. Biblical teaching explains love is the most important thing. I do not think hate should ever be the answer yet historically speaking it has been. People deserve respect regardless of their lifestyle. I believe a marriage is between a woman and a man. Hate should never be acceptable. Loving with directionality is important. If Jesus Christ is the standard for humanity to emulate, it is his believers' duty to lead people to him. I know this is hard. Life is difficult regardless of beliefs. Love with directionality.

[@seanmathews957]

John is AWESOME!!!!

[@SHARON.I]

Mother Theresa was a monster!!!

[@pistachicat3352]

John Delin is the dad I never had 😭

[@samuelpinson6721]

John is the man.

[@DRT279]

John i a clown 🤡

[@krisnye]

What delusion? Being a member of a religion does not automatically mean you accept their supernatural accounts.

[@luket5384]

How do you be a member of a organized religion and not accept their beliefs? ALL this means is you are no longer part of their religion....its okay you do not have to be that....its okay to admit it.

[@krisnye]

Lu Tree Can you think of any organized religion where all members believe exactly the same thing? Mormonism is as much a culture as it is a religion. Some people decide to stay and participate in the culture long after they lose "faith" in the supernatural claims.

[@luket5384]

Yea that makes no sense. How is Mormonism a culture? HA! Its just a cult religion. Yes I have been their and know many, my wife is ex. Tell me how you practice your special Mormonism . Honestly your lying to yourself to feel OK, be honest. Mormons are super strict, you either are part of the church or your not....

[@krisnye]

Lu Tree I am not and have never been a Mormon. I am friends with many who still attend the church for family but no longer believe.

[@romandaigle455]

So sad they are in a group that is against the God of the Bible ( Mormonism) only to get out and go against the God of the Bible by affirming sin. P. S anyone with a brain does not hold Ghandi, MLK or Mother Theresa in high regard if you deep dive them and know who they really are.

[@LoriCole-q3u]

Says the person who doesn't know how to spell Gandhi or Mother Teresa, just for starters....

[@norynemoss6331]

Wow not one negative comment on here. Does anyone else find that suspicious?

[@zac6426]

There’s plenty but more people are accepting of our neighbors then you clearly are

[@JennyG.COW5]

Perhaps by standing up with the LGBT+, we can become the next Martin Luther King Jr. or Abraham Lincoln/ Mother Teresa? 🤔

[@tracygittins6343]

John, your Mormon Expressions interviews have been enlightening.

[@marquitaarmstrong399]

Hi John just finding this in 2022! Have always respected your intellect. Respect you even more now! 💘 you. Thanx so muc!!!