The Rising Generation: Food For Thought!

I came across a video on You-tube that caused me to reflect on a talk given by President Gordon B. Hinckley, former president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Now, if you are not a member of my church, before you click away because you think that I am getting too churchy, STOP! Give the quote a chance and go on to read the rest of the blog. President Hinckley said:

“There are young people in the Church of whom I am proud and concerning whom I have a great sense of gratitude and a compelling sense of optimism.

In saying this, I do not wish to imply that all is well with all of them. There are many who have troubles, and many who live far beneath the high expectations we have concerning them. There are also those who waver in their faith and who are troubled and frustrated within themselves. There are some, I regret to say, who step over the line of acceptable behavior and suffer great tragedies in their lives.

But even considering these, I have great confidence in our young people as a whole. I regard you as the finest generation in the history of the Church. I compliment you, and I have in my heart a great feeling of love and respect and appreciation for you

Each time I have stood before a group of young people, there has come into my mind the great and prophetic statement made by Peter of old. Said he: ‘Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light’ (1 Pet. 2:9).

I know of no other statement which more aptly describes you, nor which sets before you a higher ideal by which to shape and guide your lives” (from Ensign, May 1992, 69).

Now, check out the video entitled Generation WE: The Movement Begins-



Interesting, huh!? I haven’t read the book, but I think I will in the not too distant future. I like the idea of “Generation We” though. It’s an inclusive term. As the world continues to get worse and worse, I believe that my generation is capable of doing the most good of any other throughout all time. I think for the most part we are open-minded, peace-loving, and despite what our elders may think, motivated! WE are unique and diverse and soon will be very powerful.

So I raise a question that I hope you will all take time to answer:

Does this new generation scare you, or inspire you? Why?

California's Gone Crazy

“God put adam and eve on this earth first to set an example for the rest of us. He did not bring Adam and Steve.”

“You can dress your argument up however you like it but you're still a homophobe just like all the rest of the ‘yes on 8’ types.”
“God’s laws were handed down for our benefit. HIV and AIDS, while no longer exclusive to homosexuals, are still much more rampant and spreading more quickly among the gay community (at least in the western nations).”

“Mormons: Go back to your Big Love compounds, you ‘marriage’ hypocrites!”

“Homosexuals aren't looking for equality in rights; they are looking for equality in terms (marriage) and trying to redefine marriage for everyone, to try to legitimize their union so that they will be ‘accepted’ further by society.”

“Vote with your conscience, O Progressive, for there are many Conservatives who will vote without one. NO ON PROP 8...if you have a heart.”

“The only thing that gays have to benefit from this prop not passing is calling their same sex union marriage in an effort to try and legitimize their alternative relationship. They are trying to make people accept their relationship as a norm.”

“I have seen little tolerance from opposers of prop 8 personally. I have been yelled at, had my sign stolen, called a hater, bigot, been flipped off, etc. Where is the tolerance from them of me standing up for what I believe in?”

As I have looked up the discussions going on about Proposition 8 in California, I have become very disappointed at the lack of Tolerance coming from many (Both Yes and No Supporters). The arguments have often turned discriminatory, rude, and full of prejudice. It makes me think how sad it is that one Proposition and the differing opinions about it can turn California into such a crazy place! It makes me anxious for the elections to be over so that hopefully people can start to think straight again.

Dictionary.com defines Tolerance as:

"A fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry ."

Proposition 8 is a sensitive subject and challenges individuals to have to prioritize many different values like equality, religious freedom, sanctity of the family, agency, and civil rights. Not everyone will place the values in the same order and not everyone has to agree about it, but that does not allow for either side to make intolerant and bigoted statements about a person’s sexual orientation or religious affiliation. The discussion should be grounded in arguments for or against the proposition. Careful consideration should be made and research about the consequences of either voting YES or NO before individuals cast their votes in a few days.

Remember that tolerance needs to be shown on both sides and sensitivity should be used when entering a discussion about Proposition 8. Also remember that not ALL homosexuals and not ALL Mormons think the same way. The beauty of America is that we don’t have to. So let’s all please be careful not to be so quick to group people together and form unsavory opinions about them.

For further reading about YES on 8:

http://www.protectmarriage.com/

http://hubpages.com/hub/My-Questions-About-Prop-8-In-California


For further reading about No on 8:

http://www.noonprop8.com/

http://www.eqca.org/site/pp.asp?c=kuLRJ9MRKrH&b=4375153