I'm more inclined to respect the person rather than the belief. I see no reason why religion should earn automatic respect.
This is very true. This is probably the best stand to take.
Also, I jinxed myself last time when I said I had time to do stuff. I was hit by a wall of deadlines that only just ended for a brief time.
Anyways, update. I came out of the closet (as bi, for those who don't remember that post). I've gotten very much support from my church and my family and friends, which is much more than I could have hoped for.
Over the last few months, my own beliefs have been challenged like never before, and all that has done is strengthen them.
@bravehawk204 Here is what we believe:
1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in his Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul â€" We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
~ The Articles of Faith
We believe, and I testify, that Christ knows every human individually. He knows everything any of us goes through. He experienced all of it in Gethsemane - He took on the burdens of every man, woman, and child who has lived, who is now living, and who ever will live. Every cut, bruise, ache, and pain has not gone unnoticed. I believe that if we look to Him and draw near to Him, we will come to know ourselves much more than we ever could alone. He is the the ultimate example of love and mercy. He is who I strive to be like in my own life. This is where I stand, and I will not deny it.
Ultimately, the choice is yours whether you want to believe anything, but I have chosen this very day that I will not falter in what I believe.
