do you really want to go there, Kev?

I don't like confrontation. Anyone that knows me well, knows this. I love talking with anyone I can about most topics, but I don't usually let those conversations get too heated or political. Tonight, however, after a conversation with a couple of my best friends, I've got some thoughts. So, just to warn you, if you're looking for a happy-go-lucky post about nothing, stop. Save your time. But if you're hoping to know me a little bit better and understand my feelings on one of the most important topics of the day, then continue on...

I'm a Mormon. Although that's a nickname that members of my church have been given, the actual name of the church I attend is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." I know - it's a long name that may be a little hard to say, but that title means a lot to me. In every sense of the word, members of the church, myself included, try to follow Jesus Christ. In all that we do or say, we try to follow Jesus Christ. The keyword in each of the two prior sentences is "try." Does any member of the LDS faith bat 1000%? In one word - No.

Recently, I've seen quite a few posts among members of the same church as me regarding same-sex marriage and same-gender attraction. These posts are coming from Mormons that I know from Pennsylvania, to Utah, to California, to Idaho, to Washington (to name a few states). It's fine to me that these friends of mine are posting about modern-day topics. It's fine that we are staying current and up-to-date on the issues that surround our time. When these friends undertake to support and condone actions and lifestyles that we are taught are not part of God's plan...that's when I take exception.

Now, don't get me wrong. I don't dislike, shun, avoid or ridicule any person that may fall into the same-gender attraction demographic. I understand that getting into this topic puts me at risk of being labeled a "bigot" or "not understanding" and "not loving." That's not it and I hope no one gets that impression. Above all the labels I hope to obtain, however, is that of a disciple of Jesus Christ. And in my course to achieve such a label, I have found that the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints lead me in this path. Along this path and as part of LDS doctrine, we understand "that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children."

To me, it's clear how the LDS Church views the same-sex marriage debate. We are aware that it is an issue, but that doesn't make it okay. Even though it's happening, that doesn't make it okay. And even though an increasing number of LDS members are coming out and admitting their same-gender attraction, it is still not okay. In the world of 2012, with media and Facebook and Twitter and 24/7 coverage of every, little detail concerning everything you can imagine - it seems to be okay. But to an unchangeable, perfect, all-knowing and all-concerned God, it's not okay.

As I mentioned before, I don't like controversy. But, I do seek truth and knowledge. I believe that the leaders of the LDS church are inspired as to what truth is and has been and always will be. To God, marriage will continue to be between a man and a woman. To me, marriage will continue to be between a man and a woman.

In short, none of us make these rules. But a perfect God does and I'm willing to trust Him. Because I trust Him, I will continue to love others. Because I trust Him, I will do my best to respect others and the decisions they make as His children. What I won't do, is say that the definition of marriage is outdated. Or apologize for the values I hold. Or try to say that sin is not sin.

There you have my two (or three...or four) cents. Let the comments begin.