Sin is no excuse

Since homosexuals have become a nationwide entity, and have come out of hiding to demand their place in the sun, many of them claim that they are what they are because they were born that way and cannot help it.

Some psychiatrists have supported them in this claim, and hence many of these unfortunate deviates say they are helpless to change and that therefore there is no reason to blame them for what they are.

They claim that their activity is just as natural as is normal sexual behavior, and that since "God made them that way," He cannot possibly have any objection to their manner of life.

How ridiculous is such a claim. It was not God who made them that way, any more than He made bank robbers the way they are. He gave all mankind free agency, and for that reason we become accountable to Him for our acts.

What did the Lord say about that kind of life, anyway?

All one needs to do is to read a few scriptural passages. Here are a few references:

Lev. 20:13; Lev. 18:22; Deut. 23:17 and I Cor. 6:9-10, and if these are not enough it would be well to read the first chapter of Romans, particularly the 25th to 28th verses.

President Spencer W. Kimball, speaking on this subject said:

"Next to the crime of murder comes the sin of sexual impurity as expressed in its many manifestations: adultery, fornication, homosexuality and related transgressions. Man is created in the image of God and prostitutes his God-given powers and image in such practices.

"No amount of rationalization can really neutralize the pollution. The death penalty was exacted in the days of Israel for such wrong-doing.

"These practices are somewhat like the use of drugs, alcoholism or other vicious habits which eventually take over control of the person and make him slave and put fetters on his wrists and rings in his nose and chains on his feet. No man is free when manacled with such fetters.

"These sins are forgivable and can be overcome if there is adequate restraint and repentance. There are those who tell you there is no cure and thus weaken your resolves and add to your frustration. They can be cured. They can be eventually forgiven. The problem can be solved."

Then speaking directly to these unfortunate people, the president said:

"Homosexuality and like practices are deep sins; they can be cured; they can be forgiven.

"Remember, the Lord loves you; the Church loves you. We are most anxious to assist you.

"The Lord lives. The Church is divine. God is unchangeable. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. His basic doctrines are unchangeable.

"Sin is still sin and always will be. it will not change. Society might relax in its expectations; it may accept improprieties but that does not make such right and approved.

"TOTAL TRANSFORMATION IN ideals, standards, actions, thoughts and programs can cleanse you."