LDS Church leaders have made too many mistakes to be considered inspired.

Reasons to agree: +

1. LDS Church Leaders made a mistake when they advocated the practice of Polygamy.


2. LDS Church leaders have often prophesied things that did not happen. +2


3. The treatment by LDS leaders to Black men indicates that the church is not inspired +0


4. Whenever the LDS Church changes doctrine, they admit they made a mistake in the past. The LDS Church has changed doctrines too much for people to worry about following it. 


5. LDS Church Leaders made a mistake when they taught the Adam-God Theory. 


6. LDS Church Leaders made a mistake when they said the Catholic Church was the "Great and Abominable Church of Satan". 


7. LDS Church Leaders made a mistake when they denied blacks the priesthood until 1978.


8. LDS Church Leaders made a mistake when they prevented women from giving prayers in Sacrament meetings until 1978. 

Reasons to disagree:

1. Inspiration does not mean infallibility: LDS Church leaders, being human, are susceptible to making mistakes. These mistakes do not necessarily invalidate their inspiration.
2. Contextual interpretation: Some actions that are now viewed as mistakes were considered appropriate or necessary within their historical context.
3. Evolution of doctrines: Changes in doctrines could be seen as signs of growth and evolution, not necessarily mistakes.
4. Divine timing: Some could argue that changes, such as the inclusion of black men and women in different church roles, came about in the divine timing of God, not at the discretion of church leaders.
5. Spiritual confirmation: Many followers claim to have received personal spiritual confirmation of the inspiration of the leaders.

Books that agree/disagree:

1. Agree: "No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith" by Fawn M. Brodie offers a critical look at LDS Church history.
2. Disagree: "Lengthen Your Stride: The Presidency of Spencer W. Kimball" by Edward L. Kimball provides a faith-affirming perspective of LDS Church leadership.

The interest of those who agree/disagree:

1. Agree Those who have experienced or observed actions by the LDS Church that they believe were harmful or wrong. This might include former members or critics of the church.
2. Disagree Current members of the LDS Church who maintain a strong faith and belief in the divine inspiration of the church's leaders.

Unstated assumptions:

1. Agree: This viewpoint assumes that making mistakes is incompatible with being divinely inspired. It also assumes that doctrinal changes are admissions of past mistakes.
2. Disagree: This viewpoint assumes that human beings, even if inspired, can make mistakes. It also assumes that changes in doctrines or policies can be reflective of divine inspiration and guidance, adapting to changing societal contexts.

People are born gay. It is wrong to discriminate against people for the way they are born.

Reasons to agree: +

1. There are biological differences in gay men and lesbians
2. Biological differences in gay men and lesbians have been observed, suggesting a genetic component.
3. Studies show that sexual orientation is not a choice.
4. Discrimination based on sexual orientation violates human rights and promotes inequality.

Reasons to disagree: -

1. Some believe that sexual orientation is influenced by environmental factors and upbringing.
2. Some religious or cultural beliefs argue against homosexuality, leading to discrimination.

Books that agree: +

1. "Gay, Straight, and the Reason Why: The Science of Sexual Orientation" by Simon LeVay
2. "The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion" by Jonathan Haidt

Books that disagree: -

1. "Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth" by Jeffrey Satinover

Scriptures that agree: +

1. Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Scriptures that disagree: -

1. Leviticus 18:22: "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination."

Images That agree: +

1. Political Cartoons: Cartoons showcasing the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, such as those by political cartoonist Mike Luckovich.
2. Photojournalism: Images from Pride parades around the world or historic moments, like the Stonewall riots, can depict the struggle and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.

Images That disagree: -

1. Political Cartoons: Cartoons depicting a traditional family structure (a father, a mother, and children) or those illustrating debates around the implications of redefining marriage.

2. Photojournalism: Photos of traditional family units, with a male and female parent, often with children, engaging in family activities. These images might be used to represent their viewpoint on the ideal family structure.

Valid Interest of those who agree: +

1. LGBTQ+ community and their allies who seek to end discrimination based on sexual orientation.
2. Human rights advocates who promote equal treatment for all people.
3. Promoting equality and inclusivity for all people regardless of sexual orientation.
4. Ensuring human rights and protection from discrimination. 

Valid Interest of those who disagree: -

1. Individuals with strong religious or cultural beliefs that condemn homosexuality.
2. Those who believe that sexual orientation is a choice or can be changed.
3. Upholding religious or cultural beliefs and traditions.
4. Concerns about the perceived impact of homosexuality on society.

Videos That agree: +

1. "Milk" (2008)
2. "Brokeback Mountain" (2005) 

Videos That disagree: -

1. "The Third Way" (2014)

Website that agree: +

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biology_and_sexual_orientation


2. http://mormonstories.org/byu-professor-bill-bradshaw-on-a-biological-origin-of-homosexuality/
3. Human Rights Campaign (https://www.hrc.org/)
4. GLAAD (https://www.glaad.org/)

Websites that disagree: -

1. Focus on the Family (https://www.focusonthefamily.com/)

Podcast that agree: +

1. "Making Gay History" by Eric Marcus
2. "One From the Vaults" by Morgan M Page 

Podcast that disagree: -

1. "The BreakPoint Podcast" by John Stonestreet and G. Shane Morris

Unbiased Experts who agree: +

1. Dr. Simon LeVay, neuroscientist and author
2. Dr. Dean Hamer, geneticist 

Unbiased Experts who disagree: -

1. Dr. Paul McHugh, psychiatrist
2. Dr. Jeffrey Satinover, psychiatrist and author

Unstated assumptions in agreeing/disagreeing:
Agreement:

1. Assumes that being born gay is a natural and immutable characteristic.
2. Assumes that discrimination based on sexual orientation is unjust.

Disagreement:

1. Assumes that sexual orientation can be influenced by factors other than genetics.
2. Assumes that religious or cultural beliefs justify discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.

Score:

# of reasons to agree: +0

# of reasons to disagree: -0

# of reasons to agree with reasons to agree: +0

# of reasons to agree with reasons to disagree: -0

Total Idea Score: 0

Don't like the score? It is easy to change the score. Just post a reason to agree or disagree with the overall idea, or any of the reasons and the score will change.

Common Interest:

Opposing Interest:



Related arguments:

There are biological differences between gays and heterosexuals

a) Unstated Assumptions Required to Accept and Reject this Belief

Accept:

1. Sexual orientation, while not a choice, arises from a complex interplay of genetic, hormonal, and environmental influences (saying it is "complex" may be problematic. It is not complex for many people, who knew from a very young age that they were gay).
2. Modern scientific methods and studies are reliable and accurate in identifying these biological differences.

Reject:

1. Sexual orientation is a choice and has no biological determinants.
2. Current scientific studies and methods are not reliable or conclusive in establishing these biological differences.

b) Alternative Ways of Saying the Same Thing:

1. Biological factors contribute to sexual orientation.
2. There are physiological variances between gays and heterosexuals.

c) Objective Criteria for Assessing the Validity of this Belief:

1. Peer-reviewed scientific research and studies.
2. The consensus among the scientific community.

d) Most Common Shared Interests or Values to Encourage Dialogue and Understanding:

1. Respect for scientific research and understanding.
2. Mutual interest in human biology and understanding human diversity.
3. Shared commitment to understanding the nature of sexual orientation.

e) Most Significant Differences in Interests or Obstacles to Navigate:

1. Differences in belief about the nature of sexual orientation (choice vs. biology).
2. Discrepancies in trust or value placed on scientific research.

f) Strategies to Encourage Open Dialogue, Mutual Respect, and a Shared Commitment to Truth:

1. Encourage respectful dialogue that values scientific contributions while also acknowledging the complexity of human sexuality.
2. Foster environments where differing opinions can be shared without fear of judgment or disrespect.
3. Promote education and awareness about scientific research on this topic.

Agree

1. Reasons (logical arguments)

Agree

1. There is a body of scientific evidence supporting the existence of biological differences between gay and heterosexual individuals. For example, studies have shown differences in brain structure and function, as well as in physiological responses.
2. Sexual orientation might have a biological basis: Numerous scientific studies suggest that certain physiological and anatomical features might differ between gay and heterosexual individuals.
3. Genetic factors: Twin studies have found that homosexuality is more common in identical twins compared to fraternal twins, suggesting a possible genetic link.
4. Brain structure: Some research suggests that certain areas of the brain may differ in size between gay and heterosexual individuals.

Disagree

1. Complexity of human sexuality: Critics argue that reducing sexual orientation to biology oversimplifies the complexity of human sexuality, which likely involves a mix of genetic, hormonal, environmental, and social factors.
2. Lack of definitive evidence: Despite numerous studies, there is no single "gay gene" or definitive biological marker for homosexuality.
3. Influence of environment and personal experience: Some believe that environmental factors and personal experiences play a significant role in determining sexual orientation.
4. While sexual orientation has biological influences, it is a multi-faceted aspect of human identity that cannot be reduced only to biology.
5. There is no definitive evidence pinpointing a single biological factor that determines sexual orientation. It is a complex interplay of genetic, hormonal, and environmental influences.

2. Evidence (Data, studies, etc.)

Supporting

1. Genetic studies: A study in "Science" magazine (2019) reported genetic variants associated with same-sex sexual behavior, suggesting a genetic component to sexual orientation.
2. Brain studies: A study by Savic and Lindström (2008) found differences in the symmetry of the brain's hemispheres between heterosexual and homosexual individuals.
3. Prenatal hormonal theory: Some studies suggest that hormone exposure in the womb could influence sexual orientation.

Weakening

1. Twin studies: While these studies show a higher concordance rate for homosexuality among identical twins, the rate is not 100%, suggesting factors beyond just genetics.
2. Genetic studies: The 2019 "Science" study also noted that genetics could only

4. Books

Supporting:

1. "Books such as 'Gay, Straight, and The Reason Why: The Science of Sexual Orientation' by Simon LeVay discuss the variety of factors influencing sexual orientation, highlighting that it isn't a choice but a result of various influences."
2. "Sexual Orientation and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Sexual Science and Clinical Practice" by Richard C. Friedman

Weakening:

1. "Sexual Fluidity: Understanding Women's Love and Desire" by Lisa M. Diamond
2. "Bi Lives: Bisexual Women Tell Their Stories" edited by Kata Orndorff

4. Most likely interests 

Of those who agree

1. Understanding the biological underpinnings of sexual orientation.
2. Advocating for the acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.
3. Interest in neuroscience, psychology, and human sexuality.
4. LGBTQ+ rights advocates who believe in the importance of recognizing sexual orientation as an inherent aspect of one's identity.

Of those who disagree

1. Interest in social constructivist theories of sexuality
2. Advocacy for individual experiences and narratives in understanding sexual orientation
3. Criticism of biological determinism
4. Individuals who hold traditional views of sexuality, often rooted in religious or cultural beliefs, and see sexual orientation as a choice or a result of environmental influences.

5. Benefits / Costs

Benefits:

1. Understanding that sexual orientation isn't a choice but arises from a complex interplay of influences can promote empathy and reduce stigma.
2. More informed perspective on issues related to sexual orientation.

Costs:

1. May challenge existing beliefs or values.
2. May lead to controversial or uncomfortable discussions.

8. Reasons the Unstated Assumptions Required to Accept this Belief are True
1. Studies have found correlations between certain physical or genetic traits and homosexuality, highlighting the inherent nature of sexual orientation for many individuals.

Mormonism / Gays and Lesbians