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

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Common Interest:

Opposing Interest:



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