So, I talked to my bishop on Sunday. It was the first time that I had mentioned my same sex attraction to an ecclesiastical leader. I'd like to say that it was a wonderful, testimony building experience, but in all actuality, it wasn't. His initial advice wasn't all that bad. He said, "Well, it's important to realize that even though we don't just forget about prophets, President Hinckley is speaking directly to you, President Kimball wasn't." referring to the discrepancy between a certain passage in The Miracle of Forgiveness and what President Hinckley has said.
Then, it got to be a little less fun. He suggested that I think about participating in Evergreen or repairative therapy so that I could figure out why I was "over compensating." I wasn't really sure what to say to this, but I said that I would look into it. So I looked at Evergreen's website... I was less than impressed, I won't lie. The way that they represent completely unproven theories as facts is... upsetting. So... I don't know, it's something I'll think about. I understand that there's a large, strong group in Portland that I can join, or at least talk to. But I don't know.
Then we talked about priesthood, and missions. In spite of everything, he says that he doesn't see any reason that I couldn't serve an honorable, full time mission, as long as I'm serious about it. He also says that I'll need to prepare myself to resist temptations that most other missionaries don't have. So I'm back to square one on the mission deal. I'll fill you in. I still don't know if it's something that I want to do. I mean, obviously it's advisable for most people, but I just don't know... Two years is a very long time. It's a big commitment... Anyway, I think that I agree strongly with Drex. The mission is not for everybody, but preparation for a mission is. So, I guess, for now I just need to prepare for said mission, and I can decide when I'm older...
Oh, and Brett was in the newspaper! http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_5684555
-Stephen
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3 comments:
I knew Brett's gestapo quote would be the only one that made it into the paper. Sad.
I'd agree on the Evergreen stuff, except. (yes, I'm ending my sentence there. deal with it.) First of all, I think there are people within Evergreen, high up, that understand what's going on and have a good perspective. They get a lot of people involved that really don't, so it's hit and miss. In addition to that, through talks with Tito (who's attended Evergreen stuff in 3 areas, at least) and Isaac (who runs the Provo Evergreen group, apparently), it varies from place to place, and the usefulness is hit and miss. Right now there's apparently a very strong, if small, Provo group that will be basically gone over the summer. I guess the moral of the story is that we shouldn't come to a conclusion until we see it, because each group is different. (I guess an important note is that each group operates independently but under approval of Evergreen, so each group's goals will vary to a degree.)
Good on you for having the courage to talk to your bishop. At least he sounds more up-to-speed than my bishop was. ^_^
From everything I've read on Evergreen's website:
Evergreen: If you're gay -> we will make you straight.
When in Reality: Everyone falls somewhere different on the very long continuum between gay and straight. Some people can change some people don't. Some people want change some people don't. Some people can draw enough strength from their opposite-sex spouse that they can resist temptation and for some people that isn't an option.
But With Evergreen: If you're gay -> we will make you straight.
I. Don't. Like. Evergreen.
I think that most therapies are trash.
I think you should be very careful before you pursue any kind of therapy.
I think that Playa's right in saying there's a continuum. Some can change, some can't or maybe better said, won't make the changes necessary.
You need to work it out for yourself.
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