Blog Post #1

In June 2015 the Supreme Court of the United States legalized same-sex marriage. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we believe that marriage is ordained of God and must be between a man and a woman. However, as members of the church we also believe in “being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law” (1). But how can we obey, honor, and sustain the law when it is in direct conflict with our beliefs?

In the book “Crito” by Plato, Socrates is being persuaded by his friend, Crito, to escape prison while he has the chance. Socrates is left to decide for himself whether he will be follow the law or whether he will run and save his life. He has a bit of an internal battle but in the end decides that he must follow the law and what he calls, “the intimations of the will of God" (2).

Parts of Socrates’ conversation with Crito can help us as members of the Church know what to do when we are called upon to “obey, honor, and sustain” a law with which we do not agree with.

For one, we need not fear the opinion of others. In “Crito”, Crito feared that if Socrates did not run away that others would judge him. Crito says, “People who do not know you and me will believe that I might have saved you if I had been willing to give money, but that I did not care. Now, can there be a worse disgrace that this…” (2) But Socrates speaks with great wisdom in his simple, soft response - “But why, my dear Crito, should we care about the opinion of many?” For those who may be afraid to stand up for the sanctity of marriage because they are afraid of being judged, I echo that same response of Socrates, “but why my dear, should we care about the opinion of many?” (2) We cannot be afraid to stand up for God’s law. We need to express clearly which side we are on. Those who hold civic duties must fearlessly share their beliefs. A part of the Church’s official letter to be read to congregations everywhere reads, “God expects us to uphold and keep His commandments regardless of divergent opinions or trends in society” (3) or in other words we cannot simply follow the changing trends, we must defend God's laws.

Also in “Cristo”, Socrates explains that it is honorable to obey the law and that means submitting yourself to punishment when issued. He says, “Whether in battle or in a court of law, or in any other place, he must do what his city and his country order him, or he must change their view of what is just.” (2) Or in other words, we need to be good citizens and follow the law or we can try to change it. Unfortunately this decision from the Supreme Court is the official decision for our nation for now, but the last statement from the church’s official letter is instructional. It says, “As members of the Church, we are responsible to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to illuminate the great blessings that flow from heeding God’s commandments as well as the inevitable consequences of ignoring them. We invite all to pray that people everywhere will have their hearts softened to the truths God established in the beginning, and that wisdom will be granted to those who are called upon to decide issues critical to society’s future (3)." Members of the church, and especially those members who hold civic duties, must do all within their power to “change [the law makers’] view of what is just” (2). This does not need to be done by verbal abuse, over-aggressive social media posts or threats. Instead, we would do well to follow the example of the Savior in being loving, yet bold and fearless in stating our beliefs.

Overall, although we may not accept a law as God’s law we should continue to be well-mannered citizens and proclaim our beliefs without fear of how others may judge us.