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PunkPhotography said:
thanks.

but as for the eleventh Article of Faith, does that mean that since I choose to believe that God did NOT have sex with Mary to give birth to Jesus, that it's perfectly fine? And what about my views on gay marriage (it's okay with me..i really don't care), abortions (pro-choice), etc.?

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Hey PP... I'm a former Mormon who studied the doctrine in a LOT of depth. I graduated from seminary as well. I just wanted to weigh in a bit. I was never under the impression that the church taught that God had sex with Mary. I think that's actually a common misinterpretation. I was always taught that Jesus was an immaculate conception... that God's SPIRIT came on Mary (meaning she was filled with the spirit of God, not in a sexual way, but more in an inspiring, uplifting way) and that Jesus being conceived was miraculous because Mary was a virgin- before Jesus was conceived and still a virgin after. I'm not bringing this up to debate about it, just to clarify what I *think* is actually the doctrine of the church. You can look into it more if it troubles you at LDS.org, the church's official website.

Also, my understanding growing up as a Mormon was that we were to trust in the word of the prophet rather than in our own ideas about what's right and wrong, or the ideas of people around us. The Mormon prophets have been pretty clear about their thoughts on abortion and gay marriage... so no, I don't think that you're in line with Mormon beliefs if you are pro-choice and pro-gay marriage. I don't think that the article of faith means that believing differently from the prophet is necessarily "endorsed" within the church. In my interpretation, I think that article of faith is more about teaching church members to be kind and accepting of people of other faiths, not trying to control what others believe. It seems to me that WITHIN the church, disagreeing with what is considered revelation coming from a prophet of God is discouraged. I think your church leaders would encourage you to pray about it, and to trust in the prophet until you have a better understanding. That said, however...

I do know many people within the church who choose to have some different viewpoints and still be a part of the church. I think it's a very personal decision, and you should follow your heart. If your heart says, hey I disagree with this but still want to be part of Mormonism... then more power to you, and good luck with that journey

For me, it ultimately meant I had to leave. I'm much happier away from the church, defining my beliefs by my own personal convictions, insights, and understandings... and what the church would call "personal revelation." I believe in my own way, pray in my own way... and that fits much better for me.