Episode 76: Can you be LGBTQ and active LDS? God's hand in the presidential race, BofM witnesses, Border security and gun control

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The Thought Provoker:

Matt is up first this week. One of the founders of WordPerfect, Bruce Bastian, died this week. The New York Times obituary described many facets of his life that are worthy of discussion. His company played a large role in making Utah what it is today. When he started WordPerfect, no tech company was headquartered in Utah, they showed the world the potential of the Utah workforce. Bastian was also a gay member of the church. For Mr. Bastian, coming out was both terrifying and hopeful. “I don’t think straight people can begin to imagine the inner turmoil and fear at this moment in a gay person’s life,” he told The Salt Lake Tribune. “All your dreams, plans, everything falls apart. The whole foundation of your life crumbles. You can stay the course or follow your heart and go to where every human being dreams of going — to happiness ever after.” Here is my question. Because of the time and place in which he lived, Bruce Bastian felt like it was impossible to be an active member of the church and openly gay, is that true today?

Next up, Sam. Since the recent Presidential debate, there have been calls for President Joe Biden to step aside and make room for a stronger competitor to Donald Trump. In an interview with George Stephanopoulos, Biden said the only way he would withdraw from the election is, “if the Lord Almighty comes out and tells me that I might do that.” So, will God tell Joe Biden to drop out? Does God care about this election? What is the role of personal revelation versus personal responsibility in this and similar situations?

Finally, Shawn. June 28 was the 195th Anniversary of the 3 witnesses of BOM. Why do you think God chose to keep the Golden plates hidden And only show 12 people. What role does a witness play in the conversion of a soul?

The Big Question: The Big Question: I’ve seen a couple of big stories about how an undocumented immigrant murdered a woman in Maryland. And other stories about a mass shooting in Michigan at a splash pad. Republicans seem to enjoy blaming Biden’s border policies for crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. Democrats blame lax gun control laws for mass shootings. Are they correct? Can government policies about the border and/or guns prevent this kind of stuff in the future?