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A Search for LGBTQ+ in Scripture: The Book of Mormon (part 2)

 


With regards to anything specific to LGBTQ+, the Book of Mormon is silent.

That's it.

There is no mention of anything that can be tied specifically LBGTQ+, or even homosexual acts in a broader sense.

There are plenty of topics of a sexual nature addressed in the Book of Mormon including:

  1. Lusts of the flesh — 1 Nephi 22:23
  2. Abominations — 2 Nephi 27:1, Mosiah 11:2 & 20, Jacob 2:24*, Alma 39:5
  3. Fornication — Jacob 3:12, 3 Nephi 12:32, Helaman 8:26
  4. Lasciviousness — Jacob 3:12, Alma 45:12, Alma 16:18, Alma 45:12, Alma 47:36
  5. Chastity — Jacob 2:28, Moroni 9:9
  6. Harlots — Alma 39, Mosiah 11
  7. Whoredoms — Mosiah 11, Alma 1:32
  8. Polygamy — Jacob 2:24, Mosiah 11:2, Ether 10:5
  9. Concubines — Mosiah 11, Ether 10:5, Jacob 2:24-28

Some might argue that homosexuality falls under some of the topics that are addressed by the Book of Mormon, possibly abominations, lusts of the flesh, fornication, and lasciviousness. Each of these definitions fails to address homosexuality specifically or describe homosexual acts. These terms apply to general human behavior and could be applied to both heterosexual and homosexual individuals and relationships. Moreover, the instances where these terms appear in the Book of Mormon provide no additional information that correlates those instances specifically with homosexuality.

The term “abomination” is worth noting as it appears with more frequency in the Book of Mormon than any of the other standard works. It is defined as a thing or action that is loathsome, disgusting, or hated. When used in a biblical sense (given that the Book of Mormon has a literary dependency on the Bible), it takes on the meaning of “that which is ceremonially impure.” More on “abomination” when we get to the Old Testament.

Numerous modern prophets and leaders of the church are frequently quoted for having declared that the Book of Mormon was written for our day. Yet, for one of the leading issues of our modern era, the Book of Mormon is enigmatically silent. There are many examples in the Book of Mormon addressing sexual matters of which there is a variety of topics covered, just not this particular topic.

It is unrealistic to expect the Book of Mormon to be able to address every single latter-day issue, but given the number of issues of a sexual nature that ARE addressed it is worth noting that when it comes to homosexuality, there are none — the Book of Mormon is silent.

 With the goal of gaining further understanding of the church’s current standing and policy from what the scriptures have to say on the matter, why is the Book of Mormon silent? What potential conclusions might be derived?

From a faithful perspective, is it possible that the prophets and people described in the Book of Mormon did not single out or exclude LGBTQ+ individuals? When commandments are given they address specific things to do or to avoid. In the book of Mormon, I DO NOT see the denunciation of LGBTQ+. On the other hand what I DO see in the Book of Mormon is prophets speaking against excluding others, speaking against harming others, speaking against taking away someone’s liberty, and speaking against burdening others. How many of the things we DO see in the Book of Mormon would condemn how LGBTQ+ individuals are currently treated within this church?

From a historical perspective, many elements of Joseph Smith’s worldview were influential during the authorship of the Book of Mormon. It is possible that homosexuality had not become under his purview in rural New York, or it was of no concern. Given the repressive puritanical roots and rigid Victorian era sexual perspective of Christendom in New England at that point in history, I might surmise it more likely the former rather than the latter. Though it is impossible to know Joseph Smith Jr’s perspective on homosexuality or LGBTQ+ since there is no record of him speaking directly about the matter.


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