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A Search for LGBTQ+ in Scripture: Doctrine & Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price (part 3)

 


With regards to anything specific to LGBTQ+ in both the Doctrine & Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price are silent.

Much like the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants (D&C) and Pearl of Great Price are devoid of references that provide any further insight into a scriptural stance on LGBTQ+. Lust, abomination, fornication, concubines, and polygamy are all topics that are addressed in some form or another in D&C, none of which specifically address LGBTQ+ issues.

Even with Joseph’s evolving theology between the authorship of the Book of Mormon and the later writings in the D&C and Pearl of Great Price, homosexuality and LGBTQ+ issues are still not mentioned.

The D&C is intrinsically linked to church history with the time period of the authorship of the majority of D&C (i.e. Sections 1 - 137) occurring between 1823 and 1847.

From a broader historical context in the U.S., even though the term ‘homosexual’ isn’t coined until after the time period of the D&C towards the end of the Victorian era in the 1890s, there was still pressure from religious institutions for the government to pass repressive laws that prohibited any sexual relations between the same gender. These Puritanical laws, having a foundation on top of Biblical interpretation, also carried penalties ranging from prison time to execution.

The first known reference of homosexual behavior in Mormon history was in July of 1842 when John C. Bennett, who was serving as an assistant counselor in the 1st presidency, was accused of engaging in “buggery” by William Smith (Joseph’s brother) in the pro-Mormon newspaper the Wasp (note: The term buggery was common slang used for sodomy during this time period). Bennett had been excommunicated two months prior for adultery, and not for his homoerotic accusations. Bennett’s bisexual behavior was referenced again in two church newspapers by Brigham Young in 1844.

With Joseph Smith being the author of the majority of D&C it is worth noting what he had to say on topics related to LGBTQ+.

Joseph commented on a close same-gendered relationship during a funeral address in 1843. During his address, he noted the deceased’s “vary friend” who was present, and while expounding on the resurrection, was recorded as saying: “To bring it to the understanding it would be upon the same principle as though two who were vary friends indeed should lie down upon the same bed at night locked in each other embrace talking of their love & should awake in the morning together they could immediately renew their conversation of love even while risings from their bed but if they were alone & in seperate apartments they could not as readily salute each other as though they were together.” (Wilford Woodruff, Journal)

Additionally, one of the most common biblical references used to justify the condemnation of homosexual behavior is known as the “sin of Sodom.” Many religious leaders, both in and out of the church, have concluded that the “sin of Sodom” (and the reason for its destruction) was homosexual behavior. It is worth noting that Joseph Smith said that God had destroyed Sodom “for rejecting the prophets," he did not say anything about homosexual behavior.

Given the fact that homosexual and bisexual behaviors were known during this time period, along with the broader negative perception and legal consequences of homosexuality in the U.S., one would expect to find something in the scripture of Doctrine & Covenants that, at a minimum, addressed homoerotic behavior.

Yet, in the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price we find nothing, nor do we find Joseph Smith condemning it.

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