November 24, 2008

Mormon Lesson of the Day: Boyd K. Packer Advocates Gay-Bashing (Yes, Literally, Not Figuratively)

Secret Truths Revealed

Before this election, most non-members knew very little about the Mormon Church outside of the Word of Wisdom and its history of polygamy. However, during this election, the casual viewer of popular message boards will learn many false rumors about the Mormon Church. However, they can also learn many of the somewhat secret truths that the Mormon Church doesn’t publicize. Even long-time members may be learning some of the controversial aspects of Mormon history for the first time.

— Ben, Encino, CA
The 6 Consequences of Prop 8 for the Mormon Church
Signing for Something

Boyd K. Packer is the current president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Everything else you need to know about Boyd K. Packer is right here.

Now that you know who (and what) Boyd K. Packer is…

The following is worth the full read just for Packer’s grave admonition to Mormon boys never to whack off (even once), as he explains how wet dreams are God’s way of regulating the “factory” (”For the most part, unless you tamper with it, you will hardly be aware that it is working at all”) that produces a certain “substance,” and that temptation can be overcome by humming a “sacred hymn” (i.e., channel your natural, normal, God-given disposition into unnatural, abnormal, man-made religious activities, and stop thinking about your dick).

That’s some pretty funny stuff. What’s not funny is Packer’s green light to Mormons (using the excuse of “gay panic” long before the phrase “gay panic” was coined) to beat the crap out of gay men:

To Young Men Only

By Boyd K. Packer
General Conference Priesthood Session
October 2, 1976

. . .

It was intended that we use this power only with our partner in marriage. I repeat, very plainly, physical mischief with another man is forbidden. It is forbidden by the Lord.

There are some men who entice young men to join them in these immoral acts. If you are ever approached to participate in anything like that, it is time to vigorously resist.

While I was in a mission on one occasion, a missionary said he had something to confess. I was very worried because he just could not get himself to tell me what he had done.

After patient encouragement he finally blurted out, “I hit my companion.”

“Oh, is that all,” I said in great relief.

“But I floored him,” he said.

After learning a little more, my response was “Well, thanks. Somebody had to do it, and it wouldn’t be well for a General Authority to solve the problem that way.

“I am not recommending that course to you, but I am not omitting it. You must protect yourself.”