On Religious Authority, Gay Marriage, and the Family

Elder Dallin Oaks’ latest bursts against gay marriage not only remind one he has spent a good part of his career as an Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on a jeremiad to first define so-called “traditional” marriage and family, second to make them sacred, and third to impose them on a general public--far beyond the ranks of members of his faith. Though he has tried with his words and political activities to stop the flood of history on this issue, it seems he has failed. And, he fears the net result will be a decrease in the space allowed for religious leaders to influence publics.

While I can only imagine the anguish he must feel at the failure of his gargantuan efforts and the ways he must be cloaking it all in conviction and even notions of spiritual martyrdom, there are analytical issues here that interest me.