Note: The graphic that listed Richard Ostler as "Bishop Ostler" was created by thoughtful faith. Richard Ostler is a former bishop and the reference to him as "Bishop Ostler" is not meant to mean he currently holds that calling. In the culture of the church members regularly refer to former bishops still as bishop.

This video (and the young woman's letter at the beginning) captures my concerns. In addition to "confused," I also feel betrayed and undermined as I try to uphold the truth on these issues with too little church support.

8:34 the gathering of Israel is not making people feel more comfortable and included. It is about bringing people to Christ, which often involves you taking up the cross and following him. Not being affirmed in your sinful behavior

I applaud you for your bravery!! I know this was difficult for you but you are asking the right questions and you can see the true emotion that you feel! This is a wonderful video and you’re so right about everything you said!!

This section in Doctrine and Covenants came very strongly into my mind while watching this. It’s so comforting to know that those who are being deceived will be reclaimed. Section 50 1 Hearken, O ye elders of my church, and give ear to the voice of the living God; and attend to the words of wisdom which shall be given unto you, according as ye have asked and are agreed as touching the church, and the spirits which have gone abroad in the earth. 2 Behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many spirits which are false spirits, which have gone forth in the earth, deceiving the world. 3 And also Satan hath sought to deceive you, that he might overthrow you. 4 Behold, I, the Lord, have looked upon you, and have seen abominations in the church that profess my name. 5 But blessed are they who are faithful and endure, whether in life or in death, for they shall inherit eternal life. 6 But wo unto them that are deceivers and hypocrites, for, thus saith the Lord, I will bring them to judgment. 7 Behold, verily I say unto you, there are hypocrites among you, who have deceived some, which has given the adversary power; but behold such shall be reclaimed; 8 But the hypocrites shall be detected and shall be cut off, either in life or in death, even as I will; and wo unto them who are cut off from my church, for the same are overcome of the world. 9 Wherefore, let every man beware lest he do that which is not in truth and righteousness before me.

Jacob, you have done a fantastic job of faithfully encapsulating what many of us are experiencing. I am a convert of 38 years and, for the first time, I feel the firm foundations beginning to crumble under ideology and seeming subversion. I have always relied on having my feet firmly planted in gospel sod to withstand the failing of hearts. And yet, witnessing this, my heart is failing me. I am tightening my grip on the rod, but the fog is thick.

I am a nobody and am not preaching to anyone. Just a voice of warning. I came to the LDS church in 1987 from the RLDS. We saw the same decay over the 25 years preceding 1987 in the RLDS (C of C). Our college was infiltrated. Leadership sought recognition by world and national organizations including the UN. Leadership totally detached from the gospel and sought ecumenical acceptance and embraced more widely accepted standards from the world. The Book of Mormon addresses and predicts this among the churches. The affairs of this world, nation and ultimately this church are wrapping up quickly. Repent and turn to the Lord. Cling to his gospel.

I felt like sharing this for those of us who are struggling with our testimonies and confidence in our church and priesthood leaders. I still have worry’s, questions and doubts that need to be resolved. But as I’ve been studying the scriptures, I came to realize that all of what’s happening in the church, was prophesied. And we are privileged to be living in this time, although it is difficult. Isaiah prophesied that there would be a great cleansing, and that cleansing would begin in the Lords Church. And he specifically talks about the leaders at the very top who claimed to know Christ, were liars and didn’t know him. Past prophets have prophesied that the church would be in bondage and as Brigham said “onto the very brink of hell by their leaders” and the servant prophesied in D&C 85 would come and set the house of God in order. Now I’m not saying the apostles or prophet are leading us astray, it’s not for me to judge and I can only sustain them and pray, and any mistakes made will be set right. I personally know President Nelson is a prophet. So when these changes are made it is difficult for me to reconcile what I know to be true, with what is being allowed to happen that goes against the truth. We need to hold fast to the iron rod, and don’t let go or condemn those chosen to lead. We have to pray for them, especially when wrong decisions are made. And protect our families as Fathers/Mothers without condemning or judging a leader that may be making a mistake. Another thing that has helped me, is past prophets such as Benson, j. Reuben Clark, Joseph smith etc., all warned and prophesied that there will be wolves in sheep’s clothing that wear the garments of the holy priesthood. Not just people who are astray, people who are evil, that actually have an agenda to destroy the church. A great story to read about this communist agenda is the “secrets of the Melbourne man” by Marion Albert law. Who as a missionary in Australia, met Melbourne man who said they had infiltrated every government, church and institution but our church was the only one they hadn’t infiltrated in the top 12 apostles and prophet (back then anyway). But Joseph Smith gave us a key, his exact words were “a key that never rusts” and said if things go bad, to follow the majority of the twelve and the records of the church, because God will never let the records fall into evil hands again. I believe there are conspiring men that are even members of the seventy, I feel as though I’ve met one. And a few members of the 12 have fallen away in the past. But God is in charge and we need to have faith, build up our testimony, and be the anchors that stay in the church to help pull people back who fell away because of serious doubts and confusion or those evil leaders. As long as we actually have priesthood power to bless our family, nothing can take those we love away from us. The last thing I’ll say is God has allowed his children to receive bad blessings/cursing if they wanted it bad enough. This didn’t make the prophet of that time untrue. Just like Mormon was told by God to no longer prophesy and that it was too late. So I think there’s a possibility that some of these changes could be because of our wickedness, and that it is causing our prophet/apostles to be told by God to keep their mouth shut and let us have what we want that is wicked, and deal with the consequences. Kind of like the Israelites that wanted a king when God told them not to, and let them have it and told Moses they had rejected him. Heber C Kimball prophesied that there was a severe test coming in the last days and many would not make it unless they had the Holy Ghost. I feel like this would be a serious test, to sustain the brethren even when we disagree. Anyway thanks for reading my rant but I love your videos Jacob, and appreciate your candor. I love that more of us are speaking out and commenting and sharing.

I just started coming back to church hoping to raise my son away from this evil so perverse and fraught in this world. If my son isn’t safe from this in church, where is he safe?

So I can have sex before marriage, commit adultry after marriage, use pornography and allow promiscuous behavior if I use the words inclusivety and tolerance? These words cancel sin? Those who are tolerant in all things, stand for nothing.

I watched a conference session from 2009 the other day and was so surprised by how clear things were back then. I felt like I had come back home in some sense and I nearly cried. I never ever thought I was going to struggle like this with the church. I have worked through all the church history stuff, polygamy, priesthood ban etc etc. I never once anticipated that I would have to deal with this stuff. I have not felt more unsettled ever in my life.

Best video you've made so far. Confusion is an understatement. My wife thinks this is a wheat and tares sort of thing and it will eventually reach a threshold of division.

If I ever leave the church I love, it will be because they have become cowards. These are the first examples I’ve experienced that make that future seem like a possibility.

Here is my problem. The church will allow this type of behavior, but I can't have my sweet tea. Things are upside down.

It’s interesting and sad to see this… when we read in 4 Nephi the reason the people fall is due to Pride but Why did the Church fall? 1. Denial of Parts of the Gospel 2. Did “receive All manner of wickedness” and “administer that which was sacred unto him to whom it had been forbidden because of unworthiness.” The wind could never knock down the tree, but the termites would. "All the water in the world, However hard it tried, Could never sink the smallest ship, Unless it [gets] inside. "And all the evil in the world, The blackest kind of sin, Can never hurt you the least bit, Unless you let it in." President Boyd K. Packer, Nov. 1999

Unfortunately I am not at all confused, because I've seen this coming for a while now. I had no idea it was so ingrained in mainstream church activities because my children are grown and I have no grandchildren. My personal belief is that as we come ever closer to the return of Christ, He is stripping away every false idol that stands between us and Him, and that includes church hierarchies that have been useful in the past. Every worldwide church is seeing this. In the end, there should be nothing that stands between us and God, and we may have to face some facts we never thought we'd have to face. I have been a faithful member for most of my life, but while I have not lost my testimony, I no longer believe we are being led in the right direction. I am developing my personal relationship with God with nothing in between us. Also, I have to say that as a woman, I find it deeply offensive that some leaders in my Church are indulging men who engage in cosplaying as women. I've heard some say they just "feel" like a woman. To that I say you couldn't possibly because you are NOT a woman and therefore have no idea how a woman feels. I am never going to call a man in a dress Sister anybody, no matter how well he does his makeup.

Even the the highly conservative, Republican Utah, I’ll go to church and the members feel like they have to tiptoe around hot button issues so “nobody has their feelings hurt.” Shouldn’t church be a safe place to express…the church’s stated positions on things?

Hitting the nail on the head. The Church needs to get more strict and bear the rejection of the world. Being nice at the expense of pointing people to Christ and exaltation is cowardly and against everything Jesus stood for.

If I took a time machine back to 2008 when I was going door to door advocating for Prop 8 and told my past self where we would be in 2024 in the church, I would have never believed it. On a lighter note I would have believed a video of Alex Jones ranting about how they're turning the Mormons gay.

This is indeed a big problem. Many are confused. Thank you Jacob.

I am honestly confused about BYU. To me seems like BYU needs to be closed.

Sometime in the 90s, we had two women join the Church in my ward when I was a teenager. Later, these two women confessed to the Bishop that they were transgender woman. The Bishop had to call Church HQ to get clarification on what to do. The two women had to revert back to men as part of the repentance process. They did so. The two men joined us for Preisthood afterwards. The ward accepted them and were very supportive of them in the repentance process. Its now 30 years later. We now have mixed signals from the Church on transgenderism. This is very confusing and concerning to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Local leadership needs to be careful to avoid creating a two tier system of obedience requirements to commandments. Actively celebrating, affirming, or allying with those breaking commandments specifically because they are breaking those commandments is a head scratcher to me.

Thank you for posting this! I definitely agree with "Amy" that President Oaks mentions and confusion about it all is a massive understatement. It feels like beyrayal, hypocrisy and a complete lack of integrity all in the name of "love."

Love you all. Thank you Jacob. I talked with my parents and they still think it’s much ado about nothing and these examples are just outliers and will not become problems. I got them to commit to watch this video tomorrow along with Cwic Show’s Greg Madsen video that he put out tonight. Awareness will protect a lot of people. Those members caught off guard by this are going to get hurt. Satan is doing the exact same thing he did in the War in Heaven. Take pure truths and tweak them just slightly in order to take advantage of the inherent decency of people. He’s very very cunning. Many good people are at risk of falling for his plans.

Jacob, thank you for voicing what many of us are thinking. "I feel like I'm taking crazy pills!"

You left out President Oak’s response to that letter. He basically just said “be nice”. If I was the girl who wrote the letter I would’ve been even more confused and demoralized

This echos everything I’ve been saying, thinking and feeling. I know many family and friends in the same boat!! The mixed messages are hurting my heart and very troubling 😭😭.

Like the one YW president, I am also queer, if she means by that that she's a lesbian. I am gay. I have been married to a woman for almost 47 years with several children and grandchildren. I chose decades ago to follow the teachings of the prophets and apostles and give up all homosexual behavior and live the life I just described. I have no regrets. I'm thoroughly happy in the path I chose. I can't image any better life than the one I'm living. I used to be a youth leader. I've been a Scoutmaster and a YM President. I was not "out" at the time and had no problems until I decided to "come out". As I expected, I was released. I suffered no disciplinary action because I hadn't done anything other than to be honest about myself. The Boy Scouts of America then had a problem with me. No "avowed homosexual" could be a registered Boy Scout Leader. The courts upheld that. I knew they would and that's why I asked to be released. I never could figure out what "avowed homosexual" meant. I assumed it meant that a person recognized his own predominently homosexual feelings and that it didn't have anything to do with my choice to stay faithful to the teachings of the Church. So, as far as the BSA was concerned, I was not welcome. As far as the Church was concerned, I was. That's not to say I didn't have my struggles with the treatment I received from some members and leaders. I knew that I was as worthy as the next man. I say that I "experience same-sex attraction." I don't really struggle with it. Once I made up my mind to be faithful, I was at peace with it. Still, there were lots of sacrifices and it wasn't easy. While I didn't struggle with my decision, I still struggle with the way people react to me. I have plenty of grace to give for that, because I solidly believe that I don't need anyone else's approval to set my own course. These events confuse me, again, not because I have regrets, but because I based my decisions on what were told to me to be eternal principlies that could not be altered. If I was again at that crossroad now, would I get the same message from the Church? For now, I think that I would. I still hold onto the idea that I made my choices based on unalterable principles of gender, chastity, and marriage.

Bishop Ostler: "He's obviously a woman..." I don't know about you, but as a biological man, I've never had someone tell me that "I'm obviously a man"

This is some crazy stuff. I hope the Brethren will clarify and denounce the strange occurrences that it seems even some of the leadership is confused about. I am exhausted at attempting to explain these circus acts to conservatives leaving the Church.

Thank you for posting this. Many of us are feeling the same way you do. We go around shaking our heads wondering what is going on. We used to be taught repentance and making right choices

I don't think a video has ever upset me this much. When you read the opening letter to President Oaks, I thought "YES! I feel that so strongly". Then you went on to tell me so many things I didn't know. It makes me feel betrayed, as someone who is always trying to follow the prophet and be a witness of Christ. If all of the things I've been testifying were suddenly undermined by shifting church doctrine to align more with others who have been "advocating for change to the brethren"... It would be a really huge hit to my faith. I prayed after this and my tumultuous heart was calmed. "All will be well" is the answer I got. I'm going to surrender my fears to God, utilize the atonement, continue praying for the leaders and influencers of the church, and continue testifying of things that have been confirmed to me by the Holy Ghost.

I'm afraid that I have to agree with you, Jacob. It seems to me that this sort of thing is in effect saying that God made a mistake and these people think they know better. I don't understand why the leadership allows this to go on.

I was baptized at 33 more than 40 years ago and I'm more confused by the messages we get from leadership...more confused now.

Holy flying turkey... They've crossed the line. I never thought it would happen, I thought we were different. But we've become just ANOTHER MAN MADE RELIGION....!!! :(

I have been baffled beyond measure these past few weeks. I have friends “waiting” for our doctrine to change. While I’m defending our beliefs, those in the church are literally conforming to these conflicting ideologies. How do I fight for my beliefs when the church is literally fighting against me. I’m beyond heartbroken. Seriously heartbroken. I love this gospel but if feel lost. I know that what they are doing is not God’s will! This is beyond words. This is going to divide us far more than what the world is doing. Our leaders truly need to stand up or the are complicit in this downfall.

You certainly hit the nail on the head! I have been a member of this Church for almost 70 years and have always sustained our leaders. I was taught that the persecution of the Saints in my day, would not be physical but would Be a persecution of our beliefs. I never really understood this until now. Even members of my own family are questioning the lack of clarity from our leaders. I believe the day is soon coming when the faithful members of the Church will be but a handful as confusion and doubt take hold. We are told that even the very elite of the Church will be deceived and fall away. I love and sustain and support our dear Prophet and believe all he has taught us. It is up to me, now, to seek the Holy Ghost and do what I am impressed to do through the Holy Spirit. The world is spiraling downward at an ever increasing speed......we really need to tighten our grip on the iron rod and focus on what is right and true and turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to the foolishness of men. I love your podcasts Jacob, and am so thankful for young people like yourself, who stand firm in the faith and the teachings of Christ. May God bless you and your family is my fervent prayer!

I love this channel, I'm so glad you're out there A few days ago I was like you. It may even be better for some to get an answer without going to their leaders first, then when their leaders tell them it's already settled in their heart or by the Spirit. I got my answer and it wasn't follow the prophet, (I'm not saying that's the wrong thing btw). It was much deeper and meaningful and helpful to me. Mine had to do with salvation and eternal life. It also has to do with the instruction to listen to what they are saying (our troubled bros and sisters). They admit things all the time. If we listen to their words, which are new, they are telling us their current state. Hold on tight! This is what was meant when they said, follow the prophet. We just didn't think it would be this!

There was also a lot of confusion when inter-racial marriage became legal in utah in 1963 (even though church continued to teach against it in to the 2000s) and then 1978 when blacks were now allowed to be married in the temple there was even more comfusion. Why? Because it contradicted the past teachings or prophets and leaders. Likewise i was confused when i doscoved that many things I had been taught by our prophets and apostles about our gay brothers and sisters was wrong. Being gay was not a curable illness -- and certain eltroshock therapy was harmful as BYU researchers discovered in the 80s. Just as my grandparents welcomed acceptance of inter-racial marriage, and lifting the priesthood ban, likewise I am glad that our teachings on LGBT issues have evolved.

I agree completely. I thought we would be running a tighter ship when it came to gospel doctrine. It's so confusing when a school like Hillsdale College is setting a much better example of Christian faithfulness than BYU. What is going on here!

The problem is, if you go to your key holder with your concerns, as you suggest, you could be a candidate to loose your calling, temple recommend, and or status in the church. Many local leaders have been taught that you should never question the Brethren or the Church. From my experience as a bishop twice, a stake president, and a mission president.

Hearing former Bishops and other non-doctrinal sources isn't always helpful and doesn't mean there is general confusion (though specific individuals may be confused, after all many will be deceived and not abide the day, and the wheat and tares parable is of particular relevance too). The official sources remain pretty clear on where to stand and how to act. The General Handbook is very clear, there is nothing to suggest a man becomes a woman or a woman becomes a man, anyone choosing to socially or medically transition (elective) does not receive the Priesthood, does not receive a Temple Recommend, ordination and ordinances are according to biological sex at birth not different identified gender, those who socially transition will experience some membership restrictions for the duration of the transition, those who identify but who do not pursue medica, surgical or social transitioning and who are worthy may receive callings, Temple recommends, ordinances according to their biological birth sex, it seems the only change to what might be expected is that pro-nouns and preferred names may be recorded on membership records and individuals may be addressed as such - but that's it. Apart from that we are, as has always been the case for Christians, to love our neighbour, including those who sin differently to us, to address individual situations with sensitivity and Christlike love. All of this is in the General Handbook. Elder Oaks Worldwide Devotional, May 22, 2023, went into this far more than just the letter shared by a concerned youth. His full explanation of Love and Law is very clear, and not at all confusing. The doctrine of gender and family has not changed and by all statements will not change, I don't expect it to change, those holding out for change will be disappointed. Those who exercise Love and Law correctly should not be confused with those holding out for change, and their living these two principles more fully should not be interpreted as foreshadowing change. Do not hope for that which is contrary or for eternal things to change, but do hope to be loved and treated with sensitivity. “Any abuse or prejudice toward another because of nationality, race, sexual orientation, gender, educational degrees, culture, or other significant identifiers is offensive to our Maker! Such mistreatment causes us to live beneath our stature as His covenant sons and daughters!” (Russell M. Nelson, “Choices for Eternity”, worldwide devotional for young adults, May 15, 2022) “...Are you confused with gender identity or searching for self-esteem?...Whatever other steps you may need to take to resolve these concerns, come first to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Trust in heaven’s promises. In that regard Alma’s testimony is my testimony: “I do know,” he says, “that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions.”” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Broken Things to Mend”, April 2006) “The restored Church’s positions on these fundamentals frequently provoke opposition. We understand that. Our Heavenly Father’s plan allows for “opposition in all things,” and Satan’s most strenuous opposition is directed at whatever is most important to that plan. Consequently, he seeks to oppose progress toward exaltation by distorting marriage, discouraging childbearing, or confusing gender. However, we know that in the long run, the divine purpose and plan of our loving Heavenly Father will not be changed. …” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Divine Love in the Father’s Plan”, April 2022) “In these confusing times, keeping our feet on the gospel path can be difficult. We hear many persuasive voices urging us to turn our backs on revealed truth and embrace the philosophies of the world. …Free and open doctrinal discussion is important in gospel scholarship, but remember that most things have been put into place by God and simply are not subject to change. The doctrines and principles of the Church are established only through revelation, not legislation. This is God’s plan; we do not have the prerogative to alter or tamper with it.” (M. Russell Ballard, “Equality through Diversity”, October 1993) “Gender is eternal. Before we were born on this earth, we all lived as male or female spirits in the presence of God. …Our knowledge of God’s revealed plan of salvation requires us to oppose current social and legal pressures to retreat from traditional marriage and to make changes that confuse or alter gender or homogenize the differences between men and women. We know that the relationships, identities, and functions of men and women are essential to accomplish God’s great plan.” (President Dallin H. Oaks, “Truth and the Plan”, October 2018) “...In this determination we may be misunderstood, and we may incur accusations of bigotry, suffer discrimination, or have to withstand invasions of our free exercise of religion. If so, I think we should remember our first priority-to serve God-and, like our pioneer predecessors, push our personal handcarts forward with the same fortitude they exhibited.” (Dallin H. Oaks, “No Other Gods”, October 2013) And many more references. The Family Proclamation is as valid today as it was when made.

I’m not active in the church. I’m a lifelong member but no longer believe in the exclusive truth claims. However, I’m with you totally on this Jacob Hansen. Biological men are always men and biological females are always female. ‘Male and female created he them!’ I agree with President Nelson Gender remains fixed, pre-mortally, mortally and post-mortally. I am bemused by Richard Ostler. If nothing else, this just confirms that the church is slowly losing it. Yes I’m confused.

What I would tell this youth is that this is a perfect example of holding to the rod while feeling like we are in the midst of darkness. Not holding onto someone else’s hand “trusting” that they are holding onto the rod. And many people will mock you but trust the rod in your hand and don’t be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“And my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they who lead thee cause thee to err and destroy the way of thy paths.” - 2 Nephi 13:12 Great video Jacob, we must have the guiding influence of the Holy Ghost to get through the days ahead, the collective witness model you’ve shared is a good foundation, brothers and sisters, I love you all, hold to the rod, stand firm in what you know to be true 🙏🏼

The Church culture seems to have become more feminized in recent years. The messages are vaguer and mushier. Just take a look at Church material from a few decades ago, and it’s clear to see how much bolder things were then. How do we get that boldness back?

Does anyone have the full video of President Oak's response to the question at the very beginning? Curious what his response was.

Hard to imagine how priesthood leaders could be so "kind" and supportive of a lifestyle that blocked them from spiritual progression (can't go to the temple). It also puts the women off relief society in a really tough spot, tacitly implying they should all accept a man as a woman. And what if it were the other way around, and a woman identifies as a man. Is she welcomed in priesthood? Can she be ordained? Pass and bless the sacrament? Hold priesthood callings? Give priesthood blessings? And marry a woman with support from the church?

The doctrine of the "natural man being an enemy to God" has been tossed aside by many in the name of being nice. The thinking is that if one's inner desires and appetites are strong enough, then the "honorable thing" to do is to embrace them. It's a completely egocentric view of the world, the opposite of what the Savior taught regarding losing oneself in the service of God. What a bizarre world we live in that we identify ourselves primarily by our sexual proclivities and divide into "communities" based on preferences of sexual expression. Fortunately, when I hear the cuts of President Nelson stating eternal truths with clarity I am comforted and know that truth will prevail. And we do strive to love everyone as the Savior counseled, but love does not mean approval.

What about thw church "abandoning doctrines" of polygamy, racism, and interracial relationships?

I joined the church on 1999 and looking back the church organization is nothing what it was, for the last 3 or 4 years I been struggling with my faith because of many topics and how the church leaders are not stepping out to be 100% clear specially LGTBQ talks, bishops and stake presidents going all out to support LGBTQ and I start questioning about if revelation is really working or is God choosing those men to lead us?? Great video.

I will NEVER give Deseret Book another penny of my money. I will NEVER send my kids to BYU. If the Church ever supports medical transition of kids (or adults)…well, I’m sure you can see where this conversation is going. SHAME on Deseret Books for supporting the idea that a 3 year old can be trans!!! My kids are more important than the feelings of others, and I’ll never submit them to any of this insanity. God is real, and his principles are eternal. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be God.

Being in AZ when I heard about this I was close to being done with the church. I’m trying hard to start attending church and being more faithful but it’s hard when the church itself doesn’t seem to stay faithful to the doctrine.

Jacob, please compile all these comments and send them in to HQ.

In the future, which of the two actions below do you think will be more likely to lead to disciplinary action by leadership? 1) Publishing opinions stating that the Church leaders are erring in caving on “gay marriage” and the “LGBTQIA++” agenda. 2) Publishing opinions stating that the Church leaders are erring in not doing enough to respect all things “LGBTQIA++” Today it seems like someone saying #2 would be likely to get promoted at BYU and elsewhere in the Church.

"I will give you a key that will never rust. If you will stay with the majority of the Twelve Apostles, and the records of the Church, you will never be led astray." - Joseph Smith

I don't always agree with your videos, but this was amazing. Your message was sincere, honest, soul-searching, and real. In 30 minutes you encapsulated what so many members have faced or are facing: how to balance what we've always been taught, with what appear to be changing core doctrines. Thanks for your thoughtful video, and for having the guts to post it. I sincerely, sincerely hope that this doesn't land you in church discipline as it has so many others. God bless us all as we try to find the rod and cling to it.

The Book of mormon was given to us to clear up doctrinal confusion, but it hasn't! I remember how i was taught in the 80's before and during my mission that " God is the same yesterday, today and forever" which apparently He's not! and that "God is not an author of confusion" which apparently He is! That is why i am no longer active and don't have to worry about it!

I have felt for some time that I am being required to choose between the Gospel and the leaders of the church, and it breaks my heart.

"I am perfect the way I am". That is so entirely false. I keep hearing this phrase and it makes me sick to my stomach..

“Leaders also counsel against social transitioning. A social transition includes changing dress or grooming, or changing a name or pronouns, to present oneself as other than his or her biological sex at birth. Leaders advise that those who socially transition will experience some Church membership restrictions for the duration of this transition.” So that is direct contradiction (amongst others) to what this Bishop is saying.

I was an active member of the LGBTQ+ community lifestyle. The cut-off from the temple is very telling and consistent with the eternal family and gender doctrine of the Church, the rest sounds like mercy from the Lord. Homosexual sexual sins are sinful, like straight sexual acts outside of marriage, I know it. I tried every way I could to reconcile God with a homosexual lifestyle and only found emptiness and misery. If leaders want to be kind, I understand that. The Proclamation is true.

This is shocking , confusing, and totally disgusting! Thank you for shining a light on these outrageous and insane goings on within the LDS church! Please! Keep up the wonderful work!

Excellent video. The "chest feeding" part broke my heart for that innocent baby. It made me so sick inside. It was so grotesque to me. I am grateful for Heavenly Father, Jesus, the Holy Ghost, the scriptures, and when apostles do preach strongly on the family proclamation and that it is not ours to change. It is the Lord's doctrine and He is the same yesterday, today and forever. That is a sure foundation. We should not be tossed about with the winds of change of society. I don't understand why stronger stances have not been taken more consistency and why there are so many double messages with different appointments of people that don't embrace the doctrine, and what is allowed at BYU and different church houses and weak, worldly bishops, etc. I try to focus on what I know with all my heart. I know Satan is the master of confusion. This confusion does not belong in the church. We need to stand firmly with God and his precious Word and not fear man or the world. You can't choose both. The worst words I can imagine hearing would be for Christ to say "I never knew you," which I believe means you never knew me. He is the Word. I love and embrace the Word. I reject this world. I believe these truths are woven into my being and if it offends others, then I can't care about that because they have already rejected me to my core being.

The LDS church has been the expert on marriage since 1830.

I have an update from one of the local leaders I contacted about this. He said that a trend in the last few years is that decisions about these issues are increasingly being left to individual stake presidents. Many of you were probably aware that this was the case, so maybe it’s not news. My interpretation is that SLC is wanting to get themselves off the hook here and pass the buck to stake presidents. Top leadership can pay lip service to the issue, while avoiding responsibility for enforcing rules. It’s akin to a federal level politician *saying* he supports this or that issue but is leaving it to the states. It’s like a candidate saying, “I’m for marriage but the Supreme Court ruled so, darn, therefore it just is what it is.” Or when a politician says, “I’m for marriage and overturning the Supreme Court decision, of course, but do I support a nation wide definition and law? Oh no, I think I’d leave it to the states.” But the difference here is that top leaders *COULD* step in and clean house if they wanted to. It’s a convenient cop-out, in my opinion. It seems top leadership doesn’t have the will anymore to enforce uniform standards. Or maybe more people in leadership are nudging for more pro-“LGBTQ+” changes than once thought. And what happens when/if a vast majority of stake presidents favor promotion of “LGBTQ+” relationships and other such things? So much for confronting an issue with civilizational importance. “Out of SLC’s hands and left to individual stake presidents.” And how much longer until The Family Proclamation is deemed as being not in conflict with “LGBTQ+” advocacy? It seems we’ve already arrived at that point. It’s apparently not necessary that The Family Proclamation be rescinded for the Church to officially proceed with “LGBTQ+” advocacy. But who knows what will happen? It’s still possible to turn things around. I would encourage everyone to contact their leaders and make their feelings known. One of the worst things you can do is stay silent. Know that you can contact leaders anonymously if you wish to.

I have thought a lot lately about the wheat and the tares. I believe this is an example of that at its most extreme. I also think about something I heard about Heavenly Father not stepping in to stop someone from committing a sin so that they might be judged righteously. I also remember the 70’s when activism was at a high and the heat the church took for excommunicating apostates. The brethren might be allowing this to go further so that when they glean out the tares there is no question about the activist state of apostasy. I hope it is something along these lines and not that the brethren are struggling with making the correct decision.

Super affirming and super supportive? How about super creepy?

Also, thank you for the full link to President Oaks's talk. You took the words right out of my mouth for this whole video. Thank you!

From the outside looking in, it seems what's happening is what has happened before, except now there's the Internet, so the church changing its doctrine is documented for all to see in real time. If your prophets really heard from God, wouldn't they know how to immediately clean this up? Jacob, this is an admirable video. You're giving people the benefit of the doubt.

Alma 47:36 Dissenters will always be our biggest problem. Don’t lose faith. Sometimes the wheat and tares have to grow together but judgement is coming and the “inner vessel will be cleansed.”

On time, on target. Thank you Jacob. Has the day come where faithful church members can no longer have one foot in the world and one foot in the gospel? The world's divergent path is moving away at such a rapid pace that members are struggling to transfer their weight to one foot or the other. Decisive Church leadership focusing on consistency between words and actions would greatly inspire the righteous way forward.

@thoughtfulfaith This video is NEEDED! Excellent job. So many members are sick of the church leadership turning a blind eye to this extreme Liberal theology. Theology that has infested the church and its culture.

I love the Restored Church for being undiluted and undefiled. A Church that understands the Apostasy. And here we are. I converted ...and three years later I see the church becoming like the mainline, fallen Evangelicals, embracing LGBT rebellion. Such a shame.

Will you please give the details of the talk by president Oaks referenced in your video? Thank you. Edit: found it. The talk by Pres. Oaks was in a worldwide Devotional for young adults in May 2023.

I am a bishop. The church needs to stand for righteousness and quit cuddling. I have 10 children what am I supposed to tell them? That God is inconsistent, that the "proclamation to the world the family", it's no longer valid or it needs to be amended to comport with the standards of the world? This is insanity!!!

As a devout member of the Church for 55 years who has a firm testimony of the Restoration, I find this troubling. Also, regarding 14:00, none of us are perfect as mortals. We are fallible human beings with natural man tendencies that need to be overcome so that we can become more like Jesus.

I really don't know what to make of all this. I wish I could speak to President Oaks or President Nelson or Elder Bednar personally one on one to understand all of this and see what they are seeing. I just don't know what causes the Brethren to seem to stay their hand or to seemingly condone certain things with their actions. It just doesn't make sense even on a practical level. The church pulled out of scouting and quite literally leveled the BSA Great Salt Lake Council building where scouting was once done, and all to avoid stuff like this. It's like throwing the baby out and retaining the bath water.

I am often criticized by and get pushback from people in my ward and other members online for speaking out against LGBT advocacy in church. Other members get angry at me and accuse me of being hateful, closed-minded, or overzealous if I do not subscribe to the idea that the only quality we ought to have as members is to be "nice." They call me contentious and then point out that the Lord condemns contention. More and more, I cannot have conversations with members where we will agree on doctrine OR practice in the church. I feel very much alone.

I know on reddit. It has been said, "we are just waiting on those that signed the family Proclamation to pass away for that to change."

I have not read all of the comments but, certainly, there must be parallels to the time when the blacks had no access to the priesthood. Was there not a similarly confusing and divisive experience? What lessons do we learn from that?

This is crazy. I don't understand why the church is caving to this ideology. Wow.

Thank you for this video! This is exactly how I’ve been feeling lately. 😞

The world is a mass of confusion and darkness. If the church and those holding the priesthood keys refuse to provide clarity and guidance, or worse yet, add to the confusion, how should members process that? Further, why does this seem like a case of do as I say, not as I do?

Powerful video. I need to watch this a few times. This is a huge issue and there’s a lot to digest here.

It’s only a matter of time. I’m in the process of preparing my family to leave. People keep asking what do we replace the church with. My answer is that we have to build it.

The confusion is real. Sadly, it is being experienced in every faith and religion. Stay strong folks!

I could type for days on this. I've been dealing with the LGBTQ+ issue for almost 20 years because I have a gay son who came out at 17. I love my son so very much. I would never do to him what others have told me they would do to their son/daughter had they done the same thing. My son was actually he was very afraid to tell us because his friends had him convinced we would disown him. That's simply not who we are; yet I think the importance of loving the sinner and not the sin has gone to love the sinner and accept the sin. We also have some very dear friends with a transgender son (now daughter) who are the kind of parents thinking the church will eventually change its stance on LGBTQ+ marriage in the temple. I have a real hard time understanding this from a membership perspective; let alone the perspective of the entire church. I have felt for a very long time now that it will be the LGBTQ+ issues that will separate the wheat from the tares in a significant way. We know that a major apostasy within the church will occur before the Lord returns. I'm honestly dealing with a lot of heartaches for many reasons, and this enlarging dilemma makes my heart and spirit ache due to what I see as accepted wickedness. As one who tries to be a critical thinker, you could take this "confusion" as to the proper approach to proclaimed doctrine much further. If an individual felt like his neighbor's wife was supposed to be his wife and started hooking up, then it can be blamed on whatever excuse they can come up with that pacifies wickedness and sin. This Moral relativism could explode into who knows what. My mission president warned about this at our last mission reunion many years ago. He was an Emeritus GA at the time and at one point was Elder Holland's Bishop. He was/is probably the holiest man I ever knew. I so wish I could talk to him now and share this video with him to get his feedback. I have others to send it to. I'm sure their responses will be interesting. Thanks for posting this video though. This is and will continue to be a massive problem in the Church. It needs to be talked about, for sure.

When I was a kid, the church knew things and they were very clear on every issue. Now, the right hand doesn't teach the same thing as the left. I don't think this church is lead by God. God is not a God confusion.

This should be enough to cause anyone to resign for th sake of Jesus and find a good Bible believing church to attend.

What message is communicated if direction is given that "You're Not Eligible To Receive Temple Covenants" ? From a practical POV, it's much like other situations where a member's behavior is the VERY REASON they're not able to receive a temple recommend. They may participate in regular Sunday meetings and partake of the sacrament, but beyond that, the progression is barred.

I just had the same conversation this video has said just yesterday with my husband. We are being trained in our temples on how to escort a trans gender member who comes dressed as the opposite sex comes to do a session. What? Wait? 🤔 how can this be? If someone were to be smoking as they walked into the temple then scan a recommend and want to do a session we would most definitely be calling someone from the office to come talk to them. Yet if a man dressed as a woman comes and scans their recommend we are to call staff to walk them to the gender appropriate dressing room make sure they dress in the appropriate ceremonial clothing and if they do they are allowed in the session. How can this be?? In the last days it says the church will be persecuted. Are we being accepting to the world to avoid this persecution at the expense of the doctrine of Jesus Christ. How can we not stand for the doctrine and have faith that the Lord will protect us? I join you in that confusion and would 100% support the in standing and being vocal in support of the doctrine of the church!!

But if you drink coffee and want to be baptized, forget about it.

The church is fracturing.

This video is important, and I’m glad it was posted. It seems this generation has levered a profoundly troubling global paradigm shift related to sexuality, gender, and the notion of identity itself, and what is more troubling is how this seems to have affected even those within the Church. It is genuinely confusing, but these times were foreseen and reckoned for. The Family: A Proclamation to the World is true as scripture and as clear and concise as a document can be on this matter. It is funny to me to remember when the proclamation came out how self-apparent and obvious the values outlined seemed to be; who within Christianity could possibly doubt it, particularly within the Church? Well, through the passage of twenty-eight years it is now completely apparent the prudence of that proclamation. The fact that it is now so controversial even among our own is disturbing. I still stand with those values however, as well as the First Presidency and Twelve who endorsed them then and now. Whatever troubles the Church faces will pass, whatever internal strife will be quieted. I don’t pretend to have an exact knowledge of its bearing or the specifics of its course, but I get the gist; “the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth.”

We certainly need more light and knowledge on this.

One of the best videos I’ve seen…excellent coverage of a very important situation…thanks for your thoughtful and courageous willingness to discuss these matters.

So when my grandmother who drank coffee her whole life and struggled to give it up, in her 70s that was a good enough reason to deny baptism. But now we allow this?

Literally… WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON???