Taylor Petrey recently published an article in Dialogue titled "Toward a Post-heterosexual Mormon Theology." In it he argues that there are many different ways to think about gender, marriage, and sexuality within the LDS framework and outlines ways in which we could alter our views of homosexuality in order to accommodate the rapidly-changing social views on sexuality and marriage. I found it to be a rather well-written piece: exploratory, but not too prescriptive. Adam Miller posted a response on T&S in which he praises Petrey for doing what he (Adam) considers good theology.
Ralph Hancock responded to Taylor Petrey and Adam by arguing against both. Not only did he seem to think that Taylor was mistaken in many of his ideas, he takes umbrage with the project of speculation about theology and Adam's praising of it. He feels that this is something best done in private, rather than projecting these ideas into the public sphere.
Check all three articles out if you have a chance - I think they address two important concepts that are burdening LDS thought at the moment. First, obviously, is the place of homosexuality in LDS life. Second, how is theology to be done? There is so much unfruitful anti-intellectualism and anti-anti-intellectualism that many times the real issue gets left behind in a cloud of angry posts on T&S. How are we to approach the doctrines of the church (how to define that term is in itself a sticky situation)? Is there a place for public speculation of theology? Should we be publicly discussing our struggles with the occasional incongruities we feel between what we're taught and what we experience?
I welcome any and all thoughts on any topics connected with this idea. Bring it, people!
