The only item I felt you could teach differently or perhaps use a different example is this sentence, “Likewise, even if progressive members of the church are correct that the future prophets will change the church’s position regarding same-sex marriage (though I believe it is very, very unlikely)” The truths of heaven revealed from God anew in our day come from an everlasting being who is perfect in the absolute sense of the word. Indeed He is THE source of truth and law. Whatever he reveals as truth, principle and doctrine is also everlasting or a better way to say it is, everlasting truth is everlastingly the same. It is unchanging as God himself is unchanging. God cannot and will not change truth and law and the Prophets and apostles will not do so. Prophets are authorized to alter and change the application of God’s laws. They can change policy and procedure by revelation, but past revelation about the everlasting principles of the gospel, will never contradict with current revelation about the everlasting principles of the gospel. Thus the position of the church regarding same sex marriage is a doctrinal position, not a policy position. It is based on the everlasting truth that eternal life is God’s life. It is the kind of life that God lives. It is life as a perfect and glorified husband and father. Of course a husband to his beautiful wife and a father to his numberless children. No father is a father without a mother by his side. He is a family man. It is his sole work as a family man to bring to pass the eternal life of his children. This is why the church will not change their doctrinal position on marriage and a host of other things including faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, Baptism, etc. Changing these doctrines would destroy everything we hold dear, everything we have worked for during the eons of time pre-mortally and the exceedingly short time during our mortal capstone final examination. These principles cannot and will not change without God ceasing to be God which is also not possible. Here is President Nelson as a Prophetic second witness that wasn’t available when you wrote this post which is clear and powerful:

“For example, let’s consider the definition of marriage. In recent years, many countries, including the United States, have legalized same-sex marriage. As members of the Church, we respect the laws of the land and abide by them, including civil marriage. The truth is, however, that in the beginning—in the beginning—marriage was ordained by God! And to this day it is defined by Him as being between a man and a woman. God has not changed His definition of marriage.

God has also not changed His law of chastity. Requirements to enter the temple have not changed. And our desire for there to be love at home and harmony between parent and child has not changed.

Though we of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles cannot change the laws of God, we do have the charge “to build up the church, and regulate all the affairs of the same in all nations.” Thus we can adjust policy when the Lord directs us to do so. You have recently seen such examples. Because the Restoration is ongoing, policy changes will surely continue.(https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/russell-m-nelson/love-laws-god/)”

This metaphor can be applied on many levels within our society: psychologically, economically, politically and within our entertainment industry. Hollywood gives trophies and awards to the producers and actors that are creating excrement for our viewing pleasure. And we pay the cinema for more. It tastes so good.

Unfortunately, changing and overturning political parties is a slow process. Just because the two major parties this election cycle are Republican and Democrat does not mean that they will be the two major parties 4 or 8 years from now. However, as long as there is not a 3rd party that can gather a significant number of supporters and people are willing to vote for someone they dislike over someone they hate, the 2 parties we have will remain for the foreseeable future.

I believe the Republican and the Democratic parties have become quite divided. Democrats have a large socialist faction that were disenfranchised by the treatment of Bernie Sanders. Republicans have long had a wide difference of opinion on the role of Government. We have received as many new Federal departments under Republican presidents as we have under Democrat presidents.

I want the Republican party to be the party of small government and I will continue to support people like Mike Lee that share my point of view. However, I think it would be great to join a new party that had small government and freedom as a core principal. Just like the Libertarian party, but without so many “purists” who try to kick everyone out who is not libertarian enough. Just because I believe in small government and freedom does not mean I can’t oppose abortion or that I don’t want to be involved in foreign affairs.

I still take great comfort from the fact that most of my decisions are not affected by the government. I still have the freedom to do what I like most of the time. Unfortunately, the list of things the government interferes with is constantly growing with both parties clamoring for more government “solutions.” Regardless of what additional regulations are created and enforced, the church will still be true and the path to salvation is the same.

And just what is the Book of Mormon trying to warn us about with respect to secret combinations? Do we take that warning seriously?