Selections from the Book of Arakim

1And it came to pass that Kodan the son of Madek, who was a righteous young man, did read the words of God. And he did read the commandments of God. And as he did read he read a command that no man should go in unto a man as a man goeth in unto a woman. And Kodan was greatly confused for his desire was not unto women as with other men but his desire was unto men. And he could not understand the meaning of this for surely God would not make a man as a sinner. And he went unto the Lord to inquire the meaning of this thing. For his heart was full of praise unto the Lord, for he had loved the Lord all the years of his life, and he did pray unto God. And he did ask God why he was not as other men. For he knew not that there were others among the people who had these desires. And it came to pass that as Kodan cried unto the Lord he did hear the voice of the Lord speak unto him. And that Lord spake unto him saying, Kodan, thou son of Madek. You have done right in inquiring of me Lord concerning these things. For inasmuch as you shall inquire of me I shall grant knowledge unto you. And Kodan did speak saying, My heart is heavy for I desire to know your will concerning me for my desire is not after that which is natural unto men. For it seemeth unto me that these things are forbidden. And the Lord spake again unto Kodan saying, I, the Lord, hath created you after mine own will and you are a righteous son. For I say unto you, you hath not sinned in those desires which I have cause should be in your heart. For I have given them unto you so that you may prove yourself unto me and that my works may be manifest through you. For you hath been a faithful servant all you life. For your nature hath been given unto you as a trial of your faith. For if you shall be faithful and obedient unto me, I hath laid up a reward in Heaven that shall be yours. And Kodan did ask the Lord saying, Why has this burden been given unto me and not unto others? And the Lord spake saying, I the Lord, God doth give trials unto many that they may prove themselves. For behold it is the nature of this world the there be imperfection. Have I not also caused that because of the imperfection of the world unto some hath been given the loss of limb and unto others deformity. And unto others, because of the nature of the world, hath been given deformities that are not physical. But behold had there been not imperfection of the world these things would not exist. And there would be none would possess the desires which hath been caused to be your nature. For all men would have desire unto women. And all women would have desire unto men. And there would be no deformities of gender, and no uncertainties. But such perfection shall not come until the time when the earth shall become whole again. Now behold I speak these things not that you shall think upon yourself with loathing, or that you are lesser than another. For what person among these people is perfect? I say unto you there is not one. For I have given all men weakness. Wherefore think not unto yourself that your weakness is greater than another's. For this reason I shall come into the world. That your weakness may be made into a strength. For all men deformed before me, every man. And it is through me that your deformity is made whole. And you are no longer weak, but strong. And Kodan spake saying, How shall it be that I can overcome that which is desirable unto me? And the Lord spake unto him saying, Where if you shall refrain from from that act of which you have spoken you shall not commit a sin. But if you shall commit that act you shall be guilty of a great sin. And it is through me that your sins shall be washed clean. And your filthy made pure. For behold I have commanded this thing because it is given that the man cannot be whole without the woman, and the woman cannot be whole without the man. Wherefore can a house be built without a roof, or without walls? For if a house is but walls it cannot fulfill the purpose of its creation. Or if a house shall be but roof, it cannot fulfill the purpose of its creation. So to a man or men cannot fulfill the purpose of their creation without that counterpart which is woman. Now I say unto you, if you cannot abide this thing, you shall remain in a state of singularity. For it is better that you abstain from all impure relations than if you should fall into temptation.