5.14.2012

Marriage?

I've been hesitating writing this for over a week now, but since this is my blog and I can write what I want, I am.

Hopefully this won't offend the 4 of you that read this blog :)

This is a view I've held for quite some time. It's something I've not heard anywhere else, but it's my honest opinion on the matter.

Enough justifying...here's what I'm avoiding saying:

In the light of all the controversy surrounding marriage these days, I personally believe that no one should be petitioning the government for a legally recognized marriage. Marriage, by definition, is a commitment between two people and God. It is a Christian institution. No matter how many times people try to say it, and how many candidates run with this as their platform, and how many Christians insist it is, the United States of America is not a Christian nation. This nation was founded on the basis of its inhabitants being able to choose any religion, or lack thereof, freely. To then call ourselves a Christian nation is a complete fallacy. In being able to choose to participate in religion and having separation of church and state, the government should not be involved in a religious commitment ceremony.

All that to say, I believe anyone and everyone who desires to be in a legally recognized commitment to another person should have a civil union, as far as the government is concerned. A man and women, two men, two women, even polyamorous groups (hey, if they are content with trying to keep more than one partner happy, honored, and fulfilled all at the same time...who am I to deny them their overachieving goals), all should be given civil unions in the context of government. Obviously marriages, commitment ceremonies, etc. can and should still take place at the specific couple's desire. The legal system should have no part in my decision to commit myself to God and to another person. But I, along with any other type of couple who so chooses, should be allowed the same rights by law.

I am a Christian, and I value the institution of marriage. I believe it belongs in religion, where it started. I believe that people should be free to commit their lives to whomever they choose, without persecution. The bible outlines homosexuality as a sin, just as it does deceit, pride, greed, lust, and many other things I do and we all do each day. None is worse or better than the other. Regardless of what we do or what anyone else does, we're called to love all people.

3 comments:

Molly said...

I sort of agree with what you're saying. I don't have hardcore views either way on marriage. BUT with that being said, it made me sad to see all the hatred toward Christians coming from people upset about NC's passing of the law making gay marriage illegal. Just as much as they feel that homosexuals should be allowed the right to marry, Americans living in a democracy have the right to vote however they want, Christian or non-Christian. Christians have every right to vote in accordance with their morals and beliefs. It's not about hating people.... it's unfortunate when some Christians speak out of hate or ignorance, perpetuating a stereotype of hate for all of us. I might not have a super strong opinion about gay marriage, and I might not lose sleep at night at the thought that my children (when I have them) might someday come home and ask me awkward questions about their classmate's two dads, but I do have a right to vote however I want, and shouldn't get called "hateful" because I'm exercising that right.

I get that it's a sensitive issue, but wouldn't it be wrong for Christians who oppose homosexuality, and believe that the Bible says it's a sin, when given the opportunity to vote against something that could potentially make it more and more culturally acceptable, to vote in favor of gay marriage? The states that have passed laws against gay marriage have simply had more people show up to vote against it.

My rant (sorry your blog is the victim! :) ) comes from a mindset that has less to do with what we all think is morally right or wrong, but instead out of frustration that people are getting angry at our right as Americans, who happen to be Christians, to vote however we so choose.

Hope this all makes sense. I hope you really do only have 4 readers, because I don't want to get yelled at! :) I love reading your blog Andrea!

Andrea said...

It definitely makes sense! And I agree with your sentiment. People shouldn't come under fire for voting what's in their heart. And I don't believe they should be judged or hated for what they vote or believe or who they love. It's all so sad!
The interesting thing about North Carolina is that the state has almost twice the Democrats as it does Republicans, yet the Christians and Republicans are the ones under fire for that vote.
I let myself have hurt feelings often in response to the terrible things some people say about Christians. I shouldn't, but I do. That's where most of this comes from.

Katie said...

A really good book that reminds me of Molly's comments is called The Reason for God, by Timothy Keller. It's a wonderful book, and one of the things it discusses is how you can't help but vote according to your faith and the morals it's given you.

I agree - marriage is a union between you, your spouse, and God. I will never judge gay people. Everyone is a sinner. You're supposed to hate the sin, love the sinner.

HOWEVER, the problem with homosexuality is that people that are gay tend to be proud of the sin they're committing - and committing repeatedly - instead of repenting and trying to change. While I'm supposed to love the sinner, I can't condone their behavior.

Kind of got off track from your original point. But seriously, read Timothy Keller's book if you haven't already. He's amazing.