Ok, so this isn’t so much a direct question as I was asked to weigh in on this article, 12 Reasons Homosexual Marriage Will Wreck The Nation, by a friend who said,
“Verbiage such as this makes Christians look like a bunch of ignorant paranoid hicks. It also puts people off of God, faith, and the church. There are LGBT couples who are more stable and healthy than most straight WASPS.
However, I did forward the article to Emily Dixon. Emily is a Christian educator at the collegiate level. Additionally, she is a published author and speaker on Christian Sexuality. I can't wait to see what her take on this is.”
Well, you know the old saying, “Don’t ask for my opinion if you really don’t want it”? I think this is going to be a great example of why we would need such a warning.
First off, the article is well footnoted with links to supporting articles and historic examples. Kudos to Dr. McDurmon for doing the dirty work that so many of us like to eschew in favor simply spouting our opinions – something of which I am guilty.
Secondly, I am not in full agreement with each conclusion or, more appropriately, share the same concern if this happens to be the outcome. However, my variance is slight.
1. Wholesale Revision of Every State’s Family Law, and Related Matters.
This is an unavoidable and logical conclusion to the legal acceptance of Homosexual marriage. When we change what the legal definition of what something is then the laws must be brought into agreement with the new definition. Some laws will only be altered slightly, however, other laws will be radically changed. As I do not have a law degree, I will leave speculation for those better qualified.
2. Closure of Christian and Other Religious Adoption Agencies.
This is happening and the author shares two articles documenting it in Chicago and Boston. Nothing to argue here.
3. Preaching Against Homosexuality and Counseling of Homosexuals Likely Would Be Prohibited.
Again, already in the works as anything – even the quotation of a Scripture verse is being called hate speech in public circles. Don’t believe me, check out my Facebook page. Sweden and Canada have already declared that the Biblical teaching against homosexuality is hate speech and worthy of jail time. So as Dr. McDumon included the qualifier “likely”, I do not see what there is to argue with.
4. Churches and Others Would Lose Exemption from Federal Income Tax.
Yeah, this is pretty much an unavoidable fact on our horizon. I think it is time we pretty much accept it as a forgone conclusion and prepare our church budgets to take the hit. On the upside, no one will be able to gripe about the church getting special treatment any more. I don’t think this is a bad thing if we are wise about it. Unfortunately, most churches won’t be and a lot of them will be closing their doors.
5. Legalization of Multiple-Partner and Incestuous Marriages.
People’s objection against this one always amuses me – it’s like there is this line in the sand for even most of the LGBT community where they can point and say, “Oh, I will violate these Biblical statutes, but not those.” Why? I mean, if you are going to start moving the line why stop there?
Honestly, the only real argument for homosexuality is “this makes me feel happy/fulfilled/and affirmed as a person.” (Why one would feel this way is irrelevant since the Bible is pretty big on denying one’s self. I feel fulfilled after eating an entire chocolate cake, still doesn’t make gluttony all right or less sinful.) If you can justify casting aside on boundary revealed in the Bible, then the next step is to cast off any of the rest that get in the way of personal fulfillment and affirmation.
And we cannot say that there are not people who believe that happiness is found in relationships that include multiple partners and there are various articles that affirm the right of any adult to have any sexual relationship they desire, including incestuous ones. To deny this is to lack the faculties to read or properly utilize Google.
6. People of Biblical Faith Would be Driven from Public Office.
Okay, this is going to happen. I don’t think it is the right response to the situation and I think that a lot of Christians are going to be playing the role of martyr by claiming to be driven out of public office. We still have to be in the world, and we have to function within the world. Simply doing ones job such filing paperwork on a marriage license is not the same as offering approval of the marriage.
7. A Coarsening of Civil Society.
Yes. However, it is the job of parents to help create a tender and responsive heart in their children while also teaching them to deal with issues of society without fear or flinching. The coarsening of civil society does not mandate that we lose all influence in our homes or community. It simply means that we must actively deal with issues we have been content to ignore as “they don’t affect me” has been our excuse to remain ignorant.
8. Mandates on Businesses to Cater to Homosexual Couples.
Again, already documented as happening. I am divided on this issue as I personally think privately owned business should be able to turn away business that they feel does not reflect their values. It has been going on for a long time, whether it be restaurants with dress codes or flea markets that ask the Jehovah Witnesses to leave. The only difference is this has been touted as a civil rights issue for the LGBT community instead of private ownership and freedom of religion and speech issue. It’s all about the slant.
However, if I had bakery, I would have baked the cake with a smile and taken their money. Because I believe excellent workmanship and customer service is a witness to the community.
9. Professional Licensing Requirements to Serve Homosexual Couples.
And once again, already documented as happening. Now here is my question, if a lawyer can refuse to defend a murderer they know is guilty as it is a violation of their ethics or conscience, why would not the same rule apply here? And why would you want someone who disagreed with your lifestyle to defend you in court when they could easily throw you under the bus? The same for medical services, really, it does not make sense, unless your intent is to be provoking.
10. Undermining the Created Male-Female Order.
Yes. However, Christians should bear in mind that this order only applies to those of us who claim to live our lives under the authority of Scripture. We have no right to chastise or correct anyone who does not claim to share our faith. When we try to impose our rules on those who do not respect the source of those rules, we wind up with deservedly bad press.
11. Loss of Liberty.
I get where he is going, but to build the case with finality would be cumbersome task. It is enough to look at the examples furnished by Dr. McDurmon and note that every society who has embraced homosexuality did indeed abandon any ideas of equality or social justice. A fact that should not surprise anyone since homosexuality is ultimately about satisfying a selfish desire.
12. God’s Judgment on the Nation.
Yeah, God isn’t big on being disrespected and there will be a price. However, I think the penalty will be far more severe because we have had the audacity to claim that we are a Christian nation while engaging in things that are not very Christian. Please note, I am not saying that this is all going to happen because some people happened to be gay. I am saying it will happen because we all screwed up whether it was in our greed and gluttony, the backbiting and slanderous gossip we all love, or the lazy entitlement attitude that cultivate to an art form. Oh, no, we cannot pin this on anyone group of people when we all shared in the demise of our country.
We have all created an image of God in our minds that allows to condemn one party while excusing our pet sins. We have said God hates homosexuality and then cheated on our taxes because "God understands." Uhm, no, he doesn't and he's not happy about it. Maybe if all of us who claimed to be Christians started doing what we told instead of what was easier or felt good, the rest of the world might get to see how amazing our God is. Until then, put down your stones.
Finally, allow me to add this.
When we speak of marriage we need to start delineating between two separate and distinct entities. One is a government sponsored contract between two individuals. The other is religious sacrament and a God sanctioned covenant between a man and a woman. We should consider very carefully if we want to blur that line between church and state. For if the church can dictate to the state what marriage is, what prevents the tide from turning and allowing the state to dictate to the church the definition of this union?
I personally believe we should guard that dividing wall between the church and state. It is my belief that recognition of state document of marriage should not be regarded as a sacrament, nor should the sacrament be devalued to the point of a contractual obligation. I recognize that this takes a far greater faith in God, to believe that his will can and will be done without the aid of the government mandates. I also recognize that for many this is leap of faith that is far too great as their faith has been sponsored by God but placed in legislation.
Ever wonder if that is why he allowed this shake up? I have.
Please recognize this post has been a response to a question and does not fully reflect my views on these issues. To learn more, check out this link.When Our Faith Offends
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