First of all let me say that I think that if the state wants to recognize gay marriage, let them. It's not like they're saying, "Churches, YOU must sanction gay marriage." So, I'm with you on that. I think that this country should protect the freedom of ALL it's citizens. I guarantee that if Christianity is ever openly persecuted in America, the last people to stand up for us will be gays.
I thought the article was thought-provoking and made some good points, although the author, like seemingly everyone else on this subject (including Christians), took almost every single one of his scripture references out of context. It's easy to make any point you want from the Bible if you don't consider the context. I thought his explanation of Paul's view on marriage was especially deplorable. Obviously if he had read the context and other things that Paul wrote on marriage, he would have concluded that Paul thought very highly of marriage, comparing it to the relationship between Christ and the Church. (Eph. 5:22-33, note all references are to a MAN and his WIFE.) It's clear that the Bible defines marriage as such and condemns homosexuality, but the author makes an excellent point when he states that Christ reached out to everyone and loved all. Christians disgrace the gospel by burning bridges to the gay community for whom Christ died and whom he loves. Christians are far too eager to speak out on this issue and much less so to back up laws that would expose their own hypocrisy and failings (the author's point on divorce).
As a christian I can't ignore the fact that homosexuals are sinners, but I also am a sinner. Their sin is no worse than any of mine and does not change the fact that God loves them. The solution is not a law binding them to our moral code (for by the law no man is saved) but a loving relationship with their creator which we as Christians have an obligation to share with them through loving them, not hate. The gospel is the GOOD news, not the BAD news we have made it.
That was nice, Cc, thanks. :o) I have to admit, I haven't personally gone and read all these scriptures recently, so I couldn't really defend their use. (I was surprised about the quotes from Paul and was sure that was not his stance!) But like you said, the author made some good points (my fave was the one about divorce) and I hope that other Christians out there will try and listen and remember that all we are supposed to be doing is loving each other.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts - this can be a hot topic!
I'm late on commenting - as always. But, hey, I'll admit immediately that I didn't even read the Newsweek article you've referenced. I simply saw the topic and decided to make my statement. Rather than referencing any type of literature - biblical or otherwise - I've decided to give my own perspective, which is all I can trust. Love comes in many forms. I don't condemn ANY form of it. I'm amazed that prop 8 passed. It's crazy. But - again - that's my personal perspective, for whatever that's worth. Keith and I have had MANY conversations about this, and I just think that marriage should be a personal issue - not even a political issue at all. Which put into question the entire purpose of our marriage to begin with! Wow, right? So, yeah, it is contraversial. Love who you love, but love with purpose, purity and trust. That is love. That is not wrong. Those are my two cents. I keep my nose out of other's bedrooms, as I trust they do my own.
3 comments:
Sorry, this is long...
First of all let me say that I think that if the state wants to recognize gay marriage, let them. It's not like they're saying, "Churches, YOU must sanction gay marriage." So, I'm with you on that. I think that this country should protect the freedom of ALL it's citizens. I guarantee that if Christianity is ever openly persecuted in America, the last people to stand up for us will be gays.
I thought the article was thought-provoking and made some good points, although the author, like seemingly everyone else on this subject (including Christians), took almost every single one of his scripture references out of context. It's easy to make any point you want from the Bible if you don't consider the context. I thought his explanation of Paul's view on marriage was especially deplorable. Obviously if he had read the context and other things that Paul wrote on marriage, he would have concluded that Paul thought very highly of marriage, comparing it to the relationship between Christ and the Church. (Eph. 5:22-33, note all references are to a MAN and his WIFE.) It's clear that the Bible defines marriage as such and condemns homosexuality, but the author makes an excellent point when he states that Christ reached out to everyone and loved all. Christians disgrace the gospel by burning bridges to the gay community for whom Christ died and whom he loves. Christians are far too eager to speak out on this issue and much less so to back up laws that would expose their own hypocrisy and failings (the author's point on divorce).
As a christian I can't ignore the fact that homosexuals are sinners, but I also am a sinner. Their sin is no worse than any of mine and does not change the fact that God loves them. The solution is not a law binding them to our moral code (for by the law no man is saved) but a loving relationship with their creator which we as Christians have an obligation to share with them through loving them, not hate. The gospel is the GOOD news, not the BAD news we have made it.
Yeah, that's what I think. :)
That was nice, Cc, thanks. :o) I have to admit, I haven't personally gone and read all these scriptures recently, so I couldn't really defend their use. (I was surprised about the quotes from Paul and was sure that was not his stance!) But like you said, the author made some good points (my fave was the one about divorce) and I hope that other Christians out there will try and listen and remember that all we are supposed to be doing is loving each other.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts - this can be a hot topic!
I'm late on commenting - as always. But, hey, I'll admit immediately that I didn't even read the Newsweek article you've referenced. I simply saw the topic and decided to make my statement.
Rather than referencing any type of literature - biblical or otherwise - I've decided to give my own perspective, which is all I can trust. Love comes in many forms. I don't condemn ANY form of it. I'm amazed that prop 8 passed. It's crazy. But - again - that's my personal perspective, for whatever that's worth.
Keith and I have had MANY conversations about this, and I just think that marriage should be a personal issue - not even a political issue at all. Which put into question the entire purpose of our marriage to begin with! Wow, right? So, yeah, it is contraversial. Love who you love, but love with purpose, purity and trust. That is love. That is not wrong. Those are my two cents. I keep my nose out of other's bedrooms, as I trust they do my own.
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