While listening to the debate on the Ground Zero Mosque I heard the most profound comment. The person being interviewed for their opinion, said... "Just because they have the RIGHT to do build it there, does not mean it's the RIGHT thing to do". I took that and used it in my view on gay marriage. Just because some may feel it's not the RIGHT thing to do, but they really should have the RIGHT to do it?
I also believe that the Conservatives/Republicans (which I consider myself both) do themselves harm by having such a strong anti-gay marriage stance and message. This country has so many much larger and important issues that threaten liberty and freedom. And some of us march to take liberty and freedoms away from a few.
Jesus did not teach us to condemn but taught us to love, accept and show kindness. The Bible says in Matthew 7:1-2 "Do not Judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you". I am not better or more perfect than anyone for sure, but I have to question those who speak out so firmly against something when surely their own closets are not full of empty hangers.
Sometimes you have to be a little closer to an issue to fully see all sides and understand them. I have gay/lesbian friends and family members and I love them all. I love them because they are human beings, wonderful people, and live in a great country, the United States of America. A country that since it's creation, teaches LIBERTY for all, not just for some of the "all". I watched Christian artist Jennifer Knapp appear on CNN's Larry King show. And shortly after condemning Jennifer for her preferences, Pastor Bob Botsford then said "God is the judge". That kind of approach on a national TV show is why Christians have such a struggle with this debate. Hypocrisy will take all credibility from a person and from their side of the debate.
Our relationship with our Lord is Individual and not collective. It is up to me to care for my salvation and up to you to care for yours. We all can do a better job of caring for ourselves and our beliefs before mandating or criminalizing others for theirs.
This debate is far from over, and while I may not agree that one judge should have the ability to overturn the vote of a majority like recently in California, the question is should it even be on a ballot at all. Is adultery on the ballot ? Is alcoholism on the ballot? It's ok for you to oppose gay marriage, but is it ok for you to legislate against gay marriage, or alcoholism, or adultery? I did not mean to compare these issues between themselves but more of a comparison as to how the opposition handles their beliefs. Do we see a push for an amendment to the constitution to ban whiskey ? Or pornography?
My thoughts are not perfect and I am sure someone can tear them apart, but they are just that my thoughts. And for now, in America we can still have individual thought and opinion.
Those are my Kansas Thoughts today... but I am still thinking about this topic and you should too!
The entire debate on gay marriage is silly. It is so easy to solve.
ReplyDeleteThe entire thing is based on 2 definitions of marriage.
1. a legal union of 2 people
2. a religious union of 2 people
The solution in 2 steps:
1. The government should call all unions between 2 people "unions" instead of marriage. All unions would be equal under the law.
2. Any church should be able to perform a marriage for anyone they wish. Other churches would not be required to recognize that ceremony.
Agreed with the poster above.
ReplyDelete