What's at stake in the same-sex marriage debate

Because the Same Sex marriage debate will impact all of society, I think it’s important we have a gracious and well informed discussion. Laws are never morally neutral. All laws embody underlying moral beliefs and impart morality onto a culture. As a Christian, I believe what Jesus said about marriage when he says “from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate” (Mark 10:6-9). And because God has said this, I believe it to be best for all people, and the bedrock of not only our society, but all societies in all cultures throughout all of time as it has been.


I also believe that basic biology (that sex is binary) and the basic need of children to have both a father and a mother (where possible) is a reflection of Gods purpose for men and women. Historically speaking, equality has been understood to acknowledge equal worth whilst maintaining distinctions. As this article says “Any definition of marriage will be exclusive because to define something is to immediately distinguish it from what it is not.” To change the foundation from one man and one woman in a lifelong, procreative union (which represents the covenantal love between Christ and his Church), to a radically new foundation of love, commitment and equality (a term the SSM campaign misuses) not only changes the fundamental meaning and purpose of marriage, removing the rights a child has to their natural parents, but also opens the door to any relationship that can likewise argue love, commitment and equality as their foundation, such as incestuous and polyamorous relationships.

A right view of tolerance is the respecting of those we disagree with. As a Christian I want to love those who are same sex attracted because I believe that they possess the inalienable dignity and worth that all humans share in being created in the image of God, while seeking to maintain what God has ordained as being best for both society, and children. But loving others doesn’t mean I must agree with them, especially when I believe their point of view to be to the detriment of society, and out of step with how God created us to be. This is a view not held by Christians alone but many who are same sex attracted and many who have grown up with parents who are in a same-sex relationship as the attached article points out. An arguement should stand or fall based upon its logical consistency, it's conguity with reality and ultimately its alignment with God's word. A greater willingness to listen and respectfully engage would be to the benefit of all involved, and would reflect a desire for truth which is sorely needed. So I encourage you to read the article which I think helpfully presents the issues at stake in changing the definition of marriage.I hope it promotes further discussion that seeks to deal with the facts rather than the emotions.

https://selkesnet.wordpress.com/2017/08/24/somewhere-over-the-rainbow/

And as we discuss this important issue, we all need to remember one thing: changing the definition of marriage will not fix what’s wrong with the world. What’s wrong with our society is our radically self-centered hearts. And for this reason, more important than seeing a ‘no vote’ prevail, my desire is that, in seeing the goodness of God’s Word, all might consider the claims of Christ; his life, death and resurrection. For in them we find a solution to the problem of the human heart. Christ gives us a lasting peace by putting an end to trying to find fulfillment and meaning in ourselves or our sexuality. He does this as we turn back to Jesus who forgives the sinner, welcomes the prodigal home, gives us a new identity as a child of God, and gives us a sure hope of a sinless world where all relationships are set right forever. So, whoever you are, I encourage you to pick up the gospel of Mark, and discover afresh the Creator of marriage and sex, who took on flesh to die for those who had rejected him. This is the kind of love we all need.