I'll be honest -- the very thought used to make me feel uncomfortable. And I don't know why. Possibly years of church teachings, possibly because it's something 'new' and I'm not one who embraces change.
And this despite knowing gays, willingly choosing them as friends and embracing those who are related to me.
So why I thought the world might end if they got married I don't know.
You know what changed my mind? people speaking truth.
Truth like this:
In all honesty, straight people aren't so good at marriage that it should belong exclusively to them. How many straight couples do you know who have divorced, who have uncomfortable marriages, who bitch and snipe at each other instead of building one another up?
It's not like the institution itself is under more threat.
So it must be people who feel threatened. And we need to ask ourselves why?
This is what the Bible says about love.
Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
If two people love each other like that, then let them marry.
I've heard all kinds of reasons against, like
- polygamy will be next (what, you can't say ONLY TWO CONSENTING ADULTS CAN MARRY ?)
- think of the children (if same-sex couples can adopt children, isn't it better for the parents to be married?)
- it threatens marriage and families (how?)
None of it makes sense to me.
If my gay friends marry, it DOESN'T AFFECT MY MARRIAGE. In any way. Nothing happens to me at all. Nothing. I don't even have to go to the wedding if I don't want to. (though I would. I LOVE a wedding, me!)
The only proviso I can think of is that no law should force anyone in ministry to marry a couple if it contradicts his or her belief system.
And that's it.
*climbs off soapbox*
Now how about you? What are your thoughts?
I am, and always have been 100% FOR being able to marry the one you love, regardless of their gender. If they are two, consenting adults, then it isn't hurting anyone.
ReplyDeleteExcellent, Excellent post!!! Very well said!!
ReplyDeleteThis is my favorite pie chart ever. I LOVE it. And I love Barack Obama. What a man.
ReplyDeleteI think people who love people should be allowed to express their love in the socially accepted manner of their culture.
ReplyDeleteThat sentence is very polished because I have written that phrase to so many politicians. ;-p
Thanks, everyone -- this post has been lying around in my head for some time but the kerfuffle this morning meant I had to finally write it down.
ReplyDeleteI just don't see how legally uniting two people who love one another can offend somebody.
ReplyDeleteDon't people have their own relationships to pour energy into?
Fantastic post.
:-) x
I've often wondered why "marriage" had to be legalized for anyone. It seems as if it is just another way for the government (or insurance agencies) to get more money, and always seems to penalize those who are not marriage. When you love someone... you love someone. You shouldn't need anyone's permission to share or show that love.
ReplyDeleteEverything you said is true.
ReplyDeleteLove is love, no matter where you find it or who with. And people who want to marry should be allowed to.