Why is the bible used to justify certain things?

Question

On Fox News and many mainstream media in the U.S. it seems that either a politician or a news commentor quotes the bible whenever a controversial issue takes place.

For instance gay marriage is seen as trampling on the sanctity of marriage. How? Most politicians believe or at least think that marriage is between a man and woman and that same sex couples shouldn't be allowed to marry because the Bible says or god said marriage is between a man and a woman. And somehow it is seen as both sinful and shameful for two men or two women to be married with full rights as any other married couple. Why?

As Bob Dylan once said the Times are changing. Isn't there a way for traditonal views and more liberal views of marriage to coexist side by side? It's the 21st Century yet people must still fight for their rights to be treated equality! It's a shame when the U.S. doesn't practice what it preaches to the rest of the world, basic human rights...

Answer 1

The U.S. was at least partly founded on Christian Puritanism, so no matter the myth, America does not really have any separation between church and state. In fact, considering that most of the voting population in the US is comprised of Christians, for most politicians (Conservatives of course, but Democrats as well) there actually needs to be a connection between church and state. So, because of this, American law stems from the Constitution and also in a de facto way from the Bible -- which is basically the Christian book of laws. Thus, no gay marriage because it doesn't appease both secular AND religious beliefs; likewise, no real development in stem cell research, etc.

Unfortunately, for those who don't like this, the times really are changing -- the balance between the religious and the secular is becoming more and more fragile, with the weight resting more on the religious side. For example, as compared to more liberal families, conservative families have more children (e.g., use less birth control), and, therefore, hold more political stock in the future of the country than any other constituent group.

Answer 2

Many politicians are christians and use that to get their point across to people. If I were in office my christian background would definitely affect how I voted on things. So nothing against the gays in the world, but I have been taught all my life it is wrong. I don't believe gay marriages is a basic human right. Human rights deal with health, food and so on. I have never read where we told the rest of the world that if they didn't let people marry we would invade.

Answer 3

For the same reason that the Torah and the Koran (al-Qur'an) are used to justify certain things. Most people feel strongly about their belief system. If a politician, newscaster or even a religious leader wants to win your support or convince you of their point of view or statement, quoting the Holy Book of your faith makes is a strong tool for persuasion. Think about it.....if they can make you beleive what they are saying is tied to God's Will...it's pretty tough to disagree. Being an informed thinking citizen is the best way to decide if what they are saying is justified.

Answer 4

Well, you can interpret words to mean whatever you want, either literally or a derived meaning. People have been twisting that book out of shape for over a thousand years.