'Sanctity' of Marriage?

Question

By not allowing gays and lesbian to marry, our government is preserving the 'sanctity of marriage'. (Referring to the U.S. Government here)

So, pretty much, in a nutshell, this is our senators, our governors, our elected officials, putting their sexuality on a pedestal, and think that heterosexuality is superior to homosexuality.

There is no legitimate backing as to why they do this, no solid evidence, just biased religious beliefs.

Couldn't you find the least bit of discrimination in this? Even for as religious as you are, do you think our politicians should have the right to deny us rights, based on their beliefs?

@crimmsonandclover: Diseases and hemorrhoids are also a part of heterosexuality as well, so your point isn't valid. And every time you have sex, I'm sure you have procreation in mind, considering a Heterosexual not using any birth control is a very common thing.

*chuckles at my own sarcasm*

@Homeland Security: I am not of legal age to vote, so no, I did not have the option to pick the officials which govern my life.

You act like "We the people..." is so perfect. I'm guessing that's why African Americans and Women didn't have to fight for their rights, correct? Our country was founded by anything by white, rich men, correct? They totally granted everyone all rights.

*again laughs at my own sarcasm*

@bryan_adams26: My life is not to be governed by Christian beliefs. Separation of Church and State, an important part of America.

@Curious2Know: It's your opinion I live in sin. I do not believe I have sinned by being gay. Besides, you aren't going to hell for my actions, what do you care?

@angelpurplewings: Everything you said a merely opinion. What you find to be moral and what I find to be moral are two totally different aspects. If I create a religion where being Heterosexual is condemned by my God, do I automatically have the right to take away your right to marry? I should, because that's the way you're playing the religion. Take your beliefs off the pedestal-- you are no better than any single one of us, dear.

@God is love.: My life is to be ran by your Christian beliefs? *laughs* Okay, for a day, live under my beliefs, and I will be certain my God will condemn you to Hell. Do you realize what you're saying? You are putting YOUR beliefs above mine-- is discriminating to my beliefs.

@Midnight Crier: You say "in my opinion..." in your answer. You are absolutely right, it is nothing more than your opinion. And since when do we follow the ideological beliefs of 12 year olds? I find that foolish. I would suggest you put him in control of your family finances, considering you take his word on other issues, and see how long you have a place to live.

*is almost crying from sarcastic comments*

Answer 1

We are created in the image of God. He created it to be a male and a female. He is the potter and we are the clay. Gods word is final. The Holy Bible, Gods word, speakes for itself. I am sorry if that offends you, its not me speaking but the Bible. Marriage is a representation of Jesus Christ and the Church. A covenant. Gods takes Covenants very seriously. The Bible says its better to not vow than to vow and not pay. Please do not let the devil drag you down with him. Homosexuality is against the teachings of the Bible. Just like driving drunk, drug abuse and a million other sins. Its wrong. Now if you want to go straight you can. Jesus Christ will help you. Get a Bible, start reading, See a Pastor or Preacher or someone you can trust. God can change whatever feelings you have towards another. He spoke the world into existance, I'm sure he can handle that, Pray this Prayer, its called a sinners Pray, think about it. Jesus will help you but first you must be born again, heres how, Dear Jesus, I know and confess that I am sinner in need of salvation. I believe you died on a cross at calvery and arose from the grave to wash away my sins, I ask you right now to come into my heart and save me, I pray this Prayer believing in the name of Jesus Amen. If you prayed this prayer with a sincere heart you are now a child of God, rejoice that your name is written in the Lambs book of Life. Jesus will now send his Holy Spirit to come and live in your heart and guide you into all truth. If you have any questions just send me an email, God Bless YOU!!

Answer 2

I cannot answer for the government, nor would I want to be able. Sanctity refers to things that are sacred or holy and clearly not something our government should have any business in. The first error, as I see it, is that federal government ever got involved in marriage to being with - Hetero or otherwise. At the very least, it should be up to the States.

Is it discrimination? Anyone with a brain can see it is discrimination. All the hate for homosexuals is wrong too, at least from a true Christian perspective. We are called to tell the world of God's love for his creation without exception.
God's free gift of salvation is for anyone who wants it. There is no room for hating someone because of things they do to separate themselves from God.

From a secular perspective, Marriage is a legal contract with fringe benefits - as already answered here. Personally, Marriage has a deeper meaning to me. It is a bond of complete oneness between wife and husband in which they work together to struggle with salvation. At the same time, it is a commitment of one another to form a family of their own - with which to contemplate Christ, our God.

I don't think politicians should deny others the right to civil union or the secular definition of marriage I mentioned. At the same time, it is wrong to demand politicians to do something against their beliefs, like force a church to marry same sex couples. That is another good argument to support the separation of church and state.

In this crazy P.C. culture, I think some Christians fear that the day will come when churches who refuse to marry same sex couples will be branded as hate groups by the government. For that real possibility alone - It makes ending discrimination seem less important.

Since you brought it up in your question, How can Heterosexual union not be superior to homosexual union? After all, it takes both male and female to create life. That does give heterosexual unions an edge, does it not?

Answer 3

Dear Avatar-less

The issue here is not whether marriage is a holy rite. The issue here is denial of civil rights on the basis of sexual orientation. As a minister, I am allowed by the laws of the State of South Carolina to perform and certify marriages. But even if I was not a minister,, I could still perform marriages because I am also a notary. Depending on state laws, this right is also granted to judges, magistrates, justices of the peace and other civil authorities. Clearly, the state considers marriage a civil issue, not a religious issue.

I choose not to pass judgment on the sexual conduct of others, as long as that conduct has no harmful consequences. I do oppose sexual conduct which can lead to harmful consequences, such as pedophilia, sadism/masochism and other potentially harmful conduct. I find nothing offensivee, however, in two people wanting to make a legal commitment to love and care for each other. I also find no valid medical or sociological proof that non-traditional family relationships have a harmful effect on legal dependants of such relationships.

So in the end, it all comes down to politics. The majority of voters have clearly shown their opposition to same-sex marriages where that issue has been placed on the ballot. The politicians know better than to fight the voters on this issue. It has nothing to do with their personal beliefs. We have seen many cases where politicians were exposed engaging in practices they had publicly opposed. It has to do with getting elected. I am afraid this issue, like the issue of racial equality, will have to be settled by the courts.

Given the current practice of appointing judges with conservative agendas, I wouldn't hold my breath.

Best always
Brother Ron

Answer 4

You can also point out that 60% of heterosexual marriages today end up in divorce...

Where's the sanctity in that? lol

I know many homosexual couples who have been "married" longer, are more devoted to each other, have children, and a stable family life than a lot of those who take marriage for granted and get divorced so easily.

For all those who say marriage is for making babies (like the dude below me) HELLO then wouldn't BIRTH CONTROL be outlawed too? What about those couples who are UNABLE to reproduce? Should they be denied the right to marry?

There's this lady a few posts down saying those who are getting divorces aren't christians. Are you kidding me? If you think christians don't get divorces you are seriously deluding yourself. Just look at our politicians who claim to be "christians". They have affairs, multiple marriages, scandals attached to their names...need I go on??

I remember about 40 years ago that our "elected representatives" prevented different races from marrying each other (i.e. white and black). How is this discrimination any different?

It makes me weep inside when I see people judging others and playing god. God IS love and acceptance and merciful. He loves everyone and made everyone who they are. Why would he condemn those he made in his likeness? God made me straight like he made others gay. If you think it is about choice, it's not. Did you choose to be straight? I sure didn't. It came down to who I chose to love.

Answer 5

Most right-wing politicians have no strong feelings on this issue. They are pandering to the inflamed prejudice of grassroots evangelical Christian and right-wing Roman Catholic voters. Of course this is a denial of due process protections, as well as an impermissible violation of the Establishment Clause, in that it privileges the religious beliefs of those whose worship traditions are opposed to same-sex marriage at the expense of those traditions that endorse same-sex marriage, such as the United Church of Christ, the Society of Friends (Quakers), and most Neo-Pagan faith traditions.

Answer 6

First, what is marriage in God the Father's, will.

Jesus told us that God the Father's will is to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Jesus also told us that there are no marrying or giving in marriage in heaven. Therefore marriages are a man-made tradition, it is not of God the Father.

Jesus also told us in His story of Noah, that they were marrying and being given in marriage in knew not until the flood came and took them all away.

When His disciples asked Jesus, is it not good to marry ?
He answered them with the story of the eunuchs.

Jesus said the children of this world marry as well as divorce,
but is not like this in heaven, in heaven we are like angels

If you choose someone and tell them that you will always be with them, and love them always, and never "Lust" after another, until death do you part. You have sanctified that relationship. And oath, vow or promise can not be broken it can only be fulfilled.

That which God the Father has joined together let no man put asunder. Be they gay or straight.

Note: that Jesus never said a married woman or married man, He said "LUST"

Answer 7

I am glad that they wish to preserve traditional family values. I am tired of the militant homosexual movement in this country. Our children should not be subjected to gay behavior. There are those that think that it is OK. I am not one of those people.
I have a gay brother. I love my brother, and therefore I do not talk badly about him. My children know that he is gay, however. My son dislikes him because of it. My son is twelve. I tell him that he should love his uncle, no matter what. It makes no difference. I cannot change the way he feels. Why? Because, even at twelve years old, he knows that it is wrong, and he is right. I am not going to tell him that it is OK, because it is not. It is unnatural, it is sick, in my opinion, and it is wrong. Period. Having it shoved down our throats in TV programs, etc. does not change that. Legislation and "hate speech" laws will not change it. It is what it is.

You say that it is our senators, governors, etc., etc. discriminating against it, but that is not entirely true. There are many, many everyday people that feel that it is wrong, and will not tolerate it. Hooray for them.

Answer 8

God made man and then made woman as a companion
As is it, fallen man is in a bad enough spiritual state, let alone allowing direct violation of Gods sacred purpose of man/woman marriage
homosexuality is sinful and an offense to God. We all sin, yes even us Christians,. we are not perfect but a work in progress. the fallen nature of the flesh cannot be redeemed, rather Christ working in us through the Holy Spirit that creates a new man or woman within us that shows through to others. But man being inherently disobedient and evil, seeks to pervert Gods natural order and therefore brings the consequences of his /her actions on him or her and other around him/her. Look at the world, ask yourself why is it so bad? The answer is within mankind ... sin.

Answer 9

Does all men and women have rights even if they our heterosexual. we are not treated the same and we are called the minority. here you come with your sexual rituals and say we want freedom to do what we want and how we want. The goverments has laws for people of color and has laws for you. God says your sexual motives are and obomination and it is like yeast. It permiates the world. Men where killed for this behavior. Yet you continue to make these demands without even thinking of your safety. The goverment is trying to save you from insult and injury. You say that we think our sexual practices are superior to yours. But it is the only sexual practices handed down by our forefathers. Your flesh says come out and let the world know. But God is saying give up on this behavior and live.

Answer 10

I knew the "sanctity of marriage" concept was bogus when I was in Las Vegas and saw a sign for "$99 Hollywood Weddings".

The only secular argument I've ever heard against gay marriage is "We shouldn't have marriage as a legal institution in the first place".