I start thus: I am an Orthodox Christian who believes that marriage is a religious sacrament ordained by God, as a bond between a man and a woman. But, to those who support gay rights, don't be turned off yet. And, to those who are against this initiative, don't rest easy. I will not say what you think.
In Christianity the bond of marriage is between one man and one woman. For other faiths, there may be an allowance for multiple wives. Yet, that bond is still between male and female.
So, where does an Orthodox (and thus, conservative) Christian fall in this debate? On the side of religion of course. But, what does that mean?
Many are up in arms about Proposition 8 in California. This ballot item was dubbed as an effort to "protect marriage." The so-called "defense of marriage has been a heated debate. Here's a clip of the protests:
There is no reason for this argument. Marriage is a Sacrament of Religion...not of the State. If we truly want to "protect" marriage we would keep it out of the State and leave it in religion where it belongs. It is not homosexuality that is destroying marriage. It is the State, and the fact that we have abdicated that right to the State, that destroys marriage.
What is the solution? Abolish all marriage in the eyes of the State. Change everything to Civil Unions. There is the equality: heterosexuals would have Civil Unions and homosexuals would have Civil Unions. Transgenders would be entitled to Civil Unions.
Then leave marriage to the respective faiths. Let the individual religious sects and/or denominations decide who will and will not be granted a marriage. This way, everyone can enjoy Liberty - which is the promise of America, without violating any religious doctrine.
We do not need to be divided by this issue - regardless of our religious (or a religious) beliefs. We must allow people to respect religion, but we must also allow people to have no religion. If we disagree with their stance, we should pray for their hearts to be changed - not force them. But, that's my opinion...what's yours?
I'm keeping my eyes open. May the Lord keep the city, that my watching be not in vain.
In Christianity the bond of marriage is between one man and one woman. For other faiths, there may be an allowance for multiple wives. Yet, that bond is still between male and female.
So, where does an Orthodox (and thus, conservative) Christian fall in this debate? On the side of religion of course. But, what does that mean?
Many are up in arms about Proposition 8 in California. This ballot item was dubbed as an effort to "protect marriage." The so-called "defense of marriage has been a heated debate. Here's a clip of the protests:
There is no reason for this argument. Marriage is a Sacrament of Religion...not of the State. If we truly want to "protect" marriage we would keep it out of the State and leave it in religion where it belongs. It is not homosexuality that is destroying marriage. It is the State, and the fact that we have abdicated that right to the State, that destroys marriage.
What is the solution? Abolish all marriage in the eyes of the State. Change everything to Civil Unions. There is the equality: heterosexuals would have Civil Unions and homosexuals would have Civil Unions. Transgenders would be entitled to Civil Unions.
Then leave marriage to the respective faiths. Let the individual religious sects and/or denominations decide who will and will not be granted a marriage. This way, everyone can enjoy Liberty - which is the promise of America, without violating any religious doctrine.
We do not need to be divided by this issue - regardless of our religious (or a religious) beliefs. We must allow people to respect religion, but we must also allow people to have no religion. If we disagree with their stance, we should pray for their hearts to be changed - not force them. But, that's my opinion...what's yours?
I'm keeping my eyes open. May the Lord keep the city, that my watching be not in vain.
