September 10, 2005
GOD'S SIDE VS. BACKSIDES:
Whose Side is God On? (Raymond J. Keating, 9/08/05)
The debate in the state legislature apparently was quite passionate. But one report caught my attention. The Associated Press noted that Sen. Dennis Hollingsworth, a Republican, suggested a "higher power" opposed the measure. Sen. Debra Brown, a Democrat, responded that various churches supported the legislation, adding: "I don't think anyone should claim God as being on their side in this debate."Hmm, really? In this case, it's pretty clear where God stands. Christians turn to the final place they can for assurance and guidance. Holy Scripture makes clear what's moral and immoral regarding sexual relations, and therefore marriage.
For example, Moses wrote: "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination." (Leviticus 18:22) But some argue that there is much in the Old Testament to which Christians are free to reject. That is true, but those are dietary and ceremonial matters, not the moral law. In addition, Christianity does not use the latest cultural trends to make such assessments (despite some in the church choosing to do so), but views matters through the New Testament.
Jesus clearly upholds the moral law regarding "sexual immorality." (Mark 7:21) St. Paul specifically affirms the prohibitions against homosexual acts at several points. He wrote: "Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
Of course, this does not mean that God loves the supporters of gay marriage any less. God loves all mankind, and at the same time, we are all sinners. But we have an obligation to confess our sins, seek forgiveness, and work to sin no more.
So, here is a clear instance where the church can and should weigh in on a political issue. Protecting traditional marriage finds its legitimacy in Scripture, morality, societal stability, procreation purposes, and the positive, complementary influences that a father and a mother have on children.
But if you oppose all those things then it makes sense to support gay marriage. Posted by Orrin Judd at September 10, 2005 11:19 PM
Here is a moral subtlety. We may invision circumstances under which homosexual acts may be readily forgiven the contrite while recalcitrant, persistent advocacy of homosexual practices may not.
All have sinned, all may be forgiven for the price of their guilt has been paid by Another. (Yes, there is the unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit, but we don't really know what that is other than to reason that it involves conscious rejection of God's grace.)
But one who persists in his sin of scandal, being by his defense and advocacy of sinful practices an occasion of sin for others, remains in danger of damnation.
Posted by: Lou Gots at September 11, 2005 8:37 PM