On Thursday, May 15, the California Supreme Court overturned a ruling banning gay marriage. This monumental ruling would allow California to be the second state, behind Massachusetts to preform and recognize marriage between homosexual couples. You can read a synopsis article here.
As I have read quotes from Evangelicals such as Dr. James Dobson, a part of me is angered and utterly embarrassed at the response of supposed Jesus-following Christians. After all, only God can condemn us to Hell. The other part of me is conflicted and tormented on where I stand on the issue of gay marriage.
I am perhaps conflicted for the many roles and titles that I carry. I am an American who supports the individual freedom of all people, even those I disagree with. I am a Christian who generally subscribes to orthodox theological beliefs, therefore I find homosexuality to be a sin. No greater than any other sin, but nevertheless, a sin. I am a Baptist, therefore I am a historical defender of separation of church and state, as well as liberty. So where do I stand? What must give?
I am still mulling over the issue, but I am making headway. At this point, I think I can say I am support of homosexual civil unions, but not marriage. Before you begin to think I am a close-minded, hell declaring evangelical or a liberal moral-destroyer, hear me out.
For the the crux of the issue rests on the definition and meaning of the words marriage and civil union. I would define marriage as the ceremony of union of two people as a institution of God and the Church. It is recognized by God and the body of believers. Since orthodox Christianity believes homosexuality is a sin, this union would between a heterosexual couple. In addition, most governments consider this to be legally binding as well. A civil union from my understanding is the commitment of two same-sex persons to one another as recognized by local legal standards. It is recognized to have the same legal rights as a heterosexual couple, but without all the religious implications.
What I am getting at is this: the church makes its law based on the Bible, the government does not meddle. As a church based on Scripture interpretation, the church has the right to not allow gay marriages to take place in the church. As a Baptist, because of my strong conviction of separation of church and state, I would contend that the government can not rule otherwise and force churches to preform marriages between homosexual couples. However, if a church does decide they want to carry out such ceremonies, that is a different issue in its entirety.
However, as an American and Baptist, I do not see any conflict in support or favor of civil unions. This makes homosexual unions legal in the sight of the government. It has no religious implication. As an American, this would fall within the realm of belief that all people should be treated equally and given equal rights. It also is in harmony with my Baptist convictions in not meddling church and governmental affairs.
I think I’m rambling now, but I am going to continue to chew over this topic of discussion. What do you think? Am I more of a heretic than I thought?
