Over the past couple of days people have asked me what I think about Amendment 1, or more simply, the amendment that would affectively define marriage as between a man and a woman. So I have decided to write this post, not only to express my opinions, but also to help some of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ deal with this issue. I hope that the following five points will help you come to a decision.
1.) Marriage is a bond between a Man and a Woman that represents Christ love for the Church- The Bible expressively states that God created Man and Woman for the purpose of uniting in Marriage. The New Testament goes further by comparing marriage to Christ’s relationship with the Church. Homosexual marriage does not fulfill what God ordained from creation as his sovereign plan for humanity. I’m stating this point because although I am against amendment one I do not support homosexual marriage.
2.) Not Everyone is a Christian- I can not help but think of Christians in other Countries who face persecution and oppression because they do not believe the “right” things. I do not want to subjugate the homosexual community to Christian morals. Even though homosexuality rebels against God (aka sin) passing legislation to determine morality seems wrong. Could you imagine if we passed legislation for every sin, we would find ourselves in a heap of trouble.
3.) Legislation does not change the heart- Piggy backing off of point two, passing legislation to define marriage does nothing in the long run but deny a group of people something they want. ONLY the gospel can transform hearts! Take the time to share the Gospel with a homosexual.
4.) Jesus died for everyone- Passing this legislation will alienate the Christians and homosexuals, and create a huge gap between the two parties. I do not want homosexuals to think of Christians as mortal enemies. After all, Jesus died to open the door of salvation for everyone, not just white evangelical republicans.
5.) There is no Such thing as homosexual marriage in the eye’s of God- (This point is from Pastor John Piper). the Bible defines homosexual behavior as “dishonorable” and “shameless” and “contrary to nature” (Romans 1:26-27), but on the other hand the Bible says that marriage is to be “held in honor” (Hebrews 13:4). Marriage does not produce shame. And marriage is not contrary to nature. There is therefore no such thing as homosexual marriage in the eyes of God. And there should not be in the eyes of his people—no matter what the state says.
There you have it, no matter what the state says, yes or no, homosexual marriage does not exist in the eyes of God! However, I believe this bill to effectively define marriage, through legislation, will do more bad than good. I’ll leave you with the words of Piper again, “The early Christians were profoundly out of step with their culture. The Imperial words of Christ were ringing in their ears: “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Mark 13:13). Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44).That was a time, and this is a time, for indomitable and tearful joy and unwavering ministries of mercy. The greatness of Christian pilgrims is not success but service. Whether we win or lose, we witness to the way of truth and beauty and joy. We don’t own culture, and we don’t rule it. We serve it with brokenhearted joy and long suffering mercy, for the good of man and the glory of Jesus Christ.”
If I understand this article correctly, you do not have a problem with the ideas behind Amendment One, but you differ with them on what the role of the Government is. I have a few questions about this.
1. You said that “passing legislation to determine morality seems wrong” what is an example of a piece of legislation that is not based on morality?
2. Why is it not the job of the state to define what it means when it refers to a union?
3. Should we be rid of all laws which prohibit sin? What about prostitution laws? Do these not drive a wedge between the Christians and the Prostitutes?
The main premise of this article is that this particular legislation does more bad than good. By passing this legislation the Christian community will affectively become enemies with the homosexual community, this does not provide a healthy relationship in which to share the Gospel. To answer your points, 1) we have to pick what sins we attempt to pass legislation for (This is not a good one). 2) God defines marriage not the state. 3) No, these laws are already in place.
Here is my response in order
1. Why is it that you believe that this sin should not be regulated and others ought to be? What is your standard?
2. I think you misunderstood the question. When the government uses a term, it is their duty to define it. This amendment provides a definition, a totally secular definition of marriage. What the government means. This is totally in the realm of governmental authority.
3. Again I think I was not clear. I am asking if you are against prostitution laws. If your standard by if a law is good or bad, is based on whether or not it would possibly make the community turn against the Christian community (which does not even make sense with this entirely secular amendment) then we ought to be rid of prostitution laws. Whether or not laws have been passed has no bearing on the argument.
So what do you think?
For those who want to vote for Amendment 1 here’s the wording of the amendment:
“Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State. This section does not prohibit a private party from entering into contracts with another private party; nor does this section prohibit courts from adjudicating the rights of private parties pursuant to such contracts.”
Please read it very carefully. It will make ALL domestic partnerships other than marriage illegal in N.C.
It will take away rights from many women and children.
Even if you are against same sex marriage, why is it there is this huge fight against women and children in this country? Also, why is it there are bills and amendments that are fighting against their rights under the guise of something else.
This amendment is bigoted is so many ways I can’t imagine anyone who’s actually read it voting for it.
Please think hard about it before voting YES because it will not change the state rules on same sex marriage but it definitely will change the rules on many other aspects of our freedom. It’s only the beginning of losing all of your freedom.