Today, April 27, is the first day that gay marriage is officially legal in Iowa. That Iowa was among the states providing equal marriage opportunity could be considered a surprise, since the state often leans toward the conservative. I came across Nate Silver’s prediction of when each state will eventually legalize gay marriage. Not surprisingly, Alabama and Mississippi are the last two states to give in.
I’m about to ask one question several different ways, but before I do that I want to clarify the point of this discussion. First, I am writing this primarily to a Christian audience. I appreciate the input of others, but I want to be clear about who this post is directed toward. The purpose of this post is not to discuss the legitimacy of homosexuality. I am not interested in debating whether or not it’s okay to be gay, nor will I allow this discussion to gravitate toward that topic. Do that on your own time, elsewhere. Okay, on to the question. Remember- this is one question worded a few different ways.
- Is the sanctity of marriage less meaningful for a man and woman to uphold if a gay couple use the same word for their union?
- What determines the sanctity of marriage: the law of the land or the couples who strive to honor God with their marriage?
- Will the legalization of gay marriage (on a state, federal, or international level) somehow lessen, cheapen, or determine the sanctity of marriage on the whole?
In the United States, special status (with taxes in particular) is granted those who are married. If same-sex couples are allowed to marry, they would be granted these same rights. Some rights are granted through civil unions, although from what I’ve gathered, they are not to the same extent as those granted under marriage. However, the priority of this post is to discuss the sanctity of marriage.
Do not read this inquiry as a veiled attempt to show where I stand on the issue. Honestly, I’m not sure I care what the law says, and I do not consider holiness as something that is determined by any law found on Earth. In addition, many straight and gay marriages cheapen the sanctity of marriage when they are filled with adultery and violence. What I am seriously asking is how necessary the fight over the word “marriage” is. The question was recently posed, “Is legal same-sex marriage inevitable?“ I ask, in addition to the primary question above, does it matter?
(If you’re gay, I realize that questioning the sanctity of your marriage may offend you. That is not my goal, and again, I remind you of my intended audience. Christians, I ask you to reflect the love of Christ in your comments.)
by Joe Kennedy
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