Theology Blog

The issue of gay marriage continues to dominate the conversation in the church and culture. While I have my own thoughts on the issue, I have tried to stay away from it. While it matters, I think there are things we need to focus our energy on more and I sincerely believe we need to learn to respect our differences on this issue. As I reflected on the issue some, I thought about some the of key factors that I believe are shaping the debate around this issue. For what its worth, here are my thoughts on those factors…

1. Fear- The truth is the fear is a huge part of what shapes this conversation and debate. Whether it’s the fears of those who are opposed to gay marriage or those who are for it, so much of the argument boils down to our own fears. Its unfortunate because its not an issue worth being afraid of, whether its because we are afraid of what might happen or afraid of being left out, neither of these fears are healthy.
2. Equality/Rights- This really is an issue of equality and rights. Personally, I think this is one area where government should legislate morality within reason. The government should guarantee reasonable equality and rights to all people. The church should also support the idea of equality in rights, even if it does not agree with the person or lifestyle. We cannot have it both ways. We cannot force the church to give up its rights, nor can we force individuals to do so. If the church interferes on the issue of rights, it should be willing to give up its own rights, which is a dangerous and slippery slope.
3. Worth- Much of this issue boils down to worth, the worth of individuals in spite of their way of living and the worth of the church and its principles. We ought to value the worth of all people as we are all created in the image of God, even if we have sin (and we all do). We ought to value the worth and beliefs of the church, even if we disagree because we are all created in the image of God and are capable of expressing God’s love.
4. View of Scripture- The difference of views related to this issue, especially in the church boils down to the view of scripture that one holds. How seriously one sees scripture, its authority and its message. The spectrum is wide and passionate. How we view Scripture in the church and as Christ followers impacts our view on this issue greatly, but it should not be an excuse to be ungracious to those who differ from us, because no matter how one looks at Scripture, that cannot be justified.
5. Government & the Church- The role of the government as well as the church are at the heart of this issue as well. I have long advocated for the separation of church and state for the benefit of both. Our founding fathers were right and the government wants to change the influence of the church and the church seems to want to run the government. If the church were to get back to doing what Christ called it to do and be, then the government would probably do a better job of doing what it is supposed to do. I am not sure it is beneficial to either and certainly to the people of our great nation for the government to tell the church what it can and cannot do and vice versa. Again, its hypocritical to expect to have it both ways. Not only is it hypocritical, its unwise, lacks humility and ultimately will not be effective.
6. Beliefs- In addition to these issues, what one believes and how one is allowed to practice, proclaim and impose those beliefs on others is a core issue in this debate.