My Answer to a Tough Question

I don’t care about politics.  At least, I’m not willing to die on the battlefield of what law gets passed or doesn’t get passed.  The gay marriage thing is tricky.  It’s definitely not a place I’d want to start a conversation.  I’d rather get to know you well, and build mutual trust  before we go there.  But it feels like a question that we’re all being forced to answer.   

     

So, if you must know, I believe that the bible says that homosexuality goes against God’s original design for mankind.  That it’s not what is best for us.  At the same rate, I believe having sex with your boyfriend of several years, masturbating, or even thinking sexual thoughts about someone other than your spouse also fits in that category.  Homosexuality is not something I find disgusting, or to be the worst possible thing a person could do.  Rather, I believe that God created man and woman in his image.  That God put certain characteristics of himself in man, and certain characteristics of himself in woman.  When the two come together as one—in marriage—a full picture of God is put on display.  You can see how that picture would be incomplete if the marriage is between two males, or two females. 

That said, I don’t oppose gay marriage.  I don’t think our country should force people to live out biblical principles.  Even though I think those biblical principles are what’s best for people.  Imagine the difference it would make if everyone saved sex for marriage?  We wouldn face as many issues with STDs, unwanted pregnancies, strugglin single parenting.  Or think of a world without divorce and broken families--something else the bible speaks out against.  Still, I don’t think it’s our country’s job to enforce God’s rules.  If Yahweh truly is a God, then he can take care of that for himself.    The only thing that motivates me to try and model my life after the teachings of Christ is the loving relationship I have with him.  Even still, if the USA decided to ban using harsh words with your husband or thinking prideful thoughts I’d be in big trouble.  To ask someone to follow Christ's teachings apart from relationship with God seems ludicrous to me.

Which brings me to what I do care about.  I care about the gospel.  The unconditional love that the one in control of this whole universe has for everyone in it.  Gay or straight, virgin or prostitute, conservative or liberal, homeless or millionaire, devout Christian or devout atheist.  He sees us all the same:  broken, imperfect people that he loves with all that he has.  I want everyone to accept his gift of the cross to cover for their shortcomings and heal their brokenness so they can begin to live in the richness of personal relationship between Creation and Creator. 

No matter who you are, what I want most for you has nothing to do with a law passing, or not passing.  It is that you realize how loved you are.  That you would understand that you have infinite, internal value.  That you would live an amazing life!  I believe that someone who knows you better than yourself has dreamt up a plan for you that uniquely reflects who you are and involves love, adventure, and a  happy ending.  That in the beginning God looked at you and saw that you were good, and that even though mistakes, and messiness get in the way he’s willing to work through all of that to be in restored relationship with you.   

At this point in my life, this is my view on things.   I am no better than anyone else, and no worse than anyone else.  This is all something you have to decide about for yourself.  Know that I will support you despite any differences we might have.  I hope that, no matter what you choose, we can still be friends.   Because I believe in tolerance, but I believe that it must go both ways.

Feel free to give me any thoughts, encouragement, or constructive criticism you have for me.