My Thoughts on Homosexual Marriage
If you are a Christian, I believe this issue has to be looked at two ways. As a Christian and as an American. Yes, the majority of the founders of our nation were Christian. However, they did not imagine a world where homosexual marriage would be as big of an issue as it is today. Therefore, they left room in the constitution for gay marriage.
The first amendment states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”
Christianity does not allow gay marriage. You can look at the Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, and dissect the culture any way you want. In the end, the Old and New Testament does not allow it. Obviously, there are other religions in America today that allow it. I believe our constitution allows them to marry. This is a financial decision that has ramifications in taxes, death benefits, insurance, etc.
The constitution allows everyone to break each other’s religious laws as long as it doesn’t infringe on the rights of someone else.
When it comes to homosexuality the only area where it really infringes could be in tax allocation. In other words, my taxes are used to benefit someone in a lifestyle that I disagree with. I believe that argument breaks down quickly when thinking of Jesus’ words when asked about paying taxes to Rome, “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s.” Jesus released them to pay the tax because it was insignificant to His Kingdom. Keep in mind the immorality of the Romans was extremely more severe than America today (not to mention they were about to brutally execute Jesus later this same week!). In the private sector the argument is shot down immediately because we spend money all day long with corporations that spend money in grossly immoral actions.
My thinking is that if the Supreme Court determines that homosexual marriages should be realized and benefits awarded, then they are saying I should allow them space with their religion and not interfere (get in their business).
Doesn’t this also mean that a homosexual couple could not interfere with my refusal to officiate a gay marriage? (allowing me the free exercise of my religion)
Where do we go from here? We believe that government is a tool, but not our savior or the answer for the world. The Kingdom of Jesus is the answer to the world. We do not rely on the government or its policies to give us hope or a solution. The truth is that a Supreme Court ruling that supports heterosexual marriage will not change the heart of one homosexual. When Jesus was talking about Caesar and taxes, He did not want us to live out in a commune on the desert and not pay taxes. I believe his message was vote, pay taxes, engage, but don’t rely on it for ultimate lordship.
The gospel shows us that the problem is not with “left” or the “right”, it is from within. Jesus is the only solution to the social issues we are dealing with.
(This is my personal blog. The elders and leaders of PromiseLand San Marcos might or might not agree with me on this issue. Quite frankly, I welcome any dialog or debate as long as it is civil.)
Posted on March 28, 2013, in politics, President Obama, theology. Bookmark the permalink. 13 Comments.
Robin Steele 
I absolutely love that you are our Pastor! Very well said!
I think as Christians we have sometimes reacted in anger toward unbelievers when we see them acting like unbelievers. Why would we expect them to think and act like Jesus when they aren’t even followers of Jesus?
And how can they feel comfortable coming to a place to find Jesus if all they ever hear from Christians is judgment and political rhetoric?
Thank you for this post!
I believe the ramifications are more severe than just taxes. However, I believe this ruling will be in favor of homosexual “marriages” and this will set the true Church in a place where it might bring about a restoration of biblical evangelism and persecution. The persecution will come as the Church simply teaches what the Bible teaches (thus why expository preaching is necessary). Many churches will simply avoid the issue while perhaps telling people privately that they oppose same-sex unions. Many evangelical pastors will simply go silent on the issue as they will avoid the texts that deal with homosexuality. The true church, however, will respond with proclaiming God’s Word. The true church will not go out of its way to attack homosexuals but will proclaim the truth of God, that all sinners are under God’s just wrath against sin (Romans 1:18-32) and homosexuals are included along with liars, thieves, etc. We need only to preach the Bible and persecution will come just as Jesus promised (John 15:18-25).
No matter what the Supreme Court rules, the true Church needs only to preach the Bible and persecution will follow (2 Timothy 3:12).
Thank you very much for your comments. I hope and pray that these issues awaken Christians to respond with the WORD in LOVE. There is so much hope and healing in Jesus.
Honestly, I have been thinking about posting for several days and have held off. However, with the escalation of people supporting or denying on Facebook, I have felt the responsibility to speak out. Thanks for your comment.
Pastor I agree with your point of view. The Church (universal) has been accused of being haters of gays and lesbians. I don’t hate them but pray for them as I would any sinner because I believe their life style is a sin in God’s sight. I have worked with people I suspected or knew were gay and I treated them with respect as I would any one else. As you well stated the government is not our savior but we rely on the Lord. I do believe we as a church body will be most effective if we love everyone that comes to our assembly even though we don’t endorse or agree with their lifestyle.
Amen. We need the balance of law to the proud and grace to the humble.
Thanks for the comment, Bro Laddie. Let’s lead in this love for people and belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ!
I find it difficult to separate my personal religious views from my political ones at times. I guess that’s why you aren’t supposed to discuss either in polite company. However, we left a church based partially on their stance of allowing openly gay clergy to become bishops and many openly supporting gay marriage. I think we all know what God’s stance is on it and we should not compromise our personal belief either. I don’t think that by just opposing gay marriage makes you hate gays or still not trying to reach them. I see the Christian stance against gay marriage as a way for those who support it to demonize us as a whole.
It seems amazing to me that only in the late 20th century to now has it been even an issue in ANY society. Not one religion, country or group of people have ever considered it until recently. I.do support our Constitution and I agree nowhere does it prohibit nor regulate marriage. That was supposed to be left up to each state (at least until the 14th Amendment was ratified). And most states have spoken up one way or another and hopefully the Supreme Court will leave it up to each state, but I’m skeptical.
So what does that mean for Christians? No matter what the outcome and regardless of whether we like it or not, we will be subject to the ruling. The ruling will not say that if a gay couple approaches you and wants you to officiate their ceremony that our church must accommodate them (although that may be an issue at a later date) but only whether or not it is permissible to be wed.
The bottom line is we ALL are sinners one way or the other. No one is righteous, no not one. We should also not love sin, but we definitely need to love one another no matter their sin. Love the person-hate the sin. Our job is not to judge, someone much more worthy than us has already foretold that. Keep ministering to gays, but don’t forget all are in sin and we all need compassion AND guidance. One without the other would be a waste.
Well said. I personally believe the court will do the best sidestep since Marbury vs Madison and claim it was not ripe for review and cert. should not have been granted.
There is much true and wise in your post. It does seem there is hole however. It is true the founding fathers probably did not anticipate this exact situation and it is debatable whether the constitution would support it. However, IF it did this could be remedied by amendment. Which then begs the question would this warrant the tremendous time and resources required or would they be better spent elsewhere?
Regardless the supreme court does NOT have the authority or jurisdiction to either enhance or diminish God’s Writ.
Thanks, Sam!
I agree, James. The defense of marriage act was an attempt but an amendment would be the most thorough course.
Thank you for visiting and commenting! Good to hear from you again. Hope all is well.
It may come as a surprise to you pastor, but I agree with your take on this subject, especially that part about rendering to Caesar. Our country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles and for the first 200 years was shaped by this foundation. As time has progressed, those principles have eroded due to the vast influence of competing cultures that have come to our shores, most of which were based on other foundations. America is now generally a godless society, and regardless of how much we wish it were otherwise, it will continue on the path of humanistic reasoning being taught in all phases of public education. For more on this topic you can check my post about Andrew Delbanco’s book, The Real American Dream, concerning America’s search for transcendence, in God, the Nation and Self – here: http://robasteele.wordpress.com/2013/03/26/of-guilt-and-self/.
Your last sentence is the real issue American face; that which is within. Heterosexual couples living outside of marriage, Homosexual marriage, bestiality, regardless of the level of how bad we think it is, is all just sin in God’s eyes. We cannot legislate morality and therefore should not place our trust in country, politics, or religion, as they are all man made institutions that will ultimately fail us. Only by living in the Kingdom of God as a disciple of Jesus Christ will we know who we are, what we are, and what the foundation of our existence is based upon.
For example, most people believe that murder is wrong. However, in the 70s America decided it was not morally wrong to murder people that are not born yet. At some point (abortion for me) we stand for laws to change so that the rights of others are protected under the law. Although, even with this specific subject, I believe the church is the most powerful part of ending the wrong.