If a person truly believes that God established the sacrament of holy marriage, then there should be no question about which way to vote on Question 1. God instituted this sacred bond between a man and a woman. He did not institute it between two men or between two women. Simply put, unions between same-sex couples fall outside of God’s definition of marriage. Who are we to change that definition?
Granted, God commands us to love one another and to love our neighbor as ourselves. But marriage binds a man and a woman. In love they become one.
Those who favor allowing same-sex couples to marry support giving homosexual couples the same rights as heterosexual couples. This would require changing the definition of marriage as instituted by God. Do supporters of same-sex marriage believe they have the right to change something decreed by God? Wouldn’t that put them above God?
If God’s plan was to unite same-sex couples in marriage, wouldn’t He have set it up that way when He created man and woman? To me, this is a case of humanity trying to change God’s plan instead of trying to abide by it.
Some supporters of same-sex marriage assert that those who oppose it should just not vote because they would not be affected if the referendum passes. I totally disagree. Changing the definition of marriage would dramatically change the society in which I live. What I believe is inherently against God’s will for humanity would become acceptable and legal. I would be forced to abide by a law that went against God’s law and risk being labeled a bigot for my views. How could such a drastic change in the marriage culture not have a major impact? Schools would have to teach children that traditional and same-sex marriage are equal. How would parents deal with that issue if they don’t agree with it?
I know several people who support same-sex marriage because they have gay or lesbian friends, and they don’t want to see them hurt. Compassion for others is a good thing, but when it goes against God’s law, then I think we need to follow God.
Sometimes I wonder how many same-sex couples believe in God. I would guess that not believing in God would make it easier to support a new definition of marriage. For me, though, marriage and God go hand in hand. He is the one who unites a man and a woman in marriage. He is the strength that helps a couple keep their marriage going over a lifetime. He is the food that allows love to thrive. He even created man and woman differently so that they fit together perfectly to create new life.
My husband and I, married now for 36 years, would probably not have stayed together and in love for so many years if it were not for the love of Christ, the glue that holds us together through thick and thin. We readily admit that we could not have done it on our own. I believe many couples who divorce give up on trying to hold together a love that was meant to be held together by God.
Sometimes I wonder what God makes of it all when He looks down on our world and sees the direction we’re headed and the choices we’ve made. I wonder if He is sad and shakes his head when He sees the violence and the hate. He gave humanity the gift of free choice, and there are many people who have used that gift to turn their backs on the one who created them. All of us are sinners. It’s the reaction to that knowledge that makes people different. Some want to discern God’s will in their lives. Others want to change the environment around them to suit their own preferences. I believe God had a plan for this world. How far are we willing to stray?
Joanie Rhoda lives in Washington, Maine, and is the mother of BDN Editorial Page Editor Erin Rhoda.
God’s definition will not change. Just the states.
States today, tomorrow the nation.
Do you know that marriage was not done for love at one time. Then as time went on you married an then fell in love afterward if you did .
Still is not done for love in many cultures, including all too often in ours.
But the way MAN has worked his wishes onto the Bible without God’s input is the problem here. Modern Biblical scholars have proven the Bible was intentionally mistranslated relatively recently in order to provide “Biblical cover” for then-rising levels of homophobia. For example, the word “homosexual” didn’t even exist until 1850. Many major Christian and Jewish denominations condemn misusing the hate-based mistranslations to attack their fellow Americans and are marrying same gender American couples now. About 400-years ago, a group of religious authorities (sanctioned by King James I of England), secretly manipulated the English version of the Bible to reflect their own heterosexual attitude; they opposed the king kissing other men in public. But in revised versions, religious authorities re-defined the Greek word “arsenokoites” of 1Corinthians 6:9! The most accurate translation, abusers of themselves with mankind [KJV], was pretty vague. Nevertheless, they replaced this vague 5-worded text with the not so vague and purposely targeted 1-word text, “homosexual(s).” Either way you cut it, this text does not describe homosexuals. This campaign gave those who were looking for a reason to justify their own homophobia a license to openly express their bigotry.
The whole book is one long projecting of human fears, wishes, and ignorance onto a “god” who has all the emotions, weaknesses, and wants of a narcissistic man who gets jealous, acts out in juvenile ways with weather events, demands people “worship” “him,” and actually has his own “son” (conceived in rape) murdered to somehow convince people of how “great” he is. Meh. That god is a little too petty and shallow for me.
OMGOSH- seriously, do yourself a favor and don’t talk about what you know nothing of. That whole statement is completely false and a MINDLESS regirgitation of someone else’s unbelief.
What makes you think I “know nothing of” my own opinion? sheesh.
That is no “regirgitation” [sic] but the precise way I see it after several decades of pondering the entire foolishness of it, after being raised a “Christian.” It’s nothing but a bunch of simple-minded superstitions.
Mary’s prayer from the Gospel of Luke:
My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden, for behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.
And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm:
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree.
He has filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He has sent empty away.
He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy; as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His posterity forever.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
Luke is irrelevant. So is Mary.
Why hasnt it dramatically changed society in the places where it is legal. In fact , the divorce rates in those places have dropped dramatically. No one knows what Gods plan is. We know we are here, we are supposed to love one another, we are supposed to live our lives well. We are not supposed to judge. You have no facts to back your claims other than the Bible which is riddled with inconsistencies. Until you agree with all it says do not pick parts to justify your ignorance. Th Bible also says you cannot speak without consulting your husband. Dod you ask if you could write this?
“Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
–1 Tim. 2:11-14
Love it. Funny how Michelle Bachmann skipped this part, too.
Surprise! I actually agree with that scripture too;) And, when you put that scripture in context (crazy, novel idea) it’s defining a woman’s roll in corporate worship ie. going to church- it’s where evangelicals get the notion that women shouldn’t be pastors. It’s not talking about everywhere all the time. I suppose when you don’t bother to actually read the bible but, instead, regurgitate someone else’s lack of understanding that you’ve injested w/o question, it would make sense to vomit your own personal brand of ignorance back out and, somehow think you’ve pulled a good “gotcha”. My suggestion: Learn to use the gun, you’re firing, correctly or you miss the target and shoot yourself in the foot. The fact that you’re using that scripture as if it were an offense is proof of how far we’ve moved away from God already- of course the next step is gay marriage which, by-the-way is what Rom. Chapter one is about- a down ward spiral away from God. At the bottom of the spiral? Homosexuality. The Bible is clear about that- you all can try to change it away but, that’s exactly what it’s saying. Homosexuality isn’t the first step, first symptom- it’s the last. And, it has dramatically changed societies in which it is allowed to flourish but, the change is subtle because it’s been changing with each step away we take. Look at humanity- are we happier, healthier, more well adjusted? NOPE we’re in over our heads and we know it. We;re just not willing to go to God and fix it his way so we keep trying to fix it on our own. It’s only going to get worse. If judgment from God hasn’t happened *yet* it’s because, even in our furthest disobience, God is merciful and long suffering- “It is God’s will that none should perish” but, perishing is an option- it’s the one we’re chosing.
I have read the BIble. I realize that it is referring to women in the church. I also know that Leviticus was written for rabbi’s. Please cite your references that it has hurt societies. Where there is SSM divorce rates, crime, and war are actually less than in those places who fight each other. God Bless you. I prayed for you.
But, thank you for calling me names. I am compiling a book of all the horrible things said against gays. Just so when your side says we are so bad I can say..look at what your Christians do .
I find ignoring them to be the best policy.
Anyone who holds up a book of myths and fables as an “authority” on anything simply cannot be taken seriously.
agreed
The good news is that scripture is not law.
Must infuriate you.
Oh Joanie, One does not need religion or any deity to get married in any state in this country. Marriage also resembles very little of how marriage is defined in the bible. You see marriage has been redefined for years by heterosexuals like you who have changed it for their own purposes, needs and desires. I am sure one more change will not cause the institution to crumble.
Yes you are right marriage has been redefined many times over .
RAmen!
We have no data nor should we ask for how many SS couples believe in God. Since Maine has one of the lowest proportions of church members, obviously a lot of hetero couples (and singles) may not believe in God (church membership is not a requirement for belief, except in some religious circles). Also consider that too many churches and their members have rejected gays so any non-belief has a reason. Also note that several protestant churches (and congregations) are welcoming to all.
As for the educational aspects, non-acknowledgement of families headed by gay couples produces harassment of the kids in those families, hardly the Christian thing to do.
My wife and I have been married longer than you, life long members of a more moderate church, and we will be voting yes on 1. We will not condemn you or call you a bigot for your beliefs, but will pray for your hardheartedness and hope that you will accept the legitimacy of SSM on legal grounds even if you can’t accept it for your personal religion.
It’s always important to remember it isn’t just a matter of those denominations who lie that they’d be forced to perform same gender marriages. The major Christian, Jewish and other denominations that are marrying same gender couples now are being denied their right to practice their religion freely in 44 US States. These denominations have married same gender couples in 7 US States and the District of Columbia:
The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists
The Episcopal Church
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Metropolitan Community Church
Conservative Judaism
Reform Judaism
Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
Unitarian Universalist Church
United Church of Christ
Recently, The Presbyterian Church (USA) voted to accept LGBT ministers, and they expect to marry same gender couples next year. The Association of Unity Churches International is discussing same gender marriage. In some parts of the U.S., Methodist pastors have been marrying same-sex couples or conducting blessing ceremonies for same-sex unions for years with little fanfare and no backlash from the denomination. Calls to overturn the rule have become increasingly vocal in recent months, ratcheting up the pressure for the Methodist church to join other mainline Protestant denominations that have become more accepting of openly gay leaders.
These denominations all agree with modern Biblical scholars, who have proven the Bible was intentionally mistranslated relatively recently to provide “Biblical cover” for rising levels of homophobia.
Excellent commentary. Also see the excellent commentary by Rev. Ellison yesterday.
“You shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind. It is an abomination.”
From Romans, Chapter One, as found in “Letters to a Young Church,” a translation recommended by C.S. Lewis:
“These men deliberately forfeited the truth of God and accepted a lie paying homage and giving service to the creature instead of the Creator, Who alone is worthy to be worshiped for ever and ever, Amen.
God therefore handed them over to disgraceful passions. Their women exchanged the normal practices of sexual intercourse for something which is abnormal and unnatural. Similarly the men, turning from natural intercourse with women, were swept into lustful passions for one another.
Men with men performed these shameful horrors, receiving of course, in their own personalities the consequences of sexual perversity.”
When you follow it word for word. I will.
She won’t.
Do we have the right?
Absolutely… Man invented your god, we can change what it considers law whenever we wish.
Religion’s grip on the human mind will never cease to amaze me.
It’s nice the way the author knows exactly what “God” thinks, feels, and sees, just as though “he” were just some guy down the street. “He” “shakes his head and feels sad” — wow. God is sad because some of his creatures love each other and want to make a legal commitment to each other and be recognized as a couple by society, with all the privileges, rights, and responsibilities of that public commitment. “He” doesn’t have anything better to “think” about? Like war, human suffering, starvation, child abuse?
Oh, and by the way, I am not a “sinner.” Without that, you got nothin’.
Dear Joanie, your argument falls flat on its face right out of the gate. While the Bible is supposedly the word of God, it was written by MEN; men who had a particular agenda and who worked to create a document to support that agenda. Now, let’s look at your statement that God ordained marriage to be between a man and a woman. There’s a clear distinction there that I think you missed though it’s BIGGER THAN A BARN-it’s the fact that polygamy was pretty much okay in the Old Testament, which, as you claim, is supposed to be the word of God. Oh? That’s the OLD Testament, and no longer relevant? Really? Your argument is based on passages in the Old Testament which indicated that those who are homosexual should be put to death. That same Old Testament also says that adulterers (like Newt Gingrich, Rudy Giuliani, Mark Sanford, et al) should be put to death, yet I don’t hear the right-wing clamoring for laws against adultery. Or laws against dishonoring one’s parents. Or laws against “practicing another religion.” Seriously, marriage was ALWAYS a CIVIL institution until it was co-opted by the Christian church in the 12th century, at the same time that the Christian church was organizing itself to take over government of Europe and expanding into the Middle East and Asia.
Bravo!
You do err, not knowing the scriptures.
Jesus said, “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.”
For Christians, marriage has been a religious institution from the beginning.
And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” 10 The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” 11 But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given.
Statistics show probably you have been divorced at one time. Besides, civil marriage has nothing to do with God. His name isnt even spoken. This is about civil marriage. Churches in Maine have been marrying people for decades. We can get that anywhere. We want the equal state and federal protections.
Civil marriage has nothing to do with God?
Jesus said: “What God has put together, let no man put asunder.”
God does not put together people in a civil marriage it is a state issue….for the last time. The state can marry atheists if they want. No one is asking for a church to marry them, we already have that.
Jesus has nothing to do with civil law or marriage.
According to you and the verse you quoted all divorces are void and all remarried persons are committing adultery. You however do not have the ba11s to say that out loud and use your real name. God Bless.
Who cares?
Read this http://www2.hu-berlin.de/sexology/ATLAS_EN/html/history_of_marriage_in_western.html When you read it ,, it was the church that musseled there way into marriage
Oasis is the new troll (probably an old one with a new name) please ignore his negativity and nastiness.
Dear Joanie:
1. Lots of places in the world and all of our neighboring NE states have SSM and the sky has not fallen.2. The Maine Supreme Judicial Court ruled that gays and lesbians can legally adopt children in 2007. What do you call a couple with children? A family. It’s too late to pretend we don’t have families that have two women or two men as parents. You can stick your head in the sand but you are just kidding yourself.
3. I encourage you to embrace the new world. You can keep your vision or belief of the kind of god you want to believe in, and find a faith community that shares your values, but our nation has to be neutral on this issue.
Here read this on the history of marriage an you will see that the church musseled its way into marriage . http://www2.hu-berlin.de/sexology/ATLAS_EN/html/history_of_marriage_in_western.html