Talking Marriage With A Human Rights Commission

This week I was asked to speak to a Human Rights Commission in another state about the role Christians can play in opposing discrimination. I appreciated the chance, and enjoyed discussing how conservative Christians like myself find common ground with anyone opposing the mistreatment of others. During my presentation, I mentioned that Jesus did clarify in Matthew 19 that marriage was designed to be a heterosexual, monogamous and permanent union, yet He also vigorously defended the marginalized – prostitutes, a Samaritan woman living with a man she wasn’t married to, and an adulterous woman, for example – against mistreatment. He called sin sin, while encouraging mercy over judgment.

When I finished there were a few minutes left for questions, during which a man stood and said, “Our state now sanctions same sex marriage. Have you, as a conservative Christian, also evolved to the point of supporting gay marriage?”

I answered that no, I haven’t evolved. I do support the rights of people to exercise whatever rights the state may have given them, and since their state had redefined matrimony they were free to do as they wished. But I could never support same sex marriage itself. I support free will; I don’t necessarily support the way people use it.

It pretty much went downhill after that. The meeting was cordial, but the questions and comments that followed made it clear to me that within the coming years, Christians who support the traditional definition of marriage will not only become a minority, but will also be seen as oppressive, reactionary, un-evolved.

What struck me most, though, was the conviction and, I believe, real sincerity on the part of my questioners. They spoke forcefully about how wrong churches were to tell gay people that they could become members only if they remained celibate, and how insulting it was to suggest lesbian, gay and transgendered people should conform to a traditional standard. They truly seemed to believe that the Biblical perspective was not only wrong, but that it was damaging as well. And no matter how I tried to explain the difference between hatred and disagreement, clearly I was the bad guy. It was yet another reminder of the times, and the growing belief that disapproval of sexual sin is, in fact, bigotry.

Meanwhile, well known Christian author and speaker Rob Bell comes out in favor of same sex marriage.  Gov. Christie of New Jersey denounces so-called “conversion therapy” for homosexuals wanting to change and the Supreme Court will soon let us know the future of our nation’s definition of matrimony.

Buckle up; it’ll get worse. But Jesus also said that when the times get very dark and hostile, “Lift up your heads; your redemption draws near.” (Luke 21:28)

Any day now’s fine by me. I’m sure it is by you, too.

Meanwhile, have a blessed and terrific weekend. Thanks for being here.

Love,

Joe