Same-sex marriage debate requires understanding

As I read the editorial in this news paper, Marriage Ban Treats Others as Inferior, or Unequal, April 4, 2007, by Tonya Windell, I realized that Tonya had written on a subject to which she ostensibly lacks understanding. Understanding is a principal thing, and without it people become frustrated in their attempts to deal with the unknown. Wisdom is found in the hearts of those who have understanding.
The question of a marriage ban is a particularly knotty question that is not easily loosed. Whether, sodomites should be allowed to marry in the American society is a three-pronged question; it is a political question, it is a legal question, and it is a moral question, each prong having various conflicting factors. Until all issues are satisfactorily disposed of, there shall remain disagreements and misunderstandings. Such a situation, rooted in passion, in no way indicates hatred or fear on anyone’s part as Tonya concluded. I believe that everyone wants to do the right thing, if only we could agree on what really is the right thing. The right thing is not always the same to every man; for even the fool believes that he is right in his own heart.
First. The question of marriage ban for sodomites is a political question, because it would most certainly be politically incorrect to allow same sex marriage in America, knowing full well the Islamic Americans would be highly insulted, and as they often do, start calling for the heads of the sodomites and governing authorities. One may ask, ‘Who cares what the Islamic minority thinks?’ Well, the politicians certainly do, because the Islamic minority represents votes, as well as the growing sodomite community votes. Therefore, politicians must find a way to avoid making any unpopular decisions, which would cost them votes. Lost votes equals lost revenue for political and personal coffers, and that would be deemed adverse to the national interest, not to mention politicians’ personal cash flow. The best way to handle such a dilemma is to make no decision at all. Take the matter under advisement; make a study; and pass the matter to someone else for a later decision. There is nothing new under the sun.
Second. The question of marriage ban for sodomites is a legal question. Most Americans believe that marriage is a lifetime covenant union between and man and a woman, as husband and wife. But legally, that is not so. A civil marriage is a contract between three parties, the husband, the wife, and the state itself. Thus, the legal argument for same-sex marriage arises. Can the state refuse a contract to any couple based on sex discrimination? After all, it is the state that makes the highly revered declaration that men and women are equal, and that declaration is echoed by Tonya and many others all over America. If men and women are equal as the state says, by what means can they ban same-sex marriage? It is an inquiry that is hard to answer, a can of worms that should not be opened, but surely will in the end.
Third. The question of marriage ban for sodomites is a moral question. It is true that the majority of Americans profess Christian faith of one sort or another. To them the issue is a moral one, which cannot be overlooked. Their moral code comes from the Bible, and they believe that the Bible is the Word of God, pure and simple. The Word of God, which is God, condemns same sex acts, as sin, and how much more same-sex marriage. To grant same-sex marriage is to condone and sanctify by government that act which is unclean and unholy. To the Christian community, the majority of Americans, same-sex marriage is an abomination, and an unthinkable tenant for their government. The Christian is striving to be like God. God is love, and love condemns same-sex acts. Although Christians may tolerate the sodomite community, that is no indication that Christians condone such indecencies. Love would require that the sodomite be made aware of his sin, and be well advised that repentance is available to him. This type of action can certainly not be construed as hate.
However, not all men have faith. There are those who put forth darkness for light, and light for darkness; they call evil good, and good evil. These are the people who call love hate. They believe that if one does not agree with the sins and ungodly acts of others, that this is a sure sign of hate, and hate must be stamped out of society. This sort of talk is the rhetoric of fools, and should be duly noted.
These complex problems have come about because American government has rejected God. They believe that they are wiser, more benevolent, more just, more understanding than God Himself. Therefore, they have left Godly principals to chase after their own interests. Such words as liberty, equality, and rights soon lose their rightful meaning in the confusion of delusion. Is it any wonder that God said, ‘Come out of her my people, lest you be a partaker of her sins, and the plagues come upon you?’
And that is how it looks from another point of view.
Editor’s note: The Rev. Frederick C. Schuppert is pastor of Believer’s Fellowship Church in Corydon.