Part II: Sanctity of Marriage, Homosexual Marriages

Part II: Sanctity of Marriage

This is the second part of my opinion regarding the sanctity of marriage. I recently attended a church service that spoke specifically to the sanctity of marriage and about gay marriage. I liked what I heard so much, I thought I would address the topic and add a few of my own thoughts.
There is a huge debate about gay marriage today. There have been three states that through court rulings have made gay marriage legal in their state; these are California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. In Part I of this topic, I argue that marriage is a Godly sacrament that requires more of a hands-off approach to marriage. I am not in favor of a complete hands-off approach to marriage because there is a state interest to protect and prevent certain marriages (most notably minors and kinship). However I think that the institution of marriage is something that the government should play less of a role in regulating and the church should play a bigger role. Marriage is a religious institution, therefore the church should have a vested interest and the major role in ensuring that marriage is something that follows the will of God.
So now lets talk about gay marriage. One of the most important questions to ask is, "what does God think about homosexuality?" Nowhere in scripture is homosexuality referred to in a positive or even in a neutral way. It’s always referred to as a sin, and it is condemned by God. Think about Sodom and Gomorrah. Here’s the scriptural basis for God’s feelings regarding homosexuality: Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:26-27; I Corinthians 6:9-11; I Timothy 1:8-11; Jude 1:7.
Homosexuality goes against God’s original design for the family. Homosexuals may find pleasure and intimacy with each other, but they cannot be married, bear children, and raise children the way God intends. Homosexuality goes against God’s design for intimacy; intimacy is something shared between man and wife, therefore intimacy outside of this relationship is immoral and unnatural in the church’s belief.
So since it is obvious from scripture that God abhors homosexuality and considers it a sin, why should two people be joined in a religious ceremony that is presided over by God? Why should we pervert the marriage ceremony by joining two people in sin?
[Let me state that God does not hate homosexuals, He hates homosexuality and views homosexuality as a sin that should be repented. However, taking one of the Godly sacraments and perverting it to the will of people (those that view homosexuality as acceptable) is a violation of God’s will.]
Not all of us view homosexuality as a sin. The media however is desperately trying to make us more acceptable of these "alternative lifestyle choices". It’s almost the same as "Desperate Housewives" positively influencing our view of adultery by making it appear more prevalent and glorious than it is. By increasing positive exposure to homosexuality is influencing the perception of the act that the church and God consider sins. It’s not entirely the media’s fault. We have let the media frame and influence our views regarding homosexuality.
So should we have "gay marriage"? In my opinion we cannot join two people in sin in a Godly union. I realize that this same rule should be applied consistently to other sins, most notably pre-marital sex. Premarital sex is a sin as well (at least biblically; see comment about intimacy between husband and wife only). However, anyone can ask forgiveness for their sins. The thing about premarital sex and marriage is, once your married, you’re no longer sinning. If two homosexuals are married, they continue to sin. I know I have my own personal ideas for a solution to the gay marriage issue, but that is something I won’t discuss here. All I can say is that in my opinion the sacrament of marriage is best left between man and woman.
I know my opinions regarding marriage will land me in trouble with some people and I’m alright with that. As always, I say controversial things and take hard stances to stir debate in the area.