Same Sex Union/Marriage: One Christian's Perspective

The U.S. Constitution does not make any mention of marriage. There is no definitive scientific proof that a person's sexuality is chosen or inherent. The three major religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam largely do not support same sex unions. So the debate and arguments continue. But many of the arguments regarding same sex unions/marriage seem to be keenly religiously and theologically centered, and not legally. Why? Technically, if same sex unions/marriage were approached from a strict, legal perspective, those opposed would most likely lose.

Marriage and Civil Unions

Marriage and civil unions are often freely interchanged. From a Christian and religious perspective (since I am Christian), marriage is religious, a civil union is not. If a heterosexual couple married in a formal religious setting, that was witnessed by a sanctioned, religious leader, then from my perspective, it's a marriage. If a heterosexual couple 'married' in a civil setting (i.e. Justice of the Peace), then from my perspective, it's a civil union. In other words, a marriage is a formal, religious union.

If a homosexual couple were married in a formal religious setting, then should that be considered a marriage, and not just a civil union? Yes. Some Christian denominations and sects allow and support same sex marriage (i.e. United Church of Christ, some Episcopalian). If a homosexual couple 'married' in a civil setting, then it's a civil union. Regardless, whether in a civil union or marriage, all couples should have the same rights and privileges, at least under the law.

Legality of Marriage

Whether a union is formed in a formal, religious setting, or civicly (i.e. Justice of the Peace), couples enter a binding, legal contract. A license is issued in either situation. What some people might not be aware, is that marriage is not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution. That has been why, especially since same sex marriage was legalized in Massachusetts in 2004, there has been a push for a constitutional ammendment banning gay marriage. So technically, there aren't any federal, constitutional laws banning same sex marriage! In California, even after same sex 'marriage' was struck down by voters in 2008, the case has been submitted to a U.S. district court, and is currently on trial http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/100111/us/usreport_us_gaymarriage_california.

The Bible and Homosexuality

There are several Bible verses that are usually referenced, supposedly not supporting homosexuality, or gay marriage: Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 1 Timothy 1:9-10, Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13. I will not argue, or try to explain each passage here. It's easy to read and take isolated passages, and argue that "it's clearly stated." But what is the context of each passage as a whole? Who was the audience when the Books were being written?

In Romans for example, Paul is widely believed to have written the Book of Romans. Who and what was he referring to? To put in context, Paul was referring to pagan rituals of worship. Some examples Paul most likely were referring to, was the 'Golden Calf' during the exodus of the Jews from Egypt, when Moses was on the Mountain, receiving the Ten Commandments. It was also popular during those times, for pagans to have rituals of sexual acts with animals, and hetero/homo promiscuous acts with each other, in making sacrifices to their gods. So to put in context, was homosexuality being condemned, or was it paganism and promiscuity?

It should be noted that language also must be taken into context. Many scholars will argue, that homosexual was never actually mentioned in the original translations of the Bible as such. Were there references? Maybe. The Bible has had many translations throughout the centuries. Since the Bible is believed to have been written in Coine Greek (ancient Greek not spoken today), much translation has been lost. In ancient Greek, there are words and terminology that do not have an English translation. I learned that first hand when taking 2 years of ancient, Homeric Greek in high school. Here is an example from 1 Corinthians:

There are various interpretations of 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 of which this is one. The Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible, and James Moffatt translation use the word "catamites," or the phrase "boy prostitutes" to describe one group of individuals that Paul believed will go to Hell because of their behavior on Earth. Catamites and boy prostitutes were often a boy or male youth who was kept as a sexual partner/slave of an adult male... http://www.religioustolerance.org/homglance.htm.

Same Sex Unions/Marriage

I used to get caught up in trying to find arguments against same sex marriage in the Bible. I used to also get caught up in the science: whether a person chooses to be homosexual or not. Logically, since homosexuality is still often criticized and not fully accepted, why would someone choose to be gay? Though homosexuality is becoming more accepted, there is still much negativity perpetrated against gays. Is there a genetic and biological predisposition to sexuality? If so, should a person be ostracized, and criticized, simply for being gay? Should gays have the same rights and privileges as heterosexuals? Absolutely.

Whether a couple is married (religious), or has a civil union (non-religious), both should have the same legal and civil rights. There should be no distinction of 'gay' rights, or special rights to anyone, but equal rights to everyone. Whether be it children, property, banking, hospital privileges, etc., there should be no distinction in heterosexual or homosexual unions or marriages. A homosexual person or couple who is irresponsibly promiscuous and unfaithful, is no better or worse than the person or couple who is heterosexual.

As a Christian, I was against same sex marriage, and somewhat 'ok' with same sex unions. While I still don't support religious institutions being forced to accept same sex marriage, I don't support religious institutions trying to stop same sex civil unions either. It should be up to the faith itself whether they will accept, and perform same sex marriages or not. And those who do not support same sex marriage for religious reasons are not all bigots, or homophobic. While I may disagree with them theologically, I also respect their right to their beliefs, as long as their views are not pushed on me or anyone else.

Same sex couples can be just as 'Christian', and faithful to the institutions of marriage, family and community, as anyone else. And if God really does not approve of same sex unions and marriage, then that should be for God to judge and deal with, with that couple.

Shabazz Wilson

Some References

http://www.religioustolerance.org/homglance.htm

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2009/04/four_things_marriage.html

http://christianteens.about.com/od/homosexuality/a/denomhomosexual.htm