What is the big deal with legalizing same-sex marriage? As Latter-day Saints, do we blow out of proportion the redefining of marriage? Why or why not?
Here are some of my thoughts on same sex marriage.
The family is essential to Gods plan of salvation. Without a marriage between a man and a woman, eternal progression to the highest glory is unattainable. It is written in The Family: A Proclamation to the World that marriage is between a man and a woman. It is important there for as we understand this that we defend our beliefs, even when it is so unpopular. It is that important to us. We see many prophets of old doing the same thing. For some this reason is enough.
But often we need to see why Heavenly Father has said we should not do things. Just like the word of wisdom coming at a time when people thought it strange and unnecessary, we later see the benefits of following the prophet. I believe that we will see many social and personal reasons why same sex marriage is harmful to our society. It means that many children will grow up without their fathers, or mothers in the home. It has been well studied that children thrive best in a family with one father and one mother. We should be fighting for our children. If we continually put our adult desires before our children, we will raise an unstable generation that has gone through unnecessary pains as a child. It is a sad time we live in when our children are so low on the list of priorities.
I found several quotes in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) ( the ruling that made it legal in each state to have same sex marriages.) that really stood out to me and I would like to share them with you. They really shapes some of my thoughts above.
- “licensing same-sex marriage severs the connection between natural procreation and marriage.” (p. 26) I think that severing the connection between natural procreation and marriage shocking to me. We are married to procreate and this separation would be the start of many pains that we will feel in the future.
- “Indeed, with respect to this asserted basis for excluding same-sex couples from the right to marry, it is appropriate to observe these cases involve only the rights of two consenting adults whose marriages would pose no risk of harm to themselves or third parties.” (p.27) I think it is abundantly clear that it does not involve only two adults, that any children that would be brought into this union would be most directly involved. It is selfish to think that this decision would affect no one but the two creating the union.
- “Marriage did not come about as a result of a political movement, discovery, disease, war, religious doctrine,…..It arose in the nature of things to meet a vital need: ensuring that children are conceived by a mother and father committed to raising them in the stable conditions of a lifelong relationship.” (Roberts, p.4-5) I believe that this is an accurate and important concept of marriage. Marriage was defined when Adam and Eve first came to this earth, and not because of a political movement or a changed law. This was an interesting thought as it is not our law we are trying to redefine but Gods law.
- John Locke, who described marriage as “a voluntary compact between man and woman” centered on “its chief end, procreation” and the “nourishment and support” of children. (Roberts, p. 6) It is stated several times throughout the dissent that marriage is for the support and nourishment of children. I found this to be very interesting as I think marriage is thought of today as a selfish thing, something for the benefit of the two getting married.
- “Numerous amici-even some not supporting the States- have cautioned the Court that its decision here will “have unavoidable and wide ranging implications for religious liberty.” It is concerning to me what happens now that same sex marriage is now legal regarding those who still believe in traditional marriage. Even in my own small world I have been called a bigot, a repressor, small minded, uneducated and many other things when I say I believe in a traditional marriage. It is possible that attacks on people and the churches that stand for traditional marriage will be attacked relentlessly.
I found at least 12 other quotes that I found to be extremely interesting. But I think it really comes down to this. It is understood and a doctrinal part of our religion that marriage is between a man and a woman, and we must stand up for that. The hardest part is when our views will not be understood by those who we love, and often those who are in those relationships. It is a difficult cycle where both sides believe they are correct, and both sides feel that the others are unwilling to truly listen. It has to potential to tear apart families and societies. If nothing else Satan will be pleased at the discord between people.
Do you agree with me? Or do you have a different view than me? I would love to hear what your thoughts are.
References:
"The Family: A Proclamation To The World". Lds.org. N.p., 2016. Web. 20 Sept. 2016.
No comments:
Post a Comment