Same-sex Marriage: Weighing The Arguments for and Against

Marriage is one of the most holy gifts and pleasures given to mankind. This privilege is a holy union created by God. Once upon a time, people believed that marriages should only be practiced between a man and a woman. From biblical times, until recent years past, most followers of Christ, unbelievers as well, adhered to without wavering, to the traditional meaning of marriage as a union between a man and a woman. The definition and understanding of marriage in the modern world give a different worldview and contradicts what the Bible says about marriage and who can be married. However, this does not imply that heterosexual marriage is valued any less in the modern-day marriage union. The argument is about fairness, equality, and religious freedom. Throughout tradition, marriage was viewed as a home where family members consisted of a male and female and children. In past millenniums, centuries, decades and years. Christians as well as, non-believers solely believed that the holy scripture, prohibits same-sex marriage and other abnormal sexual sinful activities. The Bible states, “This is why God delivered them over to degrading passions. For even their females exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones.  The males in the same way also left natural relations with females and were inflamed in their lust for one another. Males committed shameless acts with males and received in their own persons the appropriate penalty of their error”.

Same-sex marriage is defined as when a person is attracted to and marry their exact same makeup pattern; man marrying a man and/or woman marrying a woman. However, new opinions, research, statistics, and views have emerged, which seems to cause problems for the Christian version of marriage according to the Bible. These scientific, phycological opinions and unbiblical views boldly denounce what the Bible declares marriage to be. In this argumentative essay, we will discuss some of the arguments made by people who advocate for same-sex marriage, those who oppose same-sex marriages and what the Bible says about same-sex relationships and homosexuality.

Sexual ethics of our culture are being distorted and purposely twisted referring to what the natural state of marriage is as never before. Homosexuality is not new to the world today it is a sin that has reigned for thousands of years (Sodom and Gomorrah). However, it does affect everyone’s life within modern day society. In his argument about same-sex and sin, Bryan Murphy states, “The contemporary cultural context has legalized same-sex marriage. As such, it has defined marriage as two consenting adults in a monogamous relationship — regardless of gender. This is significant, because if it is valid, it means there may be grounds to argue that the prohibitive passages related to same-sex intimate relations do not apply in these cases. Those prohibitions are only addressing ‘unbiblical same-sex’ relationships — not biblical ones.”

Statistics show that, “Approximately one in 100 American women and two in 100 American men, identify as homosexual, with another four percent of Americans identifying as bisexual. But, polls and surveys regarding moral acceptability or the legalization of same sex marriage show an obvious trend towards acceptance and tolerance of the LGBT community.”

The Bible speaks about prejudging and mis-judging others inappropriately. The word of God also addresses the behavior and sins of sexual immorality. Paul gives a stern warning about several sins that will hinder a person from having eternal life with God. “Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit God's kingdom? Do not be deceived: no sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals” (1Corth. 6: 9 HCSB).

Advocators for same-sex marriage argue that these individuals need to be treated morally, respectfully and normal. Modern day society depicts people that disagree with same sex marriages are unattuned with the realities in the real world. Authors, Stinson and Jones had this to say about the subject. “The larger culture is now bombarded with messages and images designed to portray homosexuality as a normal lifestyle. Homoerotic images are so common in the mainstream media that many citizens have virtually lost the capacity to be shocked.

While it is true that homosexual individuals who have engaged in same-sex marriage have encountered significant discrimination and oppression because their intimate relationships differ from heterosexuals. Supporters of same-sex marriages argue that these individuals should receive love from churches and followers of Christ, instead of being criticized and ridiculed, they should be embraced with love and compassion. The article from Anglican review, “We argue that the church should marry same-sex couples because it requires their testimony to the love of Christ and the church, and because it recognizes that same-sex couples stand in need of sanctification no less than opposite-sex couples do.”

The biblical perspective teaches that Christians should be kind and display love to others regardless of their sexual gender or sin. Nevertheless, the church should always adhere to the authoritative word of God when having to stand for what is morally correct as well as being obedient to God. The Bible was written by God as He chose men to speak and represent Him as they were inspired and led by the Holy Spirit. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness” (2Tim 3:6 HCSB).

The first state to legalize same-sex marriage was Massachusetts, in 20015, the Supreme Court legalized and protected the freedom and rights of same-sex marriage. An article written by Kreider and Mitchel states, “ On June 26, 215 the United States Supreme Court held that “the right to marry is a fundamental right inherent in the liberty of the person, and under the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment couples of the same sex may not be deprived of that right and that liberty.” The supreme court protects homosexual sin without realizing the consequences. While the Bible teaches that it is a sin that God disapproves of; and there too is an ultimate penalty to pay. In Genesis 1 we learn that man and women was created in the image of God and called to procreate and to rule. Man and woman are the image bearers of God. The heavenly family is three in one. Marriage is holy and allows man to see the beauty of God’s creation within himself. There is no other indication in the Bible that adheres to any other kind relationship. Marriage and procreation are to glorify God and to allow us to mimic the God of the heavens. Same-sex marriage could be defined as a “wall” a mind-set. The author Ryan Rush states, “Notice also that a wall is not just any mind-set. It’s an unhealthy one. In contrast, a healthy mind-set is focused on a sound set of convictions rather than emotions — helping us make choices based on the truth of Scripture.”

In the journal article written by, Brian N. Peterson, he re-addresses how the evangelical church affirms same- sex marriages. Peterson notes how there is a misinterpretation of scripture. He takes a closer look at the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah to determine how these unethical misinterpretations happened. Peterson confirms that the affirmers use it to reason that gang rape and lack of hospitality is the issue in the text, not the actual act of homosexuality. Peterson refutes the affirmative actions of homosexuality with several scriptures Old and New Testaments proving that this is ill morality is against the divine will and word of God. To begin, Peterson uses (Ezek. 16:49 and Lev.20:13 HCSB). Peterson enlightens his audience concerning the sexual code of the laws that were forbidden to have sex with relatives, animals, and females while having menstrual cycles. Peterson used the Holy Scripture to argue his point that The Bible does not affirm this detestable act, and homosexuality is a biblical fact an abomination to God.

Supporters of homosexuality and same-sex marriages use Jesus silence to support their cause and reasoning that they are not living in opposition to the word of God. The Gay community lifestyle feels justified because Jesus never directly spoke on subject of homosexuality. In fact, the author of journal article “WWJD about LGBT?” argues that Jesus did have something to say about the subject. Riccardi argues that Jesus did speak about homosexuality and supports his argument with the Old and New Testament. The author states, “In summary, the Law taught unequivocally that marriage between male and female is the only legitimate context for sexual intimacy, and that homosexuality is an abomination to God. Jesus taught that that Law was inspired, infallible, inerrant, and abidingly authoritative. Given these facts, one is shut up to conclude that Jesus’ view of homosexuality was the Old Testament’s view of homosexuality.” Riccardi also notes that the attempts would like lead one to believe that some parts of the Bible are out dated. In other words, the Bible especially the Old Testament is prehistoric, and very much undeveloped, and does not connect with people within todays modern society. Riccardi further denotes that there are absolutely no contradictions between the Old and New Testaments, no confusions, and no doubt that the word of God is unmistakably truth and forever lasting. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matt. 24:35 HCSB). The author also reiterated that Jesus specially spoke about the sins and wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah in the New Testament.

Riccardi acknowledges that Jesus is the fulfillment of both Old and New Testaments. “His own teaching could never undermine even the smallest stroke of the pen from the written Word of God. This is not the attitude of someone who would propose to flippantly set aside the moral principles of the Old Testament!

The Bible teaches that God is the creator of all things in heaven and in earth. His wisdom and authority should never be questioned nor changed by the creation. “For as heaven is higher than the earth. So, My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:9). Murphy explains it this way, “God did what God determined was right and proper from the beginning. He is the determiner of what is good — not man. It is not about what works for man, what man prefers, or what seems best to man. This is what God Himself has established as what is good from the beginning.”

Homosexuality and same-sex are a sin according to the morals and standard of God according to His Holy scripture. God has a plan of redemption for all of sin. The Bible teaches that God did not wait for us to correct our sin. He loved us despite of our filthiness. “But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!”  (Rom. 5:8 HCSB).

Conclusion

To sum up, this argumentative essay has analyzed the issue of same-sex marriage in terms of religion. God created marriage to be a mirrored reflection of the beauty of His holiness. God creation is subjective unto Him. What an honor, to be made in His likeness. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Humanity was to rule on earth as the Triune God ruled in heaven. “God blessed them, and God said to them, 'Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it, rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth' (Gen. 1:28 HCSB). Gods desire and will for His children is to be as He is, and that means we should cloth ourselves with His holiness. “Because it is written, “you shall be holy, for I am holy” (1Peter 1:16 HCSB). The words of Matthew Henry, “Holiness is the desire and duty of every Christian. It must be in all affairs, in every condition, and towards all people. We must especially watch and pray against the sins to which we are inclined. The written word of God is the surest rule of a Christian's life, and by this rule we are commanded to be holy every way. God makes those holy whom he saves.”

Homosexuality is an out right rejection of God and His creative order. The Bible unequivocally declares it as detestable, and an abomination unto Almighty God. God is merciful and graceful. His love is eternal and given for all of humanity. However, we must be careful when interpreting the word of God. The Bible gives a serious warning about adding, changing, and manipulating His word. “I testify to everyone who hears the prophetic words of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book. 19 And if anyone takes away from the words of this prophetic book, God will take away his share of the tree of life and the holy city, written in this book” (Rev. 22:18-19 HCSB). We must continuously stay in the presence of God. Always seeking the truth of His word. The flesh, the Spirit and the desires for this world will never agree. “For everything that belongs to the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one's lifestyle - is not from the Father but is from the world” (1John 2:16 HCSB).

Bibliography

• Good, Deirdre Joy, Willis Jenkins, Cynthia Briggs Kittredge, and Eugene F Rogers Jr. “A Theology of Marriage Including Same-Sex Couples: A View from the Liberals.” Anglican Theological Review 93, no. 1 (Wint 2011): 51-87. http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/login.
• Henry, Matthew (2012). Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary. WORDsearch. Retrieved from https://app.wordsearchbible.com.
• Kreider, Glenn R, and Thomas M Mitchell. 2016. “Kindness and Repentance: Romans 2:4 and Ministry to People with Same-Sex Attraction.” Bibliotheca Sacra 173 (689): 57–79.
• Murphy, Bryan “Is Same-Sex Marriage a Sin?” The Masters Seminary Journal 28 no. 2 (Fall 2017) pg. 135-144 http://search.ebscohost.com.ez.
• Peterson, Brian, Neil. 2016. “The Sin of Sodom Revisited: Reading Genesis 19 in Light of Torah.” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 59 (1): 17–31. http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/login.aspx?
• Riccardi, Michael. 2017. “WWJD about LGBT? Evaluating LGBT Claims in Light of Christ’s Teaching.” The Master’s Seminary Journal 28 (2): 167–80. http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/login.
• Rush, Ryan. Walls. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (2011). WORDsearch Retrieved from https://app.wordsearchbible.com.
• Stinson, Randy Timothy P. Jones, Trained in the Fear of God (Grand Rapids, MI.: Kregel Publications, 2011), pg. 98 WORDsearch. Retrieved from https://app.wordsearchbible.com
• https://www.statista.com/topics/1249/homosexuality/