Posted by
CyberMom on Monday, May 18, 2009 1:10:58 PM
I will refrain from expressing my opinions as to whether or not homosexuality is permissable or not (as it is not my right to judge any other person in this world), I will comment on the problem of the 'gay' marriage proposal, because - it directly involves a violation of our Constitutional rights in this country. Don't see how - let me show you:
You see, the institution of marriage is a sacred and secular one that demands the utmost respect. However, in more modern times (mostly, the last hundred years - although the issues I'm about to address have been around here and there in the past), it has been treated with a level of indignity that does not reflect the respect of the Divine Order which instituted this sacred union. Is that because of 'homosexuality?' Well, only in regards to this most recent proposal of allowing gay marriages. It started back in the beginning of time when married couples fought, disrespected and mistreated one another. It started in a time when men felt they had a right to 'use' women as concubines or servants. However, as society has progressed, one might imagine that those issues have lessened. And, they have. But, not so much as by the actions of the people, but more so by the involvement of Government. When Secular faith and governmental politics crossed, and divorces became an acceptable institution in ALL faiths - the sanctity of that Divine union of a man and woman was severely injured. We may argue that in some cases, a divorce may be necessary, I believe that the first and foremost doctrine on marriage, that offered by Jesus the Christ, clearly resolves that matter. When a man, or a woman, has failed in their duties of an equal union built upon the sanctity of love, friendship, dedication, devotion and a Divine inspiration to be united as one, it is fair to say that they are no longer deserving of that relationship. However - to be 'remarried,' is an issue of such fragilty that the point of chastity of widows and the caring of widows by the common public, as commanded by Jesus the Christ, was lost.
As humans, we are by nature, lazy. We look for an easy way out. In fact, I am first and foremost, amongst you all - the MOST guilty of this. While I strive to live a life that reflects our Heavenly Savior, I too must never forget that I am but a mortal, and prone to error. And, so, avoiding the initiation of actions such as 'remarriage,' would have been a great way to ensure that I (nor anyone else), could not take the 'easy' way out. Instead, we have divorce, remarriage, single parent-hood and a society that is wrought with strife. And, who permits these 'divorces,' or 'remarriages?'
It began with political intervention - yes - the government. No longer does it take a member of the clergy, classes, time, honor and respect to be married. Today, it takes $25 and signing some paperwork in front of a Judge. Congratulations - you have shortcut the ENTIRETY of divine unions and gone straight to the unevolved state of 'monkey-hood,' in which you are resolving your immediate need for gratification and circumventing that which is supposed to be the boundary line of a civilized society - patience and delayed gratification. I'm not saying that this is wrong - for those who haven't the money for a church. It's not wrong for those who haven't yet found a faith. It would be my hope and prayer, that one day, within their divine union, they would seek for a higher power (as the ONLY TRUE PRINCIPAL BEHIND MARRIAGE IS TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED IN THE EYES OF GOD). Of course, the government has dramatically mislead the people into accepting its role as a higher power. Now comes the point of gay marriages -
If this were REALLY about 'insurance' policies, don't you think the government, that is issuing out mandates permitting gay marriages, could also create mandates forcing insurance companies to modify their policies? They do it EVERY day. In fact, permitting gay marriages does NOT mean that a couple can walk into just 'any' church and be married. It takes away the secular basis of an individual claiming to have divine authority and replaces it with governmental - man's - temporal authority. Yes, the same men who get divorced, partake of domestic violence and other such acts, are now the governing authority over gay marriages. So, what TRUE sanctity is there? In fact, if a minister of a church were to establish his own church and accept doctrines of homosexuality, gay and lesbian individuals could most certainly be married. The government accepts a so-called 'minister,' dressed as Elvis, marrying two people for $25, in proxy, it can most certainly accept the doctrines of any established faith. Those of a homosexual persuasion could have sought to establish their own insurance company with policies allowing support for 'life-partners.' So why is this such an issue?
It's an issue - it's in the news - and it has the world's attention because once again, we are watching the government interject into the private lives of individuals and destroy the purpose and foundation of America. This country was founded to allow individuals to be unique and different without political intervention. The freedom of religion was founded to be unique without political intervention. If the States pass a law mandating that gay marriage is to be allowed, what freedoms for the secular faiths that oppose this is there? Should the LDS, the Seventh Day Adventists or any of the others have to change what they believe to be divine providence to permit gay marriage? When does the church's "freedom," no longer have value in the eyes of the law? When is the law no longer a standard of equality which the Constitution designed for all peoples of this nation, because it intrudes on the lives of others? The answer is clear: when it strives to change the laws for some, depriving others of their freedoms. That's the very foundation upon which law is designed. An individual is free to do what they want until it impedes another in some egregious manner. Murder, rape, theft, abuse - all impede on the rights of another. Now, the sacredness and privacy and privilege of a church to do as they will be their divine inspiration has been impeded upon.
Is there a fix? Yes, the State governments could have mandated that they will recognize, legally, anyone who is homosexual in marriage. That is not to say, they pass a law 'allowing it,' as freedom of religion should have allowed it from the beginning - regardless of any moral opinions on it being right or wrong. The State governments could have mandated that they will require insurance companies to act upon the policies of non-discrimination including secular, marital or otherwise, that they promote in their contracts, upholding the standards of fair business practices. But, we're faced with one more dilemma-
How do we stand for or against such an institution? If we support this institution, the we encourage the government to continue to intervene in our private and secular lives, taking away not only our freedom, but specifically robbing us of it as mentioned before. If we stand for it, we acknowledge that we have no rights. If we stand against it, we must petition the government. But, how do we do that, without also telling the Government that we want their intervention into our private and secular lives?
The only thing we can do is petition our churches, if we believe in it or against it, to take a stand either way. Either allow it, or don't. And, it will be up to each one of us to take accountability for our OWN actions and our OWN selves and not spend time judging others or worrying about what other people are doing. If our secular faith lets us down (either way), we will have to find a new, spiritual direction. But, if today, for example, we were to protest gay marriage and have the government intervene, what's to stop them from requring secular faiths to institute other, non divinely inspired rules? What's to stop the government from marching in on the doors of an organized faith and demand they comply or pay the penalty? At what point is it egregious toward us, the people, that our tax dollars are being spent for the government to circumvent 'good' business practices of insurance companies in non discriminatory issues and instead, impede upon the individual (because we're an easier target - even though WE'RE the taxpayers)? At what point is my voice now stifled from being able to say anything, for or against this matter, because government intervention was wrong in the first place, and to have them intervene again would be just as wrong (as we all know, contrary to the current, political agenda of this country - two wrongs actually DON'T make a right)?
Ask yourself - Do YOU want the same people who have a history of cheating their taxes, bouncing checks, getting multiple divorces, partaking in prostitution, facing criminal matters and so on to make YOUR secular decisions? Then you must confront your church and stand on your own principals - even if you are alone - much in the same way our Heavenly Savior did, and state what you believe and demand that the secular organization which answers to YOU - it's congregation - upholds those standards. But, before you do - make sure you're not judging, passing judgment or acting for yourself. Because, if you are - IF - you are acting upon your own heart and selfishness, then what makes you ANY different than those people who involved the government in the first place and demanded gay marriage be supported? I'm not scolding them for their gender-based preferences, but for being the few who felt it necessary to impede upon the rights of others without consideration for the hearts of the masses, but themselves. Because, truthfully - marriage is NOT a ring. Marriage is NOT a minister. Marriage is NOT a legal recognition. Marriage is a bond, between two people, that will stand the test and trials of their lives, based on love, friendship and equality. Marriage is an act of two hearts and God. That's it. The 'ceremonies,' are just that - ceremonies. Even if you're in a faith that believes the ceremonies necessary to be acknowledged by God - the truth is - God sees our hearts. He knows our most sincere and deepest desires. He is not fooled by rings and ceremonies. He knows if two people are so insincere that divorce is in their future.
And, ONLY HE KNOWS. Not us. Not men or women. We must act on our own agency, will, desires and freedom - but we must remember always - that what we do today will have SEVERE consequences, good or bad, on what comes tomorrow. And, I think THIS is a perfect example of that.