The topic of equal rights is one that fits perfectly with the issue of same-sex marriage. Discrimination is still surprisingly common in today’s society and a group that is noticeably being discriminated against are homosexuals. Equal rights go straight back to the Constitution and the human rights that every person should be entitled to. The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees the right to marry and it was determined that it was unconstitutional to deny that right. After this decision by the Supreme Court in 2015, same-sex marriage became legal in all 50 United States. In the book, Same-Sex Marriage and the Constitution by Evan Gerstmann, the author utilizes facts from the Constitution that prove homosexuals should have the same human rights as everyone else. Gerstmann points out that a fear of allowing same-sex marriage would be opening the door to also allowing polygamy. This fear has been proven as an underlying issue in allowing same-sex marriage as a law. He states that although these concerns are valid, “Multiple marriages raise several legitimate state concerns that same-sex marriages do not. First and foremost, legalizing polygamy, unlike legalizing same-sex marriage, would profoundly alter the legal structure of every couple’s marriage” (Gerstmann, 2017, p.110). Gerstmann voids all linkage to polygamy and same-sex marriage removing the idea that same-sex marriage would lead to other consequences. When remembering Christian ethics and the emphasis of utilitarianism, everyone should count equally. In the book, Exploring Christian Ethics by Kyle Fedler, Fedler elaborates on utilitarianism through a Christian perspective. “Everyone counts- and everyone counts equally…All stress the importance of treating the poor and powerless as equal to the rich and influential. Utilitarianism says that we do not place our own well-being over that of our neighbor or even our enemy” (Fedler, 2006, p.31). In our society today, homosexuals are treated as the powerless and are looking for guidance through the legal system to rise above discrimination. Equal rights should be enough to end the debate about whether or not same-sex marriage should be allowed, but it does not. Same-sex marriage continues to divide society and especially Christian churches over this controversy, even though as Christians, every single person should be treated the same no matter what.
It is pronounced that Christian ethics should be implemented in politics. Without an ethical guide to governing issues, human rights are usually overlooked. This pertains to various subjects like immigration and the war. This also can pertain directly to homosexuals and same-sex marriage. Politics and societal issues need to be based on virtuous behavior. It is a key to Christian ethics and Fedler notes that “To be a truly good person, it is not enough that one simply do the right things; one must also feel the right way and do the right things with the right motives and intentions” (Fedler, 2006, p.33). The character that Fedler touches on is a character that should be visible when handling every issue in society, whether it is large or small. In the book, Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Liberty by Anthony R. Picarello, Picarello connects marriage to its relationship with religion, law, and the state. “In a pluralistic constitutional democracy, citizens owe each other the duties of civility and mutual respect concerning the forms of argument they make” (Picarello, 2008, p.185). There should not be dividing issues in Christianity. It is okay to note that some people have different stances on same-sex marriage, however, by practicing being a truly good person, differences should be accepted. Picarello continues to explain this issue by comparing the two sides of the issue, “When the competing claims are to religious liberty and sexual liberty, people feel even more free to protect only the liberty they rely on for themselves” (Picarello, 2008, p.190). A viewpoint on a subject should not determine how one should or should not be treated. Displaying the right intentions and motives means not claiming someone does not deserve the same liberty as oneself just because they do not share the same view.
People claim that God had certain purposes for marriage and it was not to have same-sex marriage be an option. The idea of same-sex marriage is still an obscure subject people lack versatility when regarding the other side of the argument. People need to be open about changing their stance on same-sex marriages. In the Book, The Bible’s Yes to Same-Sex Marriage and an Evangelical’s Change of Heart by Mark Achtemeier, Achtemeier starts off by explaining how he once was a conservative church activist who worked hard to trying to conserve the traditional way of life. He went as far as publishing an article to keep homosexuals from serving in positions in the church. Through years of guidance through the Bible, Achtemeier has come to the bearing of wishing entirely that every couple gets to experience God’s blessings through marriage. Achtemeier makes the point that historical texts often translate differently on our modern society. “Once we take into account the assumptions of the ancient, male-dominated culture in which the passage was written, we can see how it confirms God’s intentions for marriage to help us grow into the divine image of God’s love for us” (Achtemeier, 2014, p.51). God’s wish for us with marriage is that it connects people together in a way that grows into connecting them to Him and the church. Often when Scripture is speaking of marriage, it is for acknowledging the potential for acting as a creation of God because love is a center for Him in teachings. Achtemeier continues speaking of this idea throughout his book, “God’s desire for our sexuality is that it becomes joyous, comforting, satisfying physical expression of all the love, passion, and mutual desire that connects partners who are learning to give themselves completely to each other in the image of Christ” (Achtemeier, 2014, p.121). If a couple wants to live through Christ with their relationship, He would not reject them and their love. This is a valuable interpretation to bear in mind when questioning whether or not we as people should accept this concept. He would accept all forms of love, so we should as well.
Same-sex marriage is a constant battle for some people. When discrimination is present, violence and fear often follow. In the book, Same-Sex Marriage, Context, and Lesbian Identity: Wedded but Not Always a Wife by Julie Whitlow and Patricia Ould, two authors write about the sad truths that many homosexuals face when in a same-sex marriage. “Daily life for most gays and lesbians still includes the constant weighing of if and when to disclose one’s sexual orientation and martial status to others. The consequences include possible rejection or reproach from others who are intolerant and potentially violent” (Ould & Whitlow, 2015, p.28). This constant battle creates a violent trend that should not be present. Scripture often claims that violence is never the answer, “The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked, And the one who loves violence His soul hates” (Psalm 11:5 New American Standard Bible). If a claim is that God does not approve of same-sex marriage, then violence would never be the answer since He is very clear that violence is not acceptable. However, same-sex marriage does not defy what makes someone a good Christian with purely good character.
The topic of same-sex marriage has become exceedingly popular in today’s society. With various parades and marches occurring all over the world, people who want to participate in same-sex marriage are tired of being rejected. In the book, The Battle Over Marriage: Gay Rights Activism Through the Media by Leigh Moscowitz, Moscowitz addresses the trends that have occurred in history with gay activism that has been captured through media. A view she touches on is the idea of hierarchies with this disputed topic. Social hierarchies are considered to be a destruction to our society. “Confronting this shifting social landscape where categories of sexual identity were repeatedly scrutinized and traditional moral hierarchies regulating sexuality were challenged” (Moscowitz, 2013, p.19-20). In Christian ethics, the principle of equality is a key criterion. Liberation theology can be a guide when dealing with the oppression of men and women. In Christianity, there should be no individualist concepts. This idea can translate over to same-sex marriage. The notion of heterosexuals only being the individuals allowed to have the privilege of marriage is an individualist concept. It is clear to see this type of thinking does not work with any situation in today’s society and it is frowned
It is often rewarding to look directly towards Scripture when reasoning with controversial topics. We read Scripture with the presumption that the Bible says same-sex marriage should not occur and that creates judgment in peoples’ mind that it is unlawful. Reading Scripture should occur without bias and this is a concept driven from Christian ethics. Fedler mentions that, “Many Christians contend that it is more important to find the principle behind the command or law, rather than apply the commandment directly” (Fedler, 2006, p.57). When the removal of biased thinking and the act of continually applying Scripture literally, a broader outlook on various issues can be obtained. Christians who say no to same-sex marriage should be questioned on their reading of Scripture faithfully. Reading Scripture gives guidance on how to treat other humans’ beings. Whether someone wants to be in a same-sex marriage, that is their choice and discrimination is not justified. A popular Scripture comes from Romans “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8 New American Standard Bible). This Scripture asserts that no matter the other laws that are present, if one loves their neighbor, then they are following God’s commands. This is important to remember when it seems for some people that same-sex marriage is breaking what they believe is correct, one should still love them endlessly.
Considering that same-sex marriage is an immense controversial topic, there are various criticisms against the matter. Making it legal in the United States and pushing it to be accepted among religion has created an uproar. In the book, What’s Wrong with Same-Sex Marriage by D. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe, the threats of same-sex marriage are explained and the top twelve reasons of why we should be opposed of same-sex marriage are outlined. One of the major points the authors make is that people who speak out for homosexuals are Scripture twisting. “It’s disheartening to witness the rising of this so called “Christian” gay movement. It isn’t enough for them to choose their unnatural lifestyle, they want to retain the blessings of the church. So they fool themselves into thinking that somehow God accepts them just as they are – in their unpleasant sin” (Kennedy & Newcombe, 2004, p.75). However, this thinking does not follow how God wants us to live as His children and serve Him. An insight to the opinion Kennedy and Newcombe obtains can come from the book, Christians at the Border, by Daniel Carroll. Carroll wrote this book about how God wants us to accept those with different cultural identities into our homes and hearts. He uses Hispanic immigrants, but homosexuals fall under the category of individuals that are outside of the normal cultural identity as well. “He reaches out to the poor, the sick, women, sinners of all kinds, gentiles, and Samaritans. In light of this truth, a fundamental question must be asked. Does what Jesus did and said have any relevance for Christians today?… Or in addition to our personal salvation, is his life a model for all time of how to live a life that pleases God and reflects his character on earth” (Carroll, 2008, p.115-116)? When recalling how Christian ethics emphasize loving your neighbor and displaying virtuous character, it seems unjust to break down a group of people who are just trying to find their own power in this world. Denying a group of people happiness would not reflect God’s character on earth.
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