Marriage
I’m going out on a limb here, but thankfully freedom of speech still operates here in Australia. I wholeheartedly disagree with Christians being in favour of same-sex marriage.
To clarify, I'm not talking about unbelievers. I am talking specifically about those who look to the Bible as their source of truth; those of us who call ourselves ‘Christians’. What really gets under my skin is Christians whose thinking has become swayed by the logic and reason of the world, rather than the Word.
Yes, historically terrible things have been done in the name of religion. Yes, many people think we are judgemental, unaccepting and narrow-minded. When we should have spoken out about injustices, we’ve remained silent. When we should have remained silent, we’ve been outspoken and brash. We’ve got it wrong many times.
However in our efforts to reverse the damage we’ve done to the name of Christianity, are we seeking friendship with the world above and beyond obedience to the Word of God?
Of late I’ve seen a number of Christians, including pastors and prominent leaders, who have spoken out in support of same-sex marriage.
When I read their arguments for it, I see no scripture used to support their stance. None. I find hard to accept any pastor who doesn’t rely on God’s word.
False Reasoning
Some of the common arguments I’ve heard from Christians are:
“Love is love.”
“Who am I to stand in the way of two consenting adults wanting to enter into a lifelong commitment to each other?”
“If the church (globally) wants to be a welcoming place, then the issue of marriage-equality is a barrier that needs to go.”
They’re good arguments, I won’t even pretend they’re not, but where is the Biblical backing? Since when did reasonable become our measuring stick, rather than scripture?
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought marriage was designed by God. I don’t think we have the right to tamper with it.
“If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” John 15:19.
Look at that last line: “therefore the world hates you.” HATES.
“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” James 4:4
We need to love and accept every single human being, same-sex attracted or not. The Church hasn’t done this very well. I haven’t done it very well! A lack of understanding and naivety has hindered my ability to love well in this area.
However, the point I’m trying to make in this short blog is that we can’t be more interested in maintaining friendship with “the world” at the cost of obedience to God.
I think we have an opportunity to actually be bold and courageous, and go against the current, even if it causes some backlash (which it will). Not to be brash, rude, unloving in our approach, but to stand for the truth.
If we’re not careful, culture and the dominant voices we hear will transform our minds. So, we need to spend time immersing ourselves in the word of God, and being transformed by HIS word.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
So, who’s voice are you listening to?
Teagan spends her 9 to 5 as a Social Media Manager in Sydney. After 5, she can be found running, drinking coffee, shopping, on the beach, or cooking up a storm. She studied Psychology at University, and plans to ‘one day’ complete her Masters and work as a shrink, but in the meantime, she is navigating her way through this thing called life and trying to stop and smell the roses along the way.
Teagan Russell’s previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/teagan-russell.html
