What is marriage? This is a very sensitive question these days, and is contended throughout our entire society. I searched around and found “Noah Webster gives his Blessing,” written by Daniel Redman, which addresses how some dictionaries have expanded the definition to include same-sex marriage. Also, I googled for a definition on gay marriage and found some interesting information on Urban Dictionary. Personally, I agree completely with the definition given by Webster’s dictionary in 1828 that Redman quotes: "instituted by God himself for the purpose of preventing the promiscuous intercourse of the sexes, for promoting domestic felicity, and for securing the maintenance and education of children." Notice this definition implies that intercourse outside of marriage, homosexual and heterosexual, was not what God wanted. Basically, Webster is saying the only healthy sexual relationship is between two married individuals. Also, that a marriage was intended to produce and provide for children. However, I can imagine that someone would bring up the points of God and Webster’s 1828 edition being old and out dated.
Wherever I looked, the idea of marriage being a union between two people who have committed themselves to each other for life was always present. Today, I would say this standard is not looked upon with much seriousness by the general population. Divorce and infidelity are common occurrences. To me it seems fairly easy for people to accept these things going on in our society. Thus, I can understand why gay couples would want marriage to be redefined in order to have legal equality. If marriage is something that can be undone so easily, then why not get married. I mean, you can always have a divorce if things go south, right? (Why does the word divorce seem to be floating around whenever people get married, regardless of the type?)
According to the W. Moran’s article, “Gay Definition of Marriage is Not the Equal of Heterosexual Marriage Facts Show Sexual Fidelity Not a Part of Gay Unions,” the homosexual’s lifestyle is far more promiscuous than the heterosexual’s. This piece examines how Canadian GLBs, Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual, interact in and out of marriage, and presents the author’s point-of-view convincingly. Mostly because, Moran’s information comes from the testimonies of GLBs. I am not trying to say that gay partners are not serious about their relationships. I am absolutely positive that they do believe in their love for one another. I am saying that the love they have is not the kind that qualifies for the complete commitment of marriage. Also, I will say that I believe many heterosexual relationships are the same way, something Moran fails to address.
Honestly, to me the only legitimate marriage is one between two people who are followers of Christ. This is because their relationship is based on glorifying God, not sexual preference or worldly advantages. Though, I think many people who say they follow Christ do not realize that glorifying the Lord is the reason for marriage. Do not misunderstand me; I do not believe that such a marriage will be without hardship or tension. However, such a bond will have the loyalty to work through such times. (“For better or for worst,” comes to mind.) Through such a relationship the fulfillment of true love is realized. I do not believe anyone will ever find what they are truly looking for through the promiscuous relationships and ideas of marriage of our society today.
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I could not agree more although, I know I am not making the right choices since I live with my daughters father right now. We do plan on getting married once I graduate next May, but it is just to stressful right now. I think that Marriage is so overlooked and that people know they have a way out... DIVORCE.. SO many young couples get married cheat etc. What is wrong with society? The way my parents raised me was to love one another and respect always.. I want to follow those onto my children. As for Gay marriage---not acceptable but you are right they love each other more than some couples who CAN be legal.
ReplyDeleteI can appreciate your opinion that a marriage through the church is a good way to make sure its a complete, long-lasting institution for those who need that reenforcement. However, it's more about the people than being involved as a couple with the church. Marriage, both as an idea and as a binding contract has been around since before modern religion was even invented. I think the only secret to a marriage lasting is being true to one another, love goes a long way and doesn't always need a book to explain it.
ReplyDeleteHey thanks for the comment heinleinjj. I use to think that way too. However, it is a rare thing to find couples who are true to one another. Yes I think it is possible, but this small minority of couples is far out-weighed by what I see in most of society. Also, I did not mean the legitimate couple was legitimate just because the were associated with a church. In fact, divorce is a common thing in the church, unfortunately. Perhaps, I'll give my thoughts on organized, or modern, religion and what Christ really meant by "church" in my next blog.
ReplyDeleteBoth of my grandparents married their high school sweethearts and are still happily together;my father on the other hand has been divored twice and is actually getting ready for round three. Based on this I think that it is safe to say I have a decent understanding of how relationships work in our country because I have definately seen a variety. I beleive that often people get married without really knowing their mate or with the hope that they can change their mate to make things work. But thats not how life goes, people should only be married if they love every quality about a peron - the good and the bad. I really liked your defination of marriage and I beleive that there is a real truth too it. That being said though I dont beleive that church or religion nessecarly have to be involved if the couple has a real love like the one described in Corthenians. If they unquestionably know their partner and can be loveing, true and kind not only to them but also their offspring and family then there is a real union. Yes, people do change and sometimes divorce is inevitable, but I think that sometimes we are just afraid to change with them.
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