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Letters I found it interesting
that our letters this week contain only letters regarding the cover
article on marriage. One “brave” person wrote, “This article was
very well written and I agree with all except for condemning homosexuality.
I actually think the UPC needs to talk more about this subject.
Thanks!” But then they failed to leave their name. Part of
talking more about it is sharing your own thoughts, based on scripture,
and sharing it passionately enough you're not hesitant to leave
your name. We welcome It's always
encouraging to me to see people who care about what is going on
in the world--they aren't living in their little bubble. Christians,
now more than ever, need to be awake and praying for our country
more than ever. Re: “Marriage,
Traditional Marriage or Gay Marriage?” I've long been
a reader of 90&9, and have participated from time to time. I
often read articles and dismiss them, because they tend to miss
the point or be on a topic so obscure and irrelevant that no one
outside of the author could be terribly interested, anyway. When I logged
on to read this week's issue and saw the cover story, I clicked
on the link eagerly. Finally, I thought, a topic that is both timely
and relevant. In light of the recent decision by the California
Supreme Court, as well as increasing national pressure from the
GLBT Community to press towards full social acceptance and validation
of homosexuality, I hoped that the author would clearly and succinctly
defend, scripturally, the sanctity of “traditional” or heterosexual
marriage. I was disappointed
when I read the article, as he totally failed to address the issue.
In his opening three paragraphs, he presents the problem, but clearly
lacks an understanding of the biblical definition of marriage. While
the Bible never specifically excludes marriage between members of
the same gender, it does clearly define marriage as between one
man and one woman: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and
mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh”
(Genesis 2:24, NKJV). This sentiment is echoed in Matthew 19:4-6,
Mark 10:5-9, and Ephesians 5:22-31. Given the Bible's
clear prohibitions against homosexuality, and the clear proscription
exclusively towards heterosexual marriage, he is giving far too
much consideration to secular and agenda-driven criticisms of Scripture
and biblical morality. Furthermore,
when he argues that “in a Post-Christian society … defining marriage
by fiat is probably not the best way to defend this sacred institution,”
and argues that “we should instead focus on biblical principles
of what marriage is--beyond whom marriage involves,” he destroys
his entire argument from the beginning. If our society is “Post-Christian,”
then arguing morality from the Bible is irrelevant. By definition,
the Bible is of no consequence to a Post-Christian society. I was disappointed
in his analysis, as well as the lack of substance in the article. Bradley Titus,
Indiana Re: “Marriage,
Traditional Marriage or Gay Marriage?” This article
makes some excellent points. I am a counselor in private practice
and see a lot of couples who are disconnected in many areas, and
work with them to rebuild these connections. The state of disconnectedness
creates a lot of the problems we have in our society today such
as depression, anxiety, and addictions. We in Pentecost
should be modeling the best in marriage and family life. The world
deserves to see that in us. We are the people who have been re-connected
with the truth about the Godhead, salvation and holiness. We also
should be modeling a connection of the truth of God's original intention
for the beauty of intimacy in our relationships. Good job Joshua! Richard Ferguson,
New York © 2008, ninetyandnine.com --------- |
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