Site search
sponsored by
News
The 10 Commandments are a cornerstone of Judeo-Christian teachings, so I find myself somewhat confused.
The commandments gives a clear admonition against adultery. The New Testament speaks of marriage in very clear terms: “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Mt. 19:16). Furthermore, the Lord said, “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: And whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery” (Mt. 19:9).
Nowhere in the Bible is homosexuality mentioned specifically, though a few references have been interpreted to address homosexual behavior.
So here’s my confusion: If we are to use the Bible as our guide and petition for laws banning same-sex marriage, let us also call for laws making divorce and adultery illegal, punished by incarceration or stoning.
But I forget: These are heterosexual issues not to be challenged.
With all the major problems our culture faces, it seems our energy might be better used in addressing issues of addiction that are destroying many more families than any possible affect that a loving, gay marriage could have. Building stronger relationships in marriage is like building up our physical immune system: Outside elements simply do not impact the body.
We must question, then, why social issues like same-sex marriage and abortion take precedence in our political conversation over issues of health care, economics, wars, energy crisis, the rate of addiction and its impact on crime and so many, many more.
How is it that the standards of family values can be set aside when choosing a candidate who confesses his acts of adultery and divorce, but loving relationships with same-sex partners are unacceptable?
Is it really okay to pick and chose your sins?
Feminist theorists have long maintained a woman’s right to an abortion and the right to a same-sex marriage are serious blows to patriarchy and the unquestioned superiority of male control. Consider this perspective when reflecting on the majority of Californians’ decision to deny members of our community the rights the rest of us have.
This anti-gay campaign is reminiscent of the extreme Islamic cultures that insist on covering the women so the men are not tempted or aroused.
If the churches that hold these anti-gay, anti-abortion views are doing their job, their people will not engage in these practices, and their demonstration will hold greater sway than any law we can impose.
Let us focus on crises that we can come together on, not on those based simply on differing opinions and which keep us separate.
There is faith and there is common sense. The two combined are powerful.
Marilyn Rosenbrock lives in Grass Valley.
The commandments gives a clear admonition against adultery. The New Testament speaks of marriage in very clear terms: “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Mt. 19:16). Furthermore, the Lord said, “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: And whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery” (Mt. 19:9).
Nowhere in the Bible is homosexuality mentioned specifically, though a few references have been interpreted to address homosexual behavior.
So here’s my confusion: If we are to use the Bible as our guide and petition for laws banning same-sex marriage, let us also call for laws making divorce and adultery illegal, punished by incarceration or stoning.
But I forget: These are heterosexual issues not to be challenged.
With all the major problems our culture faces, it seems our energy might be better used in addressing issues of addiction that are destroying many more families than any possible affect that a loving, gay marriage could have. Building stronger relationships in marriage is like building up our physical immune system: Outside elements simply do not impact the body.
We must question, then, why social issues like same-sex marriage and abortion take precedence in our political conversation over issues of health care, economics, wars, energy crisis, the rate of addiction and its impact on crime and so many, many more.
How is it that the standards of family values can be set aside when choosing a candidate who confesses his acts of adultery and divorce, but loving relationships with same-sex partners are unacceptable?
Is it really okay to pick and chose your sins?
Feminist theorists have long maintained a woman’s right to an abortion and the right to a same-sex marriage are serious blows to patriarchy and the unquestioned superiority of male control. Consider this perspective when reflecting on the majority of Californians’ decision to deny members of our community the rights the rest of us have.
This anti-gay campaign is reminiscent of the extreme Islamic cultures that insist on covering the women so the men are not tempted or aroused.
If the churches that hold these anti-gay, anti-abortion views are doing their job, their people will not engage in these practices, and their demonstration will hold greater sway than any law we can impose.
Let us focus on crises that we can come together on, not on those based simply on differing opinions and which keep us separate.
There is faith and there is common sense. The two combined are powerful.
Marilyn Rosenbrock lives in Grass Valley.
