Whether we like it, or accept it, the statistics prove the institution of marriage is beneficial to both the male and female of our species. Males tend to be more violent, less responsible and have a propensity towards addictive and/or destructive behavior before marriage. Women to a lesser degree have the same tendencies. In cultures where society has broken down, or they do not honor marriage as something to be respected and nurtured, women and children are more likely to be victims of violence and sexual assault and used for corrupt financial gain. In places where the Biblical teaching of mutual respect, love and honor are taught, or at least mimicked, marriage is as beneficial to females as it is to males. Before we declare marriage to be out dated or attempt to alter it to something it has not been in the past. We need to look very hard at the alternatives and the historical benefits visited upon mankind by past generation's adherence to this sacred institution.
Political candidates that are being vetted by the American press are often asked about their stand on marriage and civil unions. There is a very real legal, moral and religious difference between the two. I am for allowing them both. The caveat being; without watering down the moral and religious connotations of marriage between one male and one female, while at the same time protecting the financial, property and religious liberty of those who live outside of a Biblical sanctioned relationship.
In a society that was founded upon a Biblical understanding of personal religious liberty we have a moral obligation to protect the right of all people to pursue life, liberty and happiness. Knowing that none of us have a perfect understanding of our God's Biblical will. We can only strive to give equal protection under the law as well as the liberty to grow and make mistakes to all our citizens no matter what their religious beliefs.
Having friends and family that live outside the Biblical understanding of marriage, it is my hope that our laws can reflect my desire for the protection of their property and financial well being, as well as of their personal liberties. Even if they choose to be involved in a " live in " relationship not sanctioned by scripture.... Civil unions address this problem while not asking society to sanction something that is not Biblical. Those living outside of our understanding of God's will have the right to function equally and openly in our society. They do not have the right to make the rest of a society agree with and sanction their religious choice. Majorities have religious liberties as well as minorities.
I am a Biblical Christian I believe our creator is the Biblical God. I also know we live in a fallen and imperfect world. Our chance for each couple to live as Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden is over. We all have our faults and make mistakes. None of us can demand perfection of others without being hypocritical ourselves. That being said there is truth and a way to live that is in our own best interest. We often do not do what we know is right. This is where religious liberty is our friend and protector. Not only for ourselves but for our fellow citizen.
Without compromising on Biblical instruction I can see the importance of letting homosexuals legally protect themselves and their wealth by allowing civil unions. I also can see the down side of not allowing them to serve openly and honestly in the military and in any other secular endeavor. They could be blackmailed and threatened with exposure. This would be detrimental in any capacity they served or job they were involved in.
However as a person that knows and understands history and the basis of personal and national liberty. I know we can not thumb our noses at the God of the Bible. He is the author of and protector of our liberties. The more we as a society, nation and people try to please and seek God the better off we all are. Liberty is the freedom to error, and the freedom not to be forced to agree with, or sanction what is wrong.
Wesley Jones
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