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The Meaning ofMarriageFlorence Blvd church of ChristMatt Vega, J.D.
sburgDecidedJune 26,2015RobertsA Landmark DecisionObergefell v. HodgesHolding the U.S. Constitutionguarantees a right to same-sexmarriage in all 50 states.
Same-Sex Marriage In All 50 StatesObergefell v. Hodges Invalidated same-sex marriage bans in Michigan,Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee as violating theEqual Protection Clause and the Due ProcessClause, requiring every state to license andrecognize same-sex marriage. Noting historical “continuity and change” inmarriage, redefined marriage to include foropposite- and same-sex couples. Recognized “the right to personal choiceregarding marriage”- at least for couples
Law Shapes Culture,Culture Shapes Beliefs1. Americans’ support for same-sexmarriage has risen from 37% in 2009to 57% in May 2015.2. The biggest shift in support hasoccurred among older Americans(Born 1928-1945) from 21% in 2001to 39% in 2015.3. 60% of Americans say a gay orlesbian person’s sexual orientationcannot be changed.
The majority’s moral power makes individuals internallyashamed to contradict it which in effect silences them, and this silencingculminates in a cessation of thinking.
Rom. 12:2Do not be conformed to this world, butbe transformed by the renewal of yourmind, that by testing you may discernwhat is the will of God, what is goodand acceptable and perfect.
What is God’s Will?
#1 Does the Bible Permit? No, homosexual relationships areNEVER praised. Homosexuality is ALWAYS describedas dysfunctional:– Before the law (Gen. 19:4-8)– In the law (Lev. 18:22; 20:13)– In the New Testament (Rom. 1:26-28; 1Cor. 6:9-11)
Romans 1:26-27“For this reason God gave them up todishonorable passions. For their womenexchanged natural relations for those thatare contrary to nature; and the menlikewise gave up natural relations withwomen and were consumed with passionfor one another, men committingshameless acts with men and receiving inthemselves the due penalty for their error”
#2 Was Jesus Silent?1. Yes 2. But He didn’t expressly talk about a lotof things (drugs, bestiality, etc.)3. If He doesn’t condemn it is an actionokay?4. No, that would ignore three things
Ignores the Totality of Scripture “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presenceof the disciples, which are not written in thisbook” (John 20:30) “Do not think that I have come to abolish theLaw or the Prophets; I have not come to abolishthem but to fulfill them” (Matt. 5:17) “I still have many things to say to you, but youcannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truthcomes, he will guide you into all the truth, for hewill not speak on his own authority, butwhatever he hears he will speak, and he willdeclare to you the things that are to come”(John 16:12-13)
Ignores What Jesus Did Affirm AboutMarriageIn Mt. 19, Jesus identifies 3 things aboutmarriage that leave no room for same-sexmarriage: God created them male and female (v. 4) The two shall become one flesh (v. 5) What God has joined together, let notman separate (v. 6)
Ignores God-given CommonsenseFor the wrath of God is revealed fromheaven against all ungodliness andunrighteousness of men who:1. Suppress the truth inunrighteousness (Rom 1:18)
The Majority Opinion in Obergefell “Until the mid-20th century same-sexintimacy long had been condemned asimmoral” (p.7 emphasis added)
Suppresses the truth Ignores what the Bible has to say on thematter Ignores the ordinary meaning of words Ignores biology (sexualcomplementarity) Ignores social science
“Marriage Is not about giving adultswhat they want. It is about givingchildren what they need. Children needand deserve to be raised by both amother and father who are married toeach other.”
The Regenrus Study “The data show ratherclearly that childrenraised by gay or lesbianparents on average are ata significant disadvantagewhen compared tochildren raised by theintact family of theirmarried, biologicalmother and father”
Some of the Statistical Findings Children of homosexual parents fare significantlyworse in 57 different categories. 11x more likely to say “yes” when asked if theywere ever touched sexually by a parent or otheradult (IBF 2%, LM 23%) 4X more likely to say “yes” when asked whetherforced to have sexual relations against their will. Show the greatest propensity for crime and druguse. Stable same-sex parented households arevirtually non-existent.
G.K. Chesterton
Ignores God-given CommonsenseFor the wrath of God is revealed fromheaven against all ungodliness andunrighteousness of men who:1. Suppress the truth inunrighteousness (Rom 1:18)2. Exchange the truth of God for a lie,and worship and serve the creaturerather than the Creator (Rom 1:25)
Majority “Opinion” “Only in more recent years have psychiatristsand others recognized that sexual orientationis both a normal expression of humansexuality and immutable” (p.8) “Far from seeking to devalue marriage,the petitioners seek it for themselvesbecause of their respect—and need—forits privileges and responsibilities. Andtheir immutable nature dictates thatsame-sex marriage is their only real pathto this profound commitment.”
ing overtime or unable tobe changed”
1 Cor. 6:9-11“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will notinherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neitherthe sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, normen who practice homosexuality, northieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, norswindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.And suchwere some of you. But you were washed, youwere sanctified, you were justified in the name of theLord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God”
Ignores God-given CommonsenseFor the wrath of God is revealed fromheaven against all ungodliness andunrighteousness of men who:1. Suppress the truth in unrighteousness(Rom 1:18)2. Exchange the truth of God for a lie, andworship and serve the creature ratherthan the Creator (Rom 1:25)3. No only do [things worthy of death] butalso give hearty approval to those whopractice them (Rom. 1:32)
Majority Opinion Tries to Moralize Not JustLegalize Same-Sex Marriage “Marriage is sacred and offers unique fulfillment” (p.3) “Marriage is essential to our most profound hopes andaspirations” (p.3) “There are untold references to the beauty of marriagein religious texts” (p.4) “[T]he petitioners seek [marriage] for themselvesbecause of their respect—and need—for its privilegesand responsibilities” (p.4) “Through its enduring bond, two persons canfind expression, intimacy, and spirituality whatevertheir sexual orientation” (p.13) “They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. TheConstitution grants them that right” (p. 28)
What the Obergefell decisiondoes not do1. It does not prevent us from speaking thetruth in love – Eph 4:152. It does not prevent us from hosting weddingsfor those God joins together – Mt. 19:63. It does not require us to participate in thesins of others (such as assisting same-sexmarriages) – 1 Tim. 5:224. It does not prevent us from helping thosestruggling with same-sex attraction.
The Invitation“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will notinherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neitherthe sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, normen who practice homosexuality, northieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, norAnd suchwere some of you. But you were washed,you were sanctified, you were justified inthe name of the Lord Jesus Christ and bythe Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:9-11)swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
Same-Sex Marriage In All 50 States Invalidated same-sex marriage bans in Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee as violating the Equal Protection Clause and the Due Process Clause, requiring every state to license and recognize same-sex marriage. Noting historical "continuity and change" in marriage, redefined marriage to include for
