Over the years, same sex marriage has been a controversial issue among various religious groups and governments in various countries. It has resulted in numerous perceptions among different individuals and social groupings. The issue of the same sex marriage can be viewed from different perspectives depending on its basis. Religious leaders, especially Christians, around the world have condemned the act, referring to it as illegal. On the contrary, some religious groups have proposed the idea leading to conflict among different religious leaders and groups. According to the history of marriage and religion, marriage was embraced in religion through the Christian faith. Marriage was controlled and conducted by church courts. These courts were expected to validate a marriage between a man and a woman. As a result, any conflict between the two was raised and settled through the church courts. Essentially, marriage was not about a contract rather an agreement into a relationship leading to marriage. Marriage between the two created a legal responsibility and status .
According to various religious groups, same sex marriage argument is backed by the words of God from the scripture. This forms the basis of illegality of the same-sex marriage among Christians. Accordingly, the man was expected to be the head of the house while his wife was expected to take care of the household. Once married, a woman's property belonged to the husband who provided for his wife. Therefore, the scriptures declare same-sex as a sin that is punishable. On the contrary, some sympathizers of the same sex marriage argue that the scriptures were not God's actual words. The topic becomes controversial because many people do not believe in God, nor do they follow the scriptures. Besides, the law does not allow opposition of the same-sex marriage resulting from a single verse in the scripture. In the recent times, various countries and states in America have declared same sex legal. Scotland is the most recent country to pass a bill allowing same sex marriage .
Religious organizations have come out in support of gay marriage as they deem it right and legal. For instance, the Anglican Church of Canada, the United Church of Christ among others, have shown their support for same sex marriage. According to biblical scholars, the word "homosexual" has been transliterated in the bible. This means that the word "homosexual" never existed in the original bible. According to religious groups supporting gay marriage, Christians are expected to show equality and dignity through commitment in support of gay marriage. It is argued that whether bisexual, heterosexual, or homosexual, all sexual orientations are gifts from God. As a result, some Christian denominations support same sex marriage and thus carry out public weddings of the same (Albert, Gill and Pierceso 44).
According to various groups proposing same sex marriage, illegalizing same sex marriage translates into deprivation of the rights and privileges of gay people. Every person has own rights and freedoms regardless of his or her sexual orientation. As a result, gay rights organizations have been established with the aim of protecting their rights and privileges. Passage of gay marriage bills within various countries is enough evidence that same sex marriage has become, widely, accepted among people. The United States is one of the countries that have accepted gay marriage in various states. For instance, gay marriage has been legalized in states like California, New Jersey, New Mexico, and New York among others .
The issue of the same sex marriage is open for discussion between law and religious groups across the world. The federal government is responsible for implementing various parliamentary Acts into law. Opponents of the same sex marriage have challenged the idea in court claiming to be a wrongful act according to the scriptures. Various federal states in America remain to be ardent opponents of the same-sex marriage following a large proportion of Christian Protestants. On the contrary, some states enacted gay marriage bill despite protests by gay marriage opponents. Therefore, the gay marriage issue has received numerous objection as well as gained support from the public. As a result of varied opinions concerning law, the determination of gay marriage fate has persisted. The federal government is obliged with the enactment and implementation of such laws in respect with a majority vote of members of parliament.
Homosexuality among Christians has been condemned in respect to God's utterance through the Holy Scriptures. However, some religious groups question the credibility of the scriptures stating that some words were transliterated. As a result, the original meaning of some verses has been altered in the new version. These arguments about transliteration spur a lot of issues among religious groups leading to separation of churches. Some churches have accepted and supported gay marriage while others still oppose. Legalization of gay marriage within various countries has caused mixed reactions among individuals. Some Christian denominations have shown their support for gay marriage and also allow gay marriage in church. On the contrary, same sex marriage still remains to be a controversial topic across different religious denominations in the world .
In the New Testament, prohibition of homosexuality has been put forward clearly in the scriptures, though faces a lot of controversy. According to scholars, sexual immorality mentioned in the Old Testament has been transliterated to portray homosexuality. In the recent times, countries have begun to realize the urge to give all individuals the same rights and freedoms. As a result, legalization of gay marriage across various states and countries has taken place. Barrack Obama, the United States president, publicly announced his support for gay marriage. This has elicited mixed reactions among various groups of individuals. Embracing a culture of the same sex marriage in the New Testament indicates a generation of gay marriage supporters. Christians still believe that it is illegal to engage in same sex marriage as it is against the scriptures. The scriptures in the bible prohibit same sex marriage terming it as sinful. On the contrary, various Christian denominations have interpreted the New Testament in various ways that have caused conflicts and separation of churches .
According to Catholic Church, the only marriage that is admitted is one between a man and a woman. Homosexuality among Roman Catholic is highly condemned since it goes against its doctrine and teachings. According to the bible, various verses from the book of Genesis and Leviticus have exhibited opposition of homosexuality in the Old Testament that has been passed over to the New Testament. Most Christians hold the belief that homosexuality is prohibited according to their doctrine and through the scripture. Christian's believe that God opposes homosexuality through the books of Romans, Corinthians, and Jude in the New Testament. Biblical scholars postulate that transliteration led to the misbelief that same sex marriage is a sin .
According to Christian beliefs, one has to follow Christians' norms and doctrines in order to be a born-again Christian. On the contrary, many Christian denominations have shown significant differences concerning their beliefs. For instance, the issue of heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality has caused separation of churches. There are various religious leaders and biblical scholars who have different versions of the Holy Scriptures. As a result, they hold onto what they belief. This can play an imperative role in influencing Christian congregation. Being indifferent about homosexuality may have different implications depending on the respective Christian denomination. As a result of diverse opinions and views about same sex marriage, churches will have a different perspective about the indifferent individuals .
An individual can fail to make a concrete decision about his perception regarding same sex marriage. On this front, one can neither oppose the idea nor propose. As a Christian, an individual is expected to follow God's teachings as written in the Holy Scriptures. According to the scriptures, God prohibits homosexuality and thus considered as sin among Christians. As a result, Christians are expected to adhere to Gods' teachings and belief in His word. According to the scriptures, a Christian should stand up for God's word and defend it. As a result, an individual being indifferent about same sex marriage should not be considered to be a Christian. God's teaching is based on knowing what is evil and Godly. Therefore, a Christian should be able to know the good and evil, hence creating a boundary.
Works Cited
Albert , Gordon Babst, Emily R Gill and Jason Pierceso. Moral Argument, Religion, and Same-sex Marriage: Advancing the Public Good. Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield, 2009.
Laycock, Douglas and Anthony R Picarello . Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Liberty: Emerging Conflicts. Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield , 2008.
Snyder, R Claire . Gay Marriage and Democracy: Equality for All. Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield, 2006.
