Found this great post by Ed Stetzer that I thought you all might want to read in light of todays events.
Last week, the largest Christian ministry devoted to helping homosexuals struggle against their attractions apologized to the gay community and announced it was shutting down.
Today the Supreme Court of the United States struck down parts of the Defense of Marriage Act, passed in 1996. The Supreme Court also declined to rule on Proposition 8 from California (Christianity Today has the full story here).
In doing so, same-sex marriage recognition remains a state issue and (although this is not completely clear that this time) it appears to remain legal in California, as it is in 12 other states and the District of Columbia. Also, the United States government will recognize the legality of those marriages with respect to federal benefits. (I’ll update this paragraph as the ruling is analyzed, but this is the first look.)
Needless to say, our culture is changing– quickly and dramatically on this issue. But how should Christians respond?
The basis of Ed Stetzer’s position is not shared by all Christians and is, in fact, irrelevant to the question of the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act before the U.S. Supreme Court. The sworn duty of the justices of the U.S Supreme Court is not to uphold Mr. Stetzer’s interpretation of morality as set forth by the Christian bible. It is to uphold the U.S. Constitution. Does the principle of “equality under the law” apply to homosexual couples who want to participate in the secular, legal construct we call marriage? The Court’s ruling must be determined within the context and wisdom of the Constitution, not the Bible. Thankfully, the court upheld its duty with today’s ruling.
Karen, you have a good point. what i liked about Ed’s article is that he really encourages Christians not to overact to the court but to keep loving people and basing our decisions off of scripture not law. I felt that he actually does distinguish the difference. Too many Christians seem to take their lead from the law by the way they are reacting. Certainly their are many laws that are not in line with scripture and we as Christians should be able to function just fine.
thanks for leaving your comment here.