First let me say, I consider myself a Christian. I'm also what most would call an Independent. I vote for the person who will do the best job for my family, and not a party affiliation. I support causes from both "sides of the aisle." As a Christian woman, I am also finding it difficult to ignore those using religion as a basis to deny legal rights to same sex couples. I have this need to ask, "Does it make you less heterosexual? Is your own marriage any less legal because someone else's can be recognized as legal as well?" Of course the answer to both questions is a resounding NO!
This country, founded by wealthy white men on the basis of freedom from religious persecution, quite frankly, persecuted a lot of people on basis of gender and race for a long time. This summer's Supreme Court ruling took us as a country away from denying civil rights to same sex spouses, as it should be. The legal definition of marriage is a state issue. It is up to voters.
The morality of same sex relationships is up to no one on this Earth. Let me say it again: it is up to no one on this Earth. The Bible absolutely frowns on homosexuality but it also tells me it is not up to me to cast stones, and that I am not God.
Morality and legality is not the same thing and the Bible, while relied on by men who founded this country to help guide them to a more fair system, is not the legal document that holds this country together. That's the Constitution and it demands a separation between Church and State.
And that's why I love Macklemore's song. Here's my favorite part:
When I was at church they taught me something else
If you preach hate at the service those words aren't anointed
That holy water that you soak in has been poisoned
It literally breaks my heart when I hear this line, because so many Christians do this. We preach against that which is different than us, and say it is God's word. It is not. God's word is love. His teachings point us to love one another, "the least of these", to lift Him up in praise. And to let Him decide who goes to Heaven and who is damned to Hell. And furthermore, those words aren't just about marriage equality. It's about everyday life. If we are holding someone down because of who they are, what they look like, who or what they worship, how they dress, their race, their financial status or who they love, we are not living God's word.
So can we stop now? Can we move forward? You don't have to accept or condone marriage equality to see that everyone has the right to love. And if you find someone who loves you, is kind and patient and generous with their time, and wants to make a life with you, who am I to deny you the same benefits I have, just because I have a spouse who is of opposite gender? I'm just a 30's something mom in area code 513. I'm just someone who loves the truth in a song about love.
(And in case you've never heard of Macklemore or his song "Same Love", here's a link to a recent performance on the Ellen show - which I also love, by the way! http://bit.ly/Stw0tO )
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