What's the big deal?

"It’s my life. Why do you care who I love?"  

"Love is love."

Why do people care so deeply about redefining marriage? Those who brought this issue before the Supreme Court indicated that redefining marriage would not hurt anyone but quite the opposite. They argued that this needed and inevitable transformation would even strengthen the institution of marriage. (Oberge v. Hodges, 7). No statement could have been further from the truth. Yet their incessant demands were successful and on June 26^th, 2015 the Supreme court disregarded the democratic process of the United States and ruled in their favor.  In the five short years since this ruling, we indeed have seen the harm to our families, our society, and our freedom. People of faith everywhere have concerns about changing the definition of one of the central doctrines of God's plan.

Harm to the Family

Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have enacted unprecedented changes to strengthen the family. More home-centered gospel learning was initiated in part because “[t]he adversary is increasing his attacks on faith and upon us and our families at an exponential rate” (Nelson, 2018). These attacks include the purpose of marriage between a man and a woman. Since the ruling on same sex marriage, the idea that marriage is linked to the "biological realities and complimentary natures of male and female" (The Divine Institute of Marriage, 2008) has been relinquished to marriage existing only to satisfy one's physical urges and emotional impulses.This adjustment in attitudes about sexuality and the issue about gay marriage "strikes at the heart of the family and has the potential for great impact upon the welfare of children (The Divine Institute of Marriage, 2008). Children are being raised in a way that is outside God's plan. Family structure is weakened when all we focus on is what's in it for us instead of also concentrating on the implications it will have on children and the family structure. There has been no other time than now to strengthen our homes and defend the family.

Harm to Society

The 2015 ruling on same-sex marriage was not cut and dry. The aftershock of this decision is still being felt by society. Schools, churches, and private businesses have felt the pressure to accept certain pro-gay policies or face retribution. Not only that, the rising generation is in confusion. Emerging teens and adults question their identity. They are experimenting with different gender identities. Some are painfully confused about the feelings that they are experiencing and don't know what to do. Some of those in society genuinely have feelings for those of the same sex while others are confused and unable to form a clear gender identity. This is likely due to the flood of information concerning so-called tolerance and even glorification of same-sex relationships.

Harm to Freedom

As stated above, in an effort to normalize and propagate acceptance of gay marriage some individuals have been punished for simply exercising their first amendment rights to believe and practice according to their conscience. There have been confusion in the law as well. A Colorado trial ruled against a baker who refused to bake a cake for a gay couple because of his religious beliefs (New York Times). Later, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the baker citing his First Amendment rights. These inconsistencies within the law pertaining to our inalienable rights warrants cause for concern.

The volatile arguments of proponents and opponents of gay marriage will continue. Our only success lies in not winning arguments but by how graciously and courageously stand up for our beliefs. If we can be an example of Christlike love we will be able to touch lives and be able to live our lives in peace and harmony amidst these storms around us. 

References:

Nelson, R. M. (2018, November). Opening Remarks. Retrieved from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/10/opening-remarks?lang=eng
The Divine Institution of Marriage. (2008, August 13). Retrieved from https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/the-divine-institution-of-marriage