This column is called, “Faith, Culture, Politics,” and it will find fulfillment on Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at University Temple United Methodist Church, 1415 43rd St. NE. That evening three leftwing, pinko pastors representing traditional Christian communions will host a faith forum to talk about affirming Referendum 74.
There are three basic Christian arguments against marriage equality. There is the argument from tradition. This says that marriage has always been between one man and one woman. Hmmm… . Tell that to my mom, who married five times, and my three sisters, all of whom married twice.
Tell that to the 50 percent of married heterosexuals whose marriages ended in divorces and to those marriages that endure affairs.
The truth is that our culture embraces the plurality of serial monogamy. At least in the Biblical culture of open polygamy, when one man had multiple wives (and concubines), the man was under obligation to care for each of them, those women being property and all. However, in our society, unless children are involved, polygamy is basically out of sight, out of mind.
A second argument is the domino theory. If we allow queers to marry, where does one draw the line? What if somebody wants to marry his horse? After all there are many stories of men and sheep, so why not all other mammals? Heck, someone might want to marry a fish? Do mermaids go to heaven?
A third argument is that God says such couplings are an abomination and worthy of eternal damnation. The folks who assume that they know God better than God knows God will line up biblical verses of condemnation and wrath to use as a hammer to pound their righteousness into law and custom. Unfortunately for them, the Bible doesn’t actually say what they say it says. They froth at the mouth but not much of substance solidifies.
Indeed, we hear so much venom from right-wing faith traditions that we often think that God is a jerk who is out to get us. We think God is a “dominating presence” to whom we must submit with complete obedience and conformity.
But what if God is love? What if “there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love” like it says in 1 John 4:18?
The point is that Christianity is far more compassionate, creative, open and generous than right-wing Christians espouse. There is a more faithful practice of Christianity that displays love of God through simple acts of caring toward other humans and this beautiful earth.
So join us for an open forum concerning Christian affirmation of marriage equality.
Through personal story, theological reflection, Biblical teaching and group conversation, we will lift up the life-affirming, compassionate and reconciling vision that Jesus lived and died for — and through us was raised into new life.
Come and see.