Background of same-sex marriage controversy
Same sex marriages have been a topic of controversy over the years, with some people pointing out that same sex marriage should be legalized while others objecting the same on the grounds that same sex marriage is unethical and unbiblical1. Some scholars believe same sex marriages were recognized by the Roman Catholic in medieval Europe while others oppose the claim. Although the issue of same sex has been an issue of concern to many, it became increasingly an issue of debate among the scholars and public in the 20th century. By 21st Century, the issue has ignited emotional clashes between its supporters and opposers and saw some jurisdictions legalize same sex marriage while others enacting laws to prevent same marriages2. The proposers of same sex marriage argue that people should be given equal rights to do what makes them happy while the opposers rule it out as unethical and unbiblical among other supporting and opposing arguments. The difference reactions concerning same sex marriage by various groups in the 21st century shows how important the issue is on the social spectrum. It also indicates the extent to which cultures are diverse within and among countries.
According to the social science it is believed a child should be raised by a father and a mother and having two parents of the same sex is not good for the well-being of the child. They argue that a child is made through sexual intercourse between a male and female and since the child is connected to the parents by the genes, they will always hunger for their biological fathers or mothers. Children who are raised by lesbians or single mothers often ask about their fathers.
Some of the questions asked by such children are, “Mommy where is my daddy?”, “does he know I exist?”, “Can I write him a letter”, and many more questions of such nature. Social scientists also argue that children need fathers and mothers as they develop3. A father is known as a disciplinarian, he reduces queer and antisocial behavior in boys and sexual activities in girls. Studies have shown that girls who grew without their fathers are more likely to experience teen pregnancy than girls who grew with their fathers4. In the same way children need their mothers as they provide emotional security and are good at studying physical and emotional ques of infants. Mothers offer unique counsel to girls concerning the changes associated with puberty.
Arguments for and against same-sex marriage
According to extensive research children raised by same sex parents experience sexual disorders5. Study shows that Boys who have been brought up by lesbian parents are likely to be less masculine and girls who are brought up by lesbian couples are likely to be more masculine. Social scientists also believe same sex marriage will undermine the norm of fidelity in marriages since it will be easier for two men to understand the need for extramarital outlets than between a man and a woman. Another argument by social scientist is that same sex marriage will render the procreative meaning of marriage baseless which may lead to other social problems as the population diminishes. Research shows that countries that have legalized same sex marriage like Netherlands have birthrates around 1.6 children per woman which is below replacement fertility rate of 2.1. It is well known marriages thrives when couples are attentive to gender roles and needs of each other. Same sex marriage will compromise this by taking another dimension of DE gendering marriage.
Some churches that consider themselves theologically liberal affirms marriage rights to same sex6. Some bible scholars argue that the word homosexual is not found in the original bible text as it is in modern versions of the bible. These scholars have it that since the early authors of the bible did not mention about homosexuals, same sex should not be prohibited for those who wish to practice it and therefore marriage should be respected by all whether homosexual or heterosexual. Some churches that consider themselves theologically liberal affirms same sex marriage. Example the united church of Christ resolved to give equal marriage rights to all people regardless of the gender in the year 20057. Likewise, united church of Canada allows same sex marriage and it was one of the churches that campaigned and advocated for same sex marriage. (This Paragraph is from Wikipedia; you will know how to intext)
The bible records about the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah when they had become so notorious of homosexuality. According to the bible God viewed this as sin and he decided to finish the cities with fire. Another instance from the bible where God loathes same sex marriage is seen in the book of Leviticus where the sin of a man lying with another man is considered an abomination.
From the biblical perspective, the scriptures are clear regarding marriage as an institution inspired by God himself and should be between a man and a woman8. In the book of Genesis, the bible says that God created male and female in his own image. In the same book the scriptures say that a man will leave his mother and father and be joined with his wife in marriage and the two shall become one flesh9. When God was creating the universe, he created a woman for Adam from his rib who was to be his helper and told them to procreate and fill the earth10. This brings us to another purpose of marriage which is procreation. Even science understands better that for procreation to happen a male and a female should be involved. Same sex marriage compromises this, and leads to other social problems like bringing up children who are unsatisfied by not having biological parents among other issues11. In the book of Matthew 19:4, Jesus says those yoked in marriage should be male and female12.
Social science perspective on same-sex parenting
Despite the above biblical stand concerning same sex marriage, some people even among Christians do not believe God’s word affirm heterosexual as the only form of marriage. Study shows that those who adhere to the notion that same sex is right either discredit the authority of the scriptures or come up with other interpretive ways to suit their stand13.
Many people have come out in support or opposing same sex marriage according to what they believe in. some argue that two mature people who have come to a consensus of living together should not be denied the right as this amounts to discrimination and a show of partiality. From my view of point I would like to point out that this kind of thinking is selfish. There is a lot to consider when deciding on this matter and not just the happiness of the two people in the relationship. Studies show that in these kinds of marriage the children brought up by these parents suffer in one way or another. Some yearn to know their parents, while others grow with sexual disorders among others. The bible condemns same sex marriage as a sin, this is confirmed when God punished the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah due to the escalated homosexuality. It shows God was not pleased with this kind of sin, and since God is the same today, tomorrow and forever his stands concerning homosexuality still, hold even if he will not finish us today like he did in the old days. In my opinion therefore I would say same sex marriage should not be practiced in church as it compromised the word of God.
Conclusion
A lot has been said about same sex marriages with some supporting while others opposing. The church has not been left in this, as some churches openly support same sex marriage as giving equal rights to the minority. Some of the theologically liberal churches argue that homosexuality is not mentioned in the original version of the bible therefore the new version view of it is not enough to rule it out. However, some church leaders condemn it as sin pointing out the scriptures that do not support same sex marriage. People have argued around the topic of same sex marriage with each giving their point of views according to their beliefs. The social scientist highlights the danger of same sex marriage and the harm it can cause to the society like raising dissatisfied children, bringing about gender confusion in gender roles and more. Most of the supporters argue around equality and the happiness of those who wish to practice same sex marriage. According to the discussion above it can be concluded that same sex should not be offered in Christian church as it brings about questions of ethics such as the issue of children being disciplined by their fathers, emotional support the mother gives to their children and such issues. As the discussion above points out same sex marriage leads to social degradation as the meaning of marriage and procreation loses its meaning. There is also evidence from the word showing that the scriptures do not support same sex, and since Christian lives by the teachings from the bible therefore they should obey what the word says about same sex marriage.
References
Clark, Elizabeth A. “Foucault, The fathers and sex.” In Michel Foucault and Theology, pp. 51-68. Routledge, 2017.
Conkle, Daniel O. “Evolving Values, Animus, and Same-Sex Marriage.” In Marital Rights, pp. 99-114. Routledge, 2017.
Cornwall, Susannah. Sex and uncertainty in the body of Christ: Intersex conditions and Christian theology. Routledge, 2016.
DeFranza, Megan K. Sex difference in Christian theology: Male, female, and intersex in the image of God. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2015.
Harden, Glenn M. The Sex Trade, Evil, and Christian Theology. Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2016.
Hatzenbuehler, Mark L. “Structural stigma: Research evidence and implications for psychological science.” American Psychologist 71, no. 8 (2016): 742.
Jones, Beth Felker. Faithful: A theology of sex. Zondervan, 2015.
Marshall, Joretta L. “Sex on Earth as It Is in Heaven: A Christian Eschatology of Desire.” (2018): 50-53.
Schafer, Steven. Marriage, Sex, and Procreation: Contemporary Revisions to Augustine’s Theology of Marriage. Vol. 240. Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2019.
Schumm, Walter R., and Duane W. Crawford. “Violations of fairness in social science research: The case of same-sex marriage and parenting.” Int’l J. Jurisprudence Fam. 6 (2015): 67.
Thatcher, Adrian. “Sex Difference in Christian Theology: Male, Female, and Intersex in the Image of God. By M Egan.” (2016): 422-425.
Walton, Heather. “Literature and Theology: Sex in the Relationship.” Bodies in Question: Gender, Religion, Text (2017).
West, Christopher. Theology of the Body for Beginners: Rediscovering the Meaning of Life, Love, Sex and Gender. Book Baby, 2018.
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