Evolving Marriage

Fundamentalist often use the story of Creation to argue against homosexuality and gay marriage.  The story of Creation, or I should say stories of Creation can be found in Genesis 1 and 2 of the Bible.  These two chapters actually contain two different accounts of Creation.  The first account has God creating the world in an orderly fashion, in six consecutive days (Gen 1:1-2:3).  The second account is very different, with God acting much more spontaneously.  In this account, God created man and the garden of Eden, and then when the man was lonely, God created the animals and finally, woman (Gen 2:4-25).  Which story is to be believed?

The Genesis Creation stories are mythic; they are not intended to be historical or scientific.  They teach us truths about God: that God exists apart from created things, that God is all-powerful, that God's love is expressed in and through Creation, and that God wants to be in loving relationship with the human beings God created in God's image and likeness.  The stories have nothing to say about homosexuality that fundamentalist would like us to believe.

If the Genesis Creation stories are not meant to portray historical or scientific fact, what does science have to say about homosexuality? Let us turn to the American Psychological Association, a scientific and professional organization for that answer:

“Lesbian, gay, and bisexual orientations are not disorders.  Research has found no inherent association between any of these sexual orientations and psychopathology.  Both heterosexual behavior and homosexual behavior are normal aspects of human sexuality.  Both have been documented in many different cultures and historical eras. Despite the persistence of stereotypes that portray lesbian, gay, and bisexual people as disturbed, several decades of research and clinical experience have led all mainstream medical and mental health organizations in this country to conclude that these orientations represent normal forms of human experience. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual relationships are normal forms of human bonding."

Our understanding of marriage is evolving, too.  In ancient times, women were considered the property of men.  Before a man could marry a women he would have to pay a dowry to her father.  This nuptial present was a sum of money, animals, and so on, offered in trade for the woman.  According to the Law of Moses, men were also free to divorce a woman to whom they were bound, but women were not free to make that decision (Deut 24:1-4).  Marriage is evolving and Jesus was often the cause of this evolution.

Jesus did not accept the common practice that granted men the right to divorce a woman for trivial grounds.  He saw how a divorced woman was sentenced to a life of poverty, shame, and the loss of her children.  He stood against the Laws of Moses in order to protect the vulnerable.  Jesus challenged his followers to protect women and their children by taking marriage as a lifelong, sacramental commitment (Mt 5:31-32, 1:1-9).

Jesus evolved marriage in order to protect the vulnerable; women and children.  Can the Church not do like wise to protect gay men, women and their children?  It would do us well to reflect on the example of Jesus.  It took courage on Jesus' part to question his Judeo faith.  It will take courage on our part, as the Body of Christ, to question our own Christian faith.

Jesus was willing to evolve marriage in order to protect women and children.  Today gay men, women, and their children are vulnerable.  Can we not evolve marriage in order to protect them?  What did Jesus do?  What will we do, as the Body of Christ?

Peace and all good,

Brother Sun and Sister Moon

Personal Reflection:
Have you ever felt called to question your faith because of its treatment of others?  How did you feel?  Feel free to share you story in the comment spaces below.