I was going to write about another topic, but after what happened last night, I REALLY have to get this off my chest.
Before I start, I want to apologize that what I am about to discuss may offend some of you. If you are getting this post via an auto-email and want to get removed from these, then please contact me at steve@ofmindandspirit.com and I will do so.
Yeah, it’s going to be one of THOSE posts.
When major world events happen, it is usually rare that we realize it.
Oh sure, we may say “hmm.. this is BIG!”
But normally it takes time for historians to objectively look back to fully understand the ramifications of the event.
But today?
Yeah, I think we can talk about the historic implications.
I am referring to the so called marriage amendment that just passed in my home state of North Carolina.
Just why do people want to go out of their way to PREVENT 2 loving adult human beings to legally dedicate their lives together in holy wedlock?
At least that is how I see it.
Let’s face it.
Heterosexual marriages fail.
Every day.
The statistics are appalling.
1 out of every 2? 2 out of every 3? Marriages go down the crapper.
Sometimes in a matter of a few years.
Or even a few months.
More and more heterosexual couples are not even bothering to get married.
They live together..
and THEN break up!
There is a tiny population of people who WANT to get married.
They have been together for years…
in some cases DECADES.
Far outlasting their heterosexual counterparts…
and want to formalize their commitment to each other.
Just what in the world is wrong with this?
There is so much hatred, racism, antisemitism, slavery, war, intolerance and rudeness in the world…
and we want to put our energy and money to focus on PREVENTING LOVE from being recognized?
WHY?
Of course, we all know the reason.
Some say its about money.
Because homosexual marriages are not allowed, laws passed to allow civil unions to get medical and other benefits.
Outlawing those civil unions will cut off those people from benefits…
saving companies potentially millions.
Nah…
That’s not the reason.
Let’s face it.
It’s religious.
The Christian Bible (in fact the Hebrew and Islamic Bible for that matter)
says that homosexuality is an abomination.
It is not just marriage must be between a man and a woman.
It is really a denial of approximately 10% of the worlds population who feel they were born to mate with those of their same gender.
A figure, by the way, that also occurs in the animal kingdom.
Yup.
There are gay frogs, dogs, lions, zebras, etc.
You name a species, and you will probably find a percentage that are gay.
Humans are no different.
Seems to me that all of this is part of “God’s plan.”
If not, then why did She make so many homosexuals everywhere?
Many fundamentalists are claiming that homosexuality is not only outlawed in their scripture, but that it is not ‘normal.’
Right there is the problem.
First, while many religious people try to make this country based on their interpretation of their Bible (and an interpretation is all it really is, folks), this poses other questions.
The Bible allows for stoning of people for adultery.
It very clearly forbids divorce – except on grounds of adultery.
So are we going to outlaw divorce?
And start stoning adulterers?
It can get pretty crazy if one is really hell-bent (pun intended) to force this Country to be Biblical based.
This brings up the second point. This FORCES one’s personal religious beliefs onto the entire country (or at least entire state).
Since the law was voted on, one can argue that majority opinion won the day, and that is how democracy works.
Maybe.
But I know at least 50% of all Americans seem to be okay with gay marriages.
So how can so many states legally pass laws to forbid it?
Is it really because those that are okay with gay marriage just stayed home last night?
Or can it be that we are seeing the resurgence of the south vs the north (most, if not all, of the southern states have outlawed gay marriages while some of the northern ones have legally passed laws to allow it).
My head hurts thinking about this stuff.
People are starting to realize that this bill may backfire.
The law just doesn’t redefine marriage to be between one man and one woman.
It also outlaws ALL civil unions.
Even those of (gasp!) a man and a woman!
If people don’t get married, then they could lose insurance, property rights, custody rights, etc.
Listen, people, you can’t FORCE your personal morality on others!
Do I think marriage is a holy institution?
You betcha!
Am I instilling this in my daughter!
You betcha!
Do I think most people who live together instead of getting married don’t really have a committed relationship?
You betcha!
Do I think children raised without 2 loving parents is an issue?
You betcha!
But I have no right to force my views on others.
Besides, if marriage is the preferred, and holy, way 2 loving people should live together..
then why should we FORCE 2 loving people to live together without even the HOPE of marriage?
Ah, yes.. homosexuality is not ‘normal.’
Well, is coming from being poor to a millionaire ‘normal?’
Is joining a rock band and become famous and respected for decades ‘normal?’
Is being genuinely happy every day of one’s life ‘normal?’
Is coming up with an idea that changes the world forever ‘normal?’
No, I suspect not.
Would we want to pass laws to prevent these being allowed?
No, I suspect not.
Normal does not equate to healthy.
I’d much rather to be healthy than normal.
Normalcy in America seems to be following the status quo, and not thinking for oneself.
You can keep that normalcy away from me, thank you very much.
It all goes back to religion.
It is enough to make me REALLY think some nasty things about religion.
Look, I know for most Americans, religion is an anchor.
It’s all that they know, and they actually believe their scripture is the “good book.”
I have been there..
Done that.
Totally understand it.
Perhaps the hardest part of being human is believing so strongly in what you think is right..
and respect others for feeling the exact opposite.
Its not easy.
Maybe that is what gay marriages really does to the religious.
It threatens them.
Because if their religion/Bible/minister/etc. can be so wrong on something like this.
Then what else can it be wrong on?
We have SOMEHOW got to find a way to live together in peace and harmony with others who think and act so differently than us.
Deep inside we are all the same.
We are all created in the image of the save Divine essence.
And, frankly..
what we do in the privacy of our bedrooms is none of anyone’s business.
I suspect this issue of gay marriage will not end here.
The time has come.
It is really a matter of time.
51% of Americans are okay with this.
Eventually, any law in any country cannot be effective if so many of its citizens do not agree with it.
It is time of us to branch out of our narrow thinking.
It is time to grow… to progress.
To accept what is.
And, my friends, that day will come.
Peace,
Steve