Amendment One: What Would Jesus Do?
Ok, my title is a bit misleading. I do not know how Jesus would vote in Amendment 1. But first, for those of you non-North Carolineans - an Amendment has been added to our ballot that many are voting on today. It is referred to as "Amendment 1" and has caused quite a tizzy in our past few weeks, as any amendment should. It is also known as "the marriage amendment," and I'll go into more in a minute. But first, this is the text from the amendment:
Constitutional amendment to provide that marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State.
Ok. So it's pretty vague, huh? Some people are seeing it as the outlawing of gay marriage, and others see this as a future detriment to any widows or single parents. I'll be upfront and honest about what I voted, which was AGAINST the amendment. NO, it was not because I am a liberal. I'm not. I'm a fairly conservative Christian, and I do not believe that gay marriage is allowed under God. Gay marriage is a whole 'nother touchy topic. I love my gay friends, and yes, I have plural. Some are even Christian *gasp.* On that topic, I am only going to say this - God sees sin as sin. Whether you are attracted to the same sex, to a family member, have ever lied, stolen, cheated, etc. It's sin. That's under God's judgement - not my own. I can only do what's best for me and raise my family to be models of Jesus. One of the big reasons I voted against the amendment was the advice I got from my mom. She said that amendments are added through voting by the public (laws are not, FYI), and they are supposed to be there so judges in the court cannot interpret similar situations differently. However, this amendment is so vague that it will not help judges in any way, and no matter what their ruling is, it can be challenged. Through this whole process, money is involved - and a lot of it. Therefore, if this amendment is passed, it will cost the courts a lot of money in cases of misinterpretation, confusion, etc. If this amendment is not passed, nothing will happen. Gay marriage will not be legal, because that's an NC law (which may or may not be overturned one day). Ah. The non-biased, simple explanation I needed. No wonder I (and the rest of the state) was confused - it's a confusing law that will do more damage than good, all due to its vagueness.
However, even if it did directly affect gay marriage, when I vote (for anything/one), I take into consideration what this country stands for. Freedom. We were not based on a Christian foundation, and our founding fathers were not Christians (some were Deists which is not the same thing). I believe that in this country, we should have freedom in ALL areas as long as we are not causing harm to ourselves or those around us (physical, mental, emotional, etc.). I believe in freedom of speech, but I do not think it is right to yell "fire" in a theater or to intentionally hurt others with words. I believe that people have the choice to believe in whatever religion they choose (don't get me wrong - I think Christians should spread Jesus' love. But the constitution or any other law should NOT tell people who or what to believe in). I believe that gay people should have the same legal rights as man and woman who are married. I do not believe that churches should necessarily marry gay couples by conducting the ceremonies or when planning events/retreats for married couples. Church and state should be separate. Marriage in the church is different than marriage according to the government. That's why you sign a marriage document outside of your wedding ceremony - that's for the legality issues.
Before I get off my step-stool, I just have to say this. I do not think less of you if you vote for the amendment or against the amendment or not at all. It's a sticky situation in which many people disagree - including Christians. I do not know what Jesus would do in this situation, but I do know that He's sad, and maybe a little disappointed. Not because of the amendment or the "direction" this country is going in, but how people - HIS people, those who claim to be followers, are treating one another. There is a way to voice your opinion and have a positive discussion, even if it is because you disagree. Debating is not wrong. But the image that Christians are giving off because of this amendment is not flattering in the least. People are being hurtful, rude, and closed-minded. Whatever you believe is not the issue - your attitude is. And I'm not just talking about those who are for the amendment, I'm talking about those who are against it, too. Through my Facebook page alone (don't get me started on news articles), I have seen cruel statuses, comments, and even name-calling towards those voting "for" or "against."
I apologize if I sounded like I was lecturing, but I have yet to see someone cover this issue. Jesus has a voice, and it's through his people. If you are a follower, please conduct yourself as one, and do what Jesus would do. Speak in a way that is loving and will not cause another harm in any way. Be firm in what you believe in, whatever that may be, but do not shove your beliefs on others, and please, please, please be kind, patient, and loving.
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13
Constitutional amendment to provide that marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State.
Ok. So it's pretty vague, huh? Some people are seeing it as the outlawing of gay marriage, and others see this as a future detriment to any widows or single parents. I'll be upfront and honest about what I voted, which was AGAINST the amendment. NO, it was not because I am a liberal. I'm not. I'm a fairly conservative Christian, and I do not believe that gay marriage is allowed under God. Gay marriage is a whole 'nother touchy topic. I love my gay friends, and yes, I have plural. Some are even Christian *gasp.* On that topic, I am only going to say this - God sees sin as sin. Whether you are attracted to the same sex, to a family member, have ever lied, stolen, cheated, etc. It's sin. That's under God's judgement - not my own. I can only do what's best for me and raise my family to be models of Jesus. One of the big reasons I voted against the amendment was the advice I got from my mom. She said that amendments are added through voting by the public (laws are not, FYI), and they are supposed to be there so judges in the court cannot interpret similar situations differently. However, this amendment is so vague that it will not help judges in any way, and no matter what their ruling is, it can be challenged. Through this whole process, money is involved - and a lot of it. Therefore, if this amendment is passed, it will cost the courts a lot of money in cases of misinterpretation, confusion, etc. If this amendment is not passed, nothing will happen. Gay marriage will not be legal, because that's an NC law (which may or may not be overturned one day). Ah. The non-biased, simple explanation I needed. No wonder I (and the rest of the state) was confused - it's a confusing law that will do more damage than good, all due to its vagueness.
However, even if it did directly affect gay marriage, when I vote (for anything/one), I take into consideration what this country stands for. Freedom. We were not based on a Christian foundation, and our founding fathers were not Christians (some were Deists which is not the same thing). I believe that in this country, we should have freedom in ALL areas as long as we are not causing harm to ourselves or those around us (physical, mental, emotional, etc.). I believe in freedom of speech, but I do not think it is right to yell "fire" in a theater or to intentionally hurt others with words. I believe that people have the choice to believe in whatever religion they choose (don't get me wrong - I think Christians should spread Jesus' love. But the constitution or any other law should NOT tell people who or what to believe in). I believe that gay people should have the same legal rights as man and woman who are married. I do not believe that churches should necessarily marry gay couples by conducting the ceremonies or when planning events/retreats for married couples. Church and state should be separate. Marriage in the church is different than marriage according to the government. That's why you sign a marriage document outside of your wedding ceremony - that's for the legality issues.
Before I get off my step-stool, I just have to say this. I do not think less of you if you vote for the amendment or against the amendment or not at all. It's a sticky situation in which many people disagree - including Christians. I do not know what Jesus would do in this situation, but I do know that He's sad, and maybe a little disappointed. Not because of the amendment or the "direction" this country is going in, but how people - HIS people, those who claim to be followers, are treating one another. There is a way to voice your opinion and have a positive discussion, even if it is because you disagree. Debating is not wrong. But the image that Christians are giving off because of this amendment is not flattering in the least. People are being hurtful, rude, and closed-minded. Whatever you believe is not the issue - your attitude is. And I'm not just talking about those who are for the amendment, I'm talking about those who are against it, too. Through my Facebook page alone (don't get me started on news articles), I have seen cruel statuses, comments, and even name-calling towards those voting "for" or "against."
I apologize if I sounded like I was lecturing, but I have yet to see someone cover this issue. Jesus has a voice, and it's through his people. If you are a follower, please conduct yourself as one, and do what Jesus would do. Speak in a way that is loving and will not cause another harm in any way. Be firm in what you believe in, whatever that may be, but do not shove your beliefs on others, and please, please, please be kind, patient, and loving.
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13
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