I definitely agree with Maggie:

‘If you allow the Christian Church to dictate the rules of the State, then the State will be interfering with other religions and their beliefs.’

I’m a duel citizen of the US and Canada. I live in Nova Scotia where it is legal to be gay and married at the same time. In fact, I scan official documents at my job, and I’ve scanned quite a few marriage certificates between same sex couples. Every time I handle one, I realize its precious historical significance.

I’d like to share a famous quote from former Canadian prime minister Pierre Trudeau, who pushed for the decriminalization of homosexuality and saw the law passed in parliament in 1969:

“There’s no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation.”
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I now realize the error of the sign, but I am still glad that I posted it. It opened up a great discussion and I feel like I have learned a lot and have a lot more respect for the other side of the argument.

It sounds like we are pretty much on the same page, but I especially have to agree with you about this point:

“What people tend to forget is that the Bible isn’t simply a book of “rules” but it is also a historical gathering of things that happened in that time frame.”

I was just saying the same thing to my friend yesterday.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

1- The sign is stupid and here is why: It states something (obviously paraphrased) claiming it is from a large chunk of verses. The problem with paraphrasing is that there can be important things missing. As well intentioned as the sign maker may have been, it was an ignorant attempt.

2- I am a Christian. And by Christian I do not mean that I make it a habit of sitting in judgement of other people and their choices. I know that the world view of Christians (which has, unfortunately been caused by the actions of Christians) has become a negative one… I do believe in Jesus, I do read my Bible, I do pray and I do try (and often fail) to be a good example of love.

3- I too support Gay marriage. And here is why: Marriage now is NOTHING like marriage in Biblical times. Nothing. And I don’t think that marriage then was how God intended it either. There was laws, political rulings etc, in those times too. What people tend to forget is that the Bible isn’t simply a book of “rules” but it is also a historical gathering of things that happened in that time frame.

4- When questioned about why I believe that homosexual people have the right to get married AND consider myself a Christian is simple: A man (or woman’s) heart is between them and God- whether they acknowledge Him or not. At the end of the day, a person’s thoughts, actions and choices rest between him and God. A man who is adulterous; deceitful; going to move on to molest his children; a rapist; abusive, etc- has the right to marry whomever he chooses. Marriage, in our American society anyway- is completely separate from ANYTHING the Bible says. They have NOTHING to do with each other. Nothing. “Spare the Rod, Spoil the child” is in Proverbs and yet I don’t see groups of narrow minded people rallying against the discrimination of child abuse. PEOPLE have a right to love and commit to the people they love. It is human decency.

5- Christians NEVER have the right to judge. In fact, in the 10 commandments when it mentions not taking the Lord’s name in vain, I personally believe that is less like “God Da**” and more like: misquoting Bible versus; hating others in the “name of God”; and using one’s “religious convictions” to slander others/ bomb abortion clinics/etc.

6- (this is my last point, I promise) We live in America. THE LAND OF OPPORTUNITY… a FREE country. The moral of that story is- the government needs to control as LITTLE of our lives as possible. The convictions as to whether we should, or should not marry or do anything- that’s between one’s own heart and God.

That’s all.
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I do think you bring up a really good point though. I think that a lot of the Church’s teachings, laws, etc… are about power and money. That is why I try to look at everything with a critical eye. I’m not saying that Churches are evil, but I do think their intentions aren’t always in the right place.

Good point about polygamy. I think it may become legal at some point too. I would have no problem with it as well.