***repost of an article from the web*** Doc
Since 1989, a number of developed nations have enacted laws establishing civil unions, or domestic partnerships, allowing this contract of commitment to gay, and sometimes heterosexual, couples. In a last ditch attempt to save the sanctity of marriage as ordained by the God of the Bible perhaps it is time to indeed separate church and state.
There is no way that two men or two women can be married. Even if four of our United States say they can, it is an argument of semantics, not fact. On the issue of gay unions, the horse has already left the barn and the only question before us now is how to save the barn itself, thus protecting the very rule of law.
Scriptural Christians know that gay marriage is not possible. The non-Christians who occupy these fifty states with the scriptural Christians do not share this view. Neither group has the right to impose their beliefs on the other. Paul and Peter argued a very similar point in the book of Acts. The 'law' against homosexuality applies to Christians, not to anyone else.
So, in order to maintain the sanctity of marriage, may I suggest we abolish marriage altogether from the law books of the United States? Rather, let us offer civil unions or domestic partnerships to any two adults, regardless of gender. Marriage may still be offered through churches or religions once the civil union is on the books. In this way the rules for who is eligible to be married are not subject to judicial review and the process of both entering into and getting out of a marriage may remain scriptural.
Civil unions that apply to all must have rules to combine property upon the contract's inception. Rules must also apply when the contract is rendered null in a court of law. Marriages that exist under a religious law may well prove stronger than those yielding today's 50% divorce rate.
Pastors and ministers would not be faced with the question of performing marriages for any couple that does not meet the criteria of their church or religion. Civil union ceremonies may be planned at the discretion of those entering into the contract once the relevant terms have met the laws of the state. There would be no issue of hate speech no matter which side is speaking, the scriptural Christian or the non.
By banning civil marriage we may return the holy estate of matrimony to the pedestal it rightly deserves for people of faith in God. If we're going to issue licenses to 'Party A' and 'Party B' let's not add insult to injury by calling it a marriage. Each 'party' will have to answer for their own actions, whether they are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, atheist or agnostic.
In the meantime, while we may mourn for a nation that was but is no more, we can still strengthen and edify each other to the glory of God. We can still join together as citizens to try and retain the rule of law, which is the heartbeat that keeps the United States of America alive.
Lynn Baber is a Christian writer, recovering business consultant and retired equine professional. She shares the lessons learned in thirty-five years at the business table and round pen with her clients and readers. Highly credentialed in issues of leadership, customer relations and most things equine, Lynn has a unique perspective not found elsewhere. Lynn is the author of two books, the latest expected in early 2010.
Visit Lynn at http://LynnBaber.net or http://AmazingGrays.us
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynn_Baber
Since 1989, a number of developed nations have enacted laws establishing civil unions, or domestic partnerships, allowing this contract of commitment to gay, and sometimes heterosexual, couples. In a last ditch attempt to save the sanctity of marriage as ordained by the God of the Bible perhaps it is time to indeed separate church and state.
There is no way that two men or two women can be married. Even if four of our United States say they can, it is an argument of semantics, not fact. On the issue of gay unions, the horse has already left the barn and the only question before us now is how to save the barn itself, thus protecting the very rule of law.
Scriptural Christians know that gay marriage is not possible. The non-Christians who occupy these fifty states with the scriptural Christians do not share this view. Neither group has the right to impose their beliefs on the other. Paul and Peter argued a very similar point in the book of Acts. The 'law' against homosexuality applies to Christians, not to anyone else.
So, in order to maintain the sanctity of marriage, may I suggest we abolish marriage altogether from the law books of the United States? Rather, let us offer civil unions or domestic partnerships to any two adults, regardless of gender. Marriage may still be offered through churches or religions once the civil union is on the books. In this way the rules for who is eligible to be married are not subject to judicial review and the process of both entering into and getting out of a marriage may remain scriptural.
Civil unions that apply to all must have rules to combine property upon the contract's inception. Rules must also apply when the contract is rendered null in a court of law. Marriages that exist under a religious law may well prove stronger than those yielding today's 50% divorce rate.
Pastors and ministers would not be faced with the question of performing marriages for any couple that does not meet the criteria of their church or religion. Civil union ceremonies may be planned at the discretion of those entering into the contract once the relevant terms have met the laws of the state. There would be no issue of hate speech no matter which side is speaking, the scriptural Christian or the non.
By banning civil marriage we may return the holy estate of matrimony to the pedestal it rightly deserves for people of faith in God. If we're going to issue licenses to 'Party A' and 'Party B' let's not add insult to injury by calling it a marriage. Each 'party' will have to answer for their own actions, whether they are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, atheist or agnostic.
In the meantime, while we may mourn for a nation that was but is no more, we can still strengthen and edify each other to the glory of God. We can still join together as citizens to try and retain the rule of law, which is the heartbeat that keeps the United States of America alive.
Lynn Baber is a Christian writer, recovering business consultant and retired equine professional. She shares the lessons learned in thirty-five years at the business table and round pen with her clients and readers. Highly credentialed in issues of leadership, customer relations and most things equine, Lynn has a unique perspective not found elsewhere. Lynn is the author of two books, the latest expected in early 2010.
Visit Lynn at http://LynnBaber.net or http://AmazingGrays.us
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynn_Baber
