I don’t have an answer. I believe unbelieving homosexuals should be able to marry in civil court. I believe homosexual Christians need to study the Scriptures, pray, ect… before they make a personal conclusion about getting married within the same sex. If this subject is of interest, I would suggest reading Christian books on both sides of the issue.
Same sex marriages are allowed in the United States and peformed by Christian churches. Same sex marriages are more common in both the government and churches in other parts of the world too. The Catholic Church does not bind the conscience of non-Catholic Christians. Maybe if you understand that perspective, it might be easier to have compassion with other Christians who sincerely see it quite differently. You can search the Scriptures outside the Magestrium and I believe you would find it difficult to hold to the Catholic view with Scripture alone.
Have you ever tried to debate this issue on a world religion websites with atheists on the site? It makes no sense to legsitate laws according to religous conscience for the unbeliever. In addition, not all Christians agree with those positions. If you define marriage between a man and a woman, then you need to tear out the Old Testament model for marriage. Start with Abraham and keep working through the OT Saints…
Here’s the problem.
Nobody is asking you to change your mind. Since you are not a Christian homosexual, then the issue doesn’t seem to affect you personally.
Why are you so interested in it, as you are not a Christian homosexual either?
I think it is one of the main issues of our generation. I believe the church has a tendency to proclaim a moral gospel and not necessarily the gospel of God for sinners. Anything can side track us from the gospel in which we proclaim to unbelievers and believers alike. I also believe the church has sinned against many minority groups within and outside the church. Think how divorced people are generally treated in many of our churches. I think the church is not very equipped to minister to Christian homosexuals. Heck, I attend a non-denominational church with real no church discipline. However, I saw them ex-communicate a lesbian couple a few months ago. Go figure that one, since hetrosexual sins seemed to be glossed over in my church.
It is a huge issue, I will grant you that. And I understand your compassion for people who want to worship even though they are practicing homosexuals. This sure would be a lot easier if they were less open about their sexual practices. I just wish their lives weren’t defined by sexuality, but most homosexuals live in a rather homosexual world with mostly homosexual friends, and are rather proud of their sexuality these days. Although some are in committed relationships, I would say the majority are in more short-term, multiple relationships. Most do not have children. I don’t think gay marriage is the answer, (although the divorce lawyers would probably make a killing on it
). I think celibacy is the only meaningful answer, although I know it sounds harsh to you.I think you have a common stereo-type which isn’t true. Actually, there is a large Christian community who happens to be gay or lesbian. Here’s a site to checkout.It is a huge issue, I will grant you that. And I understand your compassion for people who want to worship even though they are practicing homosexuals. This sure would be a lot easier if they were less open about their sexual practices. I just wish their lives weren’t defined by sexuality, but most homosexuals live in a rather homosexual world with mostly homosexual friends, and are rather proud of their sexuality these days. Although some are in committed relationships, I would say the majority are in more short-term, multiple relationships. Most do not have children. I don’t think gay marriage is the answer, (although the divorce lawyers would probably make a killing on it