As a first-time blogger, the attention given to my article exceeded my expectations with over 100 views in one week. Google tells me there are readers from the US, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany and Norway. When I linked the article on Facebook I received many comments and an extended dialogue ensued. Rather than continue the discussion on Facebook about the article, I would like to summarize the conversation to date and perhaps redirect it.
I will first answer a question you might have been asking: Why did I write the article? In short, Oprah made me do it. I chose the topic of same-sex marriage because it is the current crusade for the media and entertainment industry. Many if not most news outlets and television networks actively promote and defend same-sex marriage and the gay lifestyle. Too often when I watch a TV show, read a newspaper, or see a popular movie, I am force-fed an advocacy message. On the other hand, those who are concerned about same-sex marriage are less often heard. To check if my perceptions are accurate, I conducted an analysis of the editorials and letters to the editor of the most widely circulated newspapers across the country. Over the past twelve months, only 25% of these op-ed articles were critical of same-sex marriage (1). What I cannot tell however is if the mass media is suppressing the voices of same-sex marriage opponents or whether they have taped their own mouths shut.
In response I wrote a counterpoint to the overly positive view of same-sex marriage portrayed in pop-culture. I argued that the redefinition of marriage will not end when gay marriage is normalized. Rather, legalizing same-sex marriage will provide solid footholds for a range of fringe groups to assert legal recognition of their unique marital preferences and sexual persuasions.
Some Facebook readers said my reasoning is flawed: “So flawed, I’m tempted to be flippant and say this argument only succeeds in proving that no marriage should be legal, as it is all a slippery slope.” Others agreed with me: “Great piece Terry... the ever evolving definitions (of marriage) are always trouble… the line in the sand ever shifts.” A third group urged us to live and let live: “I don’t believe (that) in a free society consenting adults should be prevented from living as they would choose. We are either free or we are not free.” Yet another set of readers approached the topic from a religious perspective: “I tend to keep things more simple in my mind and go back to the concept of Who created marriage in the first place. He (God) certainly has the right to define it.” There was a lot of discussion about what the Bible teaches concerning homosexuality and marriage. A final theme blended religious and legal considerations: “In this culture, there are two aspects to marriage: the legal one and the religious one... However, in this country we don't make laws based on religion so while you are free to believe that, it's not a legitimate basis for legislation.”
This last viewpoint underscores why there is so much disagreement over legalizing same-sex marriage within the US. Broadly stated, one group of people (which includes myself) thinks we need to look to a divine source for guidance on what is and is not acceptable coupling. According to religious traditions, the practice of homosexuality contradicts God’s will and the natural order, and therefore homosexual unions are a grave offense and should be illegal. The other group does not agree we should legislate based on a religiously derived set of morals, particularly in the sexual arena, which is private. We should let freely consenting persons express themselves in intimate relationships however they are inclined, and we should extend to homosexuals the same honors and benefits of marriage enjoyed by heterosexual couples.
As I said earlier, my motivations for writing about same-sex marriage are to bring balance back into this public debate by giving a renewed voice to social conservatives. My first article was a beginning and I would now like to recommend a couple of publications to fuel the fire. The first is entitled Born to Love: Gay-Lesbian Identity, Relationships, and Marriage (2). It is available to preview online for free at Amazon by clicking on the image of the book cover. The book was produced by a Catholic organization and includes religious and secular reasoning which challenges the thinking of gay marriage fans.
The second book is called The Marketing of Evil: How Radicals, Elitists, and Pseudo-Experts Sell Us Corruption Disguised As Freedom by David Kupelian (3). This national best seller uncovers the monumental role the popular media has played in advancing same-sex marriage and otherwise transforming America from a historically strong Judeo-Christian culture into a secular society. Author David Kupelian “explores the reasons why so many Americans accept ideas and behaviors today that would have horrified them only a generation ago.”
Surprisingly, the Bible is only one of several sources consulted in both books. Significant space is devoted, particularly in the Marketing of Evil, to the history of the gay rights movement, the general decline of family in America - including Christian families, constitutional law, moral philosophy, and even the scientific understanding of homosexual inclinations. The is important reading for both opponents and supporters of legalizing same-sex marriage, as I will explain.
In this crucial hour, those opposing same-sex marriage really need this material to answer the arguments of gay marriage advocates. Think of the continual drone of pro-gay marriage messages from the media every single day and how quickly public opinion has shifted on same-sex marriage in recent years (4).
Why would supporters of same-sex unions want to read either book? A very good reason is to become better equipped for civil discussions with friends and family who do not agree with you. A large proportion of Americans are still opposed to same-sex marriage, and understanding their point of view can bring about better understanding and perhaps a consensus on how to resolve this cultural crisis. To this end, I ask same-sex marriage supporters whether you have read any material produced by a conservative group (Christian or otherwise) on the issue of same-sex marriage? I don’t mean the five-word sound bites occasionally leaked and parodied on The Daily Show, but a complete treatment on the subject?
I believe people of conscience on both sides of the debate will profit by reading these books and I am putting my money where my mouth is. I will purchase a copy of both Born to Love and The Marketing of Evil for up to ten Facebook friends who are willing to take a look at them. You can receive whatever version you prefer and is available (hard copy, Kindle, or audio book). My only request is that you commit to reading whole chapters. They will help you to better appreciate the priorities and legitimate concerns of a sizable group of religiously-inclined Americans. I guarantee it.
References
(1) Based on 43 articles indexed on a Google news search using the search terms “same sex marriage editorial” between the dates of July 24, 2010 and July 23, 2011. Top newspapers categorized based on nationwide circulation: http://www.thepaperboy.com/usa-top-100-newspapers.cfm.
(2) Born to Love: Gay-lesbian identity, relationships, and marriage. http://www.amazon.com/Born-Love-Gay-Lesbian-Relationships-Marriage-Homosexuality/dp/1432742426/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1313250847&sr=8-2
(3) The Marketing of Evil: How Radicals, Elitists, and Pseudo-Experts Sell Us Corruption Disguised As Freedom by David Kupellian http://www.amazon.com/Marketing-Evil-Pseudo-Experts-Corruption-Disguised/dp/1581824599/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
(4) how quickly public opinion has shifted on same-sex marriage in recent years http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/20/gay-marriage-opponents-now-in-minority/
