New York and Christians

The legislative battle in New York over gay marriage has dominated the headlines over the past few weeks.  A measure that would make same-sex marriage legal is currently hanging in the balance as I write this post.  Republicans in Albany are delaying the vote while Democrats and gay rights advocates are becoming increasingly frustrated with the GOP’s dilatory tactics.  

As of Friday morning, the number of state senators who had voiced support for the marriage measure- 31 of 62- are just one vote short of a majority.  New York’s Catholic archbishop Timothy Dolan reiterated the Church’s opposition to gay marriage on Sunday, vowing to oppose “any radical bill to redefine the very essence of marriage.”

I’m unsure of how the fight in New York will end up.  However, I am certain that even if gay rights activists lose this battle, they will win the war eventually.  Liberalism is an ongoing force that might experience a few setbacks, but it will win out before long, especially if Christians continue to make themselves a target for marginalization.  Leftist policies are more effective when they have a bulls-eye to prey upon.  Within 20 years, I predict that gay marriage will be legal in 15 or more states.  

The Catholic Church is the most visible opponent of gay marriage, and ultimately, the strongest voice against the relentless tides of liberal social activism.  The Catholic Church has taken a resolute stance against abortion, contraceptives, gay marriage, and stem cell research, but many of these controversial battles are being won by the leftists.  Because the Church has taken such a determined stance against these social questions, the perception young people have of the Church and Christians in general is largely negative and critical.  The Barna Group, an evangelical Christian polling firm, conducted a number of surveys and focus group with adults and young people to determine which terms people tended to apply to Christians.  Among Americans aged 16-29, 91% felt the term “antihomosexual” aptly described Christianity.  “Consistently shows love to other people” polled at 11% among the same demographic.  When you introduce yourself as a Christian to a neighbor, there’s a strong chance you will be labeled as antihomosexual and homophobic rather than accepting of all people.  

If Christians sincerely want to win the battle against same sex marriage, they need to stop conveying rhetoric that paints gays and lesbians as disordered and sinful.  Christians must stop condemning homosexuals and should make an effort to understand the complexity of their lives.  Furthermore, if Christians want the perception of themselves to change, it should be as enthusiastic and determined to reform no-fault divorce laws.  The threat on the essence of marriage comes from the behavior of heterosexuals as well.  Fornication, cohabitation, contraception, and remarriage after divorce are all contrary to Christian sexual ethics yet these actions aren’t as reprehensible as homosexuality in the eyes of many Christian churches.  Christians must ensure that young people know that its teachings are consistent.  While a more consistent implementation of Christian teachings would not win the minds and hearts of many young people, it would at least curb the accusations that Christians are hypocritical and homophobic.  If this is done, young people probably will not adhere to Christian teachings on sexuality, but at least they will respect them.  


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