Homosexuality, Marriage, and Religion Write-OffApr 22 '05 (Updated May 19 '05) Write an essay on this topic.
Popular Products in Books
The Bottom Line I know you have an opinion on this - join in, it's an open write-off!
(For some history on how this write-off has come about, please refer to this essay.) After a lot of thought and some reflection on the feedback I got, I've finally put together an official Write-Off devoted to exploring the different reactions and views we all have on homosexuality, religion, and marriage. Before I post the questions, please read the rules of the write-off, as I do not intend for this to be a forum or channel for bashing or attacking one another's opinions. I want to open a dialogue, not a debate. Thus, the goal of this write-off can be best summed up by the Public Conversations Project: "To foster a more inclusive, empathic and collaborative society by promoting constructive conversations and relationships among those who have differing values, world views, and positions about divisive public issues." (For more on the Public Conversations Project, visit theire website: http://www.publicconversations.org/) Here, then, are the questions I've put together for this W/O. I've tried to be as objective as possible in forming the questions, but I am aware that some of my own views and bias have probably been filtered into the questions. This was not intentional, and if you find the questions to be worded in misleading or guiding ways, feel free to tell me (and feel free to re-word the question more appropriately). The first questions are optional, as they involve personal disclosure. You do not have to answer these, though it would be helpful: (Optional) What are your spiritual beliefs or religious affiliations? What is your sexual orientation? How do you see your own religious/spiritual views as influencing your opinion of sexuality? (Required) How do you define marriage? What thoughts or reactions do you have to these two pictures? (all completely safe for work, home, etc.) 1. http://www.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2004/03/10/ba_knight01.jpg 2. http://www.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2004/02/13/ba_gaywed_01_lm.jpg How does one of Christian faith reconcile these two pictures? Is one “right” and one “wrong”? What reactions do you have to seeing these signs? 1. http://www.sushiesque.com/photos/boston_common_031104/dscn1373.jpg 2. http://www.sushiesque.com/photos/boston_common_031104/dscn1419.JPG Why do you think the topic of homosexuality is so polarizing in religious communities? Should the government be in the business of defining marriage? Why or why not? Would you support the legalization of gay marriage? If you answered no, what are your fears behind its legalization? If you answered yes, what are your fears behind it remaining illegal? Would you support government-sanctioned civil unions between homosexual couples? Do you see any way of bridging this current divide in our country over "wedge issues" like gay marriage or abortion? Or should we even be trying? What do you see America's view of homosexuality and gay marriage being in 100 years from today? What will those future Americans think of us in 2005, as they look back? Final thoughts or ideas: Thank you for participating...once you have finished your response and posted it, please send me an email or leave a comment letting me know and I'll provide a link to your piece directly from this page. Responses, as of 5/19/05: adamsjill kristinafh updateghost gaviidae vemartin pt-paratroopa granniemose wsmunch munkus drdevience telynor _haggis_ theuerkorn gr8ful criteeker nikefreak janteloven artbyjude psychovant mashimaru posthumanbeing modernmarvel mumun seacow nedipooh PacManY2J rooster3888 johngo jps246 dedee kuuleimomi  |
| Read all comments (39)|Write your own comment |
- Top 1000
