Homosexuality, Marriage, and Religion Write-Off
Apr 22 '05 (Updated May 19 '05)
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
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