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Homosexuality, Marriage and Religion Write-off, as viewed by this old broad.

Apr 25 '05 Write an essay on this topic.

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The Bottom Line Fascinating write off. I hope it will spark honest debate, and not too much controversy. But that may be wishful thinking on my part.

Some preliminary thoughts here. I tend to be a howling radical, and I am certain that I'm going to lose a few friends over this one. But this is one of those essays that leave more questions and thoughts behind than what I can answer, and after reading some of the other offerings on this topic, I know I can't keep my mouth shut. So here goes...

What are your spiritual beliefs or religious affiliations?

I'm Jewish, but not Orthodox. While I respect others beliefs (or choosing not to belive anything), I know that Judaism is right for me and my mind set.

What is your sexual orientation?

If I had to choose and stick with it, I'd probably say mostly straight, and maybe a bit bi. I don't know. I have much more important priorities in my life right now than my sexual orientation.

How do you see your own religious/spiritual views as influencing your opinion of sexuality?

Ah. Here we get into tricky waters. Since I am not married (anymore), most of the technical issues of what is marriage in Judaism isn't applicable to me right now. But Judaism regards sex as one of the most holy and spiritual acts that a person can do, and I tend to leave it at that. And that adultery is one of the horrible evils in the world in the agony and pain that it leaves behind.

(Required)

How do you define marriage?

A mutual understand/commitment/contract between two consenting adults, sometimes approved by the State.

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 I like it. The happiness in everyone's face in the photo says it all. And there is precious little joy in our world these days.

2. http://www.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2004/02/13/ba_gaywed_01_lm.jpg Two women who are friends as well as partners. I can only wish that I could be with someone who has that level of heart in them.

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?

As I stated before, I'm Jewish. That means a different view of the Bible than most, and not at all similar to what is viewed by Christianity. So the opening statement simply does not apply to me as I can't speak for christian views.

1. http://www.sushiesque.com/photos/boston_common_031104/dscn1373.jpg [sigh] Welcome to the modern world, where hatred reigns. This has to be one of the ugliest photos I've ever seen. Yes, I respect someone's right to say what they want to, but it doesn't mean I have to like it either. And I don't. Folks, I've watched too many people die of AIDS, straight, gay and everything in between to view this disease as one of the greater tragedies of our time. I've buried too many friends for me to ever look at people who say this as not much more than mean, vicious, bigots who love to hate.

2. http://www.sushiesque.com/photos/boston_common_031104/dscn1419.JPG Again I'm amazed at the amount of hatred and division caused by a faith that follows the teachings of a man who simply wanted people to live in peace with one another. I don't believe in using religion to decide how laws are made -- no religion has the right to tell anyone how to live. That's why we have a clause in the Constitution that requires the division of Church and State, to prevent religious majorities from taking over government and oppressing others. Although it seems in our modern world that fundamentalist Christianity is determined to ignore that.

Why do you think the topic of homosexuality is so polarizing in religious communities?

Probably because there is a little bit in most people that are terrified that they might be wrong in their beliefs. And it is much easier to hate those that are different than to accept them as they are.

Should the government be in the business of defining marriage? Why or why not?

I think they should extend the privilege of marriage rights to those that enter into civil unions. Otherwise, the government is violating the rights of one group in preference to another.

Would you support the legalization of gay marriage?

Yes.

If you answered no, what are your fears behind its legalization? If you answered yes, what are your fears behind it remaining illegal?

Look to the previous answers. It's sneaking the view that one religious group is 'right' and others 'wrong' under the guise of 'majority rule.' That's not why we have the sort of goverment that we do in the US. It's denying that all are equal under the law, no matter what you believe, how rich you are, or what shade your skin is. Period.

Would you support government-sanctioned civil unions between homosexual couples?

Ah. Here we are stepping into quicksand. Probably, if it would guarantee that such partnerships are equal to heterosexual civil unions.

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?

We shouldn't be trying. Abortion is another hot topic with me -- the only way that women can manage equality is when we have control over our own reproductive systems. Otherwise, it's still men running the show. I've noticed that the most vocal anti-abortion types are male, who will never, ever have to worry about being pregnant or taking responsibility for a child. I think quite firmly that if you choose to bring a child into the world, then you better damn well be responsible for the welfare, safety and happiness of that child until they are adults. Period. If you can't handle this, then don't have children, it's better for you, and much better for the child. That's my opinion, speaking as a child who grew up in a home filled with poverty, abuse, violence and neglect.

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 2105, as they look back?

I suspect that they will wonder what all the screaming was about. With luck, it will be a far more happier, safer and more peaceful world than ours.

Final thoughts or ideas:

In a hundred years, most of us are going to be worm-food. We don't leave much concrete evidence behind us save for how we treat others, and how we are remembered. I hope to be remembered as a compassionate, caring person who tried to be honest and non-judgemental in my treatment of others. That's pretty much it. If there is anything after this world, I hope that it's one where my actions speak for me, and that I have the courage to face the consequences.

Thank you Lemonlime for hosting this write off. At first, I didn't think I could answer these questions fairly or objectively without getting vicious about it. I tend to be a strong minded woman, and I've reached an age where I don't much care what others think of me. That's one of the blessings of age, I've discovered.

For more about this write off, please click here.

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