News & Columns > Scott Straley > Reunions, Rights, And Religion

Reunions, Rights, And Religion

By Scott Straley
Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Last week, I stood in a room filled with 37 and 38-year-olds. Some had aged well. Others, not so well. Music reminiscent of the 1980s blared as people shouted at one another is some feeble attempt to reconnect after 20 years. On the wall of the Hyatt Hotel ballroom, a projector spilled the words "Watchung Hills Class Of 1988."

In 1988, 52% of Americans thought it morally wrong for black and white people to date. Christian leaders such as Jerry Falwell, Herbert Armstrong, and Kenneth W. Hagin denounced interracial relationships. "We're friends. We play. We go together as a group, but we don't date one another," said Hagin in a sermon. "I don't think we ought to mix any of the races."

But, for the most past, their positions changed during the 1990s and into the new century. But, how could their infallible absolute theological positions on interracial relationships change? In 1958, Falwell believed that Bible was clear that interracial marriage was not only wrong, but it would "destroy our race." Today, most prominent conservative Christian leaders only provide caution for interracial couples. James Dobson urges those considering an interracial relationship to reconsider because such a relationship is bound to be filled with difficulties.

How does this relate to my series on Proposition 8?

In 1948, the California Supreme Court, in a 4-3 decision, declared laws prohibiting interracial marriages unconstitutional. At that time, nearly 90% of Americans thought interracial marriages were immoral. Many based their objection on clear and irrefutable Biblical truths. Today, 60 years after that decision, about 80% Americans have no moral objection to interracial relationships.

Earlier this year, the California Supreme Court declared laws prohibiting same-sex marriages were unconstitutional, again in a 4-3 decision. However, today, 63% of Americans say that same-sex marriage is a "private choice," according to a recent Gallup Poll. Those opposed, once again, state that the Bible is clear on the issue.

Nevertheless, there is a wide array of opinions and interpretations of Scripture regarding same-sex marriages, and not all churches and Christians agree. And, in California, support for Proposition 8 was losing until massive funding flooded into the state to sway public opinion. The largest block of contribution supporting Proposition 8 has come from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and their members. One accounting indicates that nearly 90% of the funding behind Proposition 8 is from the LDS Church and its followers. Other large blocks of funding come from Focus on the Family and other large evangelical and Catholic organizations.

It is ironic that these organizations fought against religious intolerance and struggled to build a culture in America where there religious convictions could be freely exercised, but now fight to limit the religious rights of others. In a bold statement, they are now saying that only their interpretation of Scripture is accurate, and are using their money and influence to impose this view on everyone.

While, I understand many of you may have reservations against same-sex marriages, I urge you to consider that we are in a pluralistic society. My marriage has no impact on the exercise of your faith. Should we impose laws against adultery and legal penalties for divorce — both strongly damaging to the cause of marriage? Infidelity does far more to harm marriages in America than any perceived threat from same-sex marriages. I'm sure you would agree that such laws would be wrong.

By supporting Proposition 8, you are opening the door to allow any particular religious view to become part of our law. Even, if your moral convictions are contrary to that view.

Please consider voting against Proposition 8 and preserve our religious freedoms in America.

This article was first published on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 12:53 pm. This article has been viewed 998 times.

Scott Straley is the founder of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. As part of the RIMOFTHEWORLD.net team, he is dedicated to keeping our community informed and engaged.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Scott Straley.