Freshman government and politics major
The issue of same-sex marriage is the defining civil rights struggle of our generation, and as a Christian, I have wrestled with how my personal faith would affect my behavior at the voting booth. Some Christians cite Leviticus in condemnation of same-sex marriage, while others cite the Gospel of John as evidence of God’s unconditional love.
After debating internally for some time over which Bible verses should dictate our laws regarding homosexuality, I have come to a conclusion: none of them.
My personal interpretation is irrelevant in the public sphere because Christian morality doesn’t belong anywhere in civic life, whether in support or opposition of an issue. The Christian resistance is putting the legitimacy of American politics as a secular, fair and democratic system in serious peril.
I am saddened to see my brothers and sisters wishing to impede the private lives of gay Americans by supporting legislation such as the Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8, but not because I personally support same-sex lifestyles. In the debate over gay rights, opponents ignore the fundamental idea of the separation of church and state.
The last time I cracked open a history book, I noticed the Constitution’s establishment clause reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” Sadly, some extremist Christian sects have twisted this sacred political text by essentially adding, “… unless that religion is shared by the Anglo-Saxon, Christian and historically privileged majority, in which case, ignore the first part.”
Passing a nationwide law that directly impacts the everyday lives of millions of Americans and is morally rooted in a single religious text is a travesty and contrary to the very fabric of this nation’s existence. Religion and public policy should resemble oil and water — two very separate substances that coexist peacefully in nature but cannot mix at their most basic molecular level.
Christians are the most vocal religious opposition to same-sex marriage, in part because they have enjoyed historical privileges granting them political and social power. From placing the Ten Commandments in front of civil courthouses, to pressuring children to utter the phrase “under God” in public schools, Christians have been able to skirt the secular limits of political life for much of this nation’s history.
But can you imagine the absolute pandemonium that would ensue if the tides turned and suddenly policymakers mandated all American women wear a hijab? Or if the phrase “under God” became “under Vishnu?” Christian extremists wouldn’t hesitate to unleash an uproar just short of torching the Capitol building itself.
It is a grave mistake to argue against the legitimacy of same-sex marriage because of contradictions with biblical scripture. As a Christian, I enjoy the right to attend worship on Sundays, keep Bibles in my private residence and raise my future children in the church. As a citizen, I enjoy the right to participate in a secular public sphere where my behavior is not imposed upon by the morals and rituals of other religions.
As Christians, we cannot pick and choose to have scripture dictating public policy where it supports our religion. We do not live in a theocracy like Iran or Saudi Arabia. We are privileged to live in the United States, a nation founded on the ideals of religious freedom and the separation of church and state. If we allow Christian morals to decide the legality of same-sex marriage, the U.S. will lose its credibility as a free and secular democracy.
Lauren Nurse is a freshman government and politics major. She can be reached at laurennurse93@hotmail.com.
