CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 443 |
Originally posted by dnewma04:
I want to give some credit to cjbaldw for providing some arguments for same-sex marriage amendments that are intelligent and insiteful, at least for me. He has obviously done more research than most. This doesn't make me agree with some of his viewpoints, but the other side needs more people like him. Woodencross is a strict ultra-conservative christian, and I can respect that, but the information he uses to back himself up is only credible among others who are like him. Davo obviously likes to stir things up, and is always a welcome contributor, because he gets people involved. I dont like his methods sometimes like calling people out for not addressing his points, and then doing the same to others, but it's entertaining nonetheless. ZZD is surprisingly rational about the issue considering it hits closer to home with him than anyone else on this site. JaTo continues to be prove that he reads and absorbs entirely too historical information and Tony still has his priorities right where they should be. For the most part, everyone in this thread has kept themselves in line and have avoided what could easily turn into a flame fest. Thanks to everyone for proving rational conversations can occur about controversial subjects.
Thanks man. 
As I said previously, I do enjoy a good debate, even though I've gotta get my annual self assessment done before COB today! 
In regard to the comment about my arguments being insightful and intelligent, well, if only you knew the real me LOL! 
Seriously though, I do want to also say to WoodenCross that I do admire him for standing up for what and Who he believes in. Like WC, I am a born again Christian. I fundamentally and intimately understand where he is coming from, so his arguments from a Biblical perspective make complete sense to me. I admire his bold witness and his willingness not to comprise. In respect to his unwillingness to compromise his values, a very wise man, George Washington, in his farewell address to the nation, wisely said that partisan politics (read compromise) would ultimately lead to the end of democracy and the end of this republic. This speech used to be memorized and quoted by our nation's children and adults for many many years, but it has lost it's luster so to speak, and is rarely referred to any longer. Still, it is worth the time to read and analyze, and to bookmark and re-read to keep our bearings IMHO:
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/washing.htm
Here is a commentary on the speech:
http://www.radicalmiddle.com/x_avlon_george.htm
Regarding my own personal faith and how it plays into what we are speaking about here, this is my take on it. If the God of the Bible is real, and His Word is indeed true and right, then this fact will be reflected in our reality no matter what anyone here or anywhere else says or does one way or the other. In my analysis at least, I can't see how it could be any other way if you take the presumptions I just mentioned to be true. So, in regard to same-sex marriage, if God does indeed mandate that the union of one man and one woman is His Will, then no amount of human effort will result in a positive outcome. WoodenCross's sig says that Biblical principles work and there are no exceptions. Indeed if the God of the Bible does exist and His Word rings true, then non-Biblical principles, i.e. the wisdom and ways of the world, will never work, no matter how much worldly wisdom seems to indicate otherwise. This is why I look with great interest upon Kurtz's work, because I get a front row seat to see the truth play out (or not).
As far as my role in these types of debates, I can only use what God given wisdom I have to clearly communicate what I believe and why I believe it, and do so openly and passionately to the best of my ability. I can only plant seeds so to speak, and trust that the Lord will do with it what He will. If what I do here (or anywhere else) has some positive outcome for the Kingdom, then to God be the glory. The fact that my arguments may seem intelligent and insightful is not a positive reflection on me, but on what I believe and Who I believe in. Indeed, to anyone who knows the Scriptures, they clearly state that no good and right thing can be done apart from God, so anything good that comes from me is because of the wisdom and abilities imparted to me by the Lord. That doesn't mean I don't do my homework, I surely do, as I feel it is my responsibility, as the Apostle Paul stated, to be prepared to be a good and effective witness at all times. I feel this is applicable not only in the case of personal testimonies to other people via sharing my faith when given the opportunity, but also, and I hope quite obviously, surrounding larger societal issues such as this one. I also feel it is all of our civic responsibilities to be knowledgeable on the issues of our day and to demonstrate wisdom, patience, and restraint when approaching such fundamental issues as altering the institution of marriage. Specifically in this case, there are a few countries that have already taken this step, most recently our Northern neighbors, Canada, so it would be, IMHO, wise to sit back and analyze whether or not the decisions these countries have made was a wise or unwise decision objectively, and with our own best interests in mind in regard to our collective future as a society.
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