The time is long past to welcome our gay friends in our churches.
Along side the struggle for gay acceptance in our churches, is the pursuit of equality under the laws of our country. Under what provision of our Constitution can we possibly deny gay people the honor of serving in the military? Under what provision of our Constitution can we deny the same legal privileges and protections to committed gay couples that we provide to heterosexual couples?
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Fifty years from now, I have no doubt about the standards that will be commonly acceptable. Gay people will serve freely in the military. Discrimination based on sexual orientation will be long gone. Most denominations will have congregations that are served by gay priests and ministers, who have partners. Gay couples will associate freely with heterosexual couples. Americans will look back with amazement that discrimination against gay people was ever accepted, advocated and defended.
Just as we look back and wonder how we could have ever denied women the right to vote, so we will also look back and wonder how we could have denied gay people basic rights and privileges.
Just as we look back and wonder how we could have tolerated slavery based on race, so also we will look back and wonder how we could have treated gay people so shabbily.
What will it take to put this nightmare of injustice behind us?
The easiest part is to get rid of “don’t ask; don’t tell.” To rid our military branches of this burden, an act of Congress is needed. I suspect the votes are present to pass the legislation. Opposition by military leaders is rapidly melting away. Implementation will be smooth and simple. In the past few months, anti-discrimination legislation that covers sexual orientation has been passed by Congress and signed into law.
The thorniest issue to be resolved is marriage. As the argument has developed, the word marriage has become the issue. Gay activists want the word. Religious bodies want to protect the word from legal use by gay couples. Government has become unnecessarily entangled in the conflict. A growing number of people are saying that the real issues are justice and equality, not marriage. I could not agree more.
Much of the responsibility for the confusion lies at the feet of churches and ministers. A wall of separation between churches and government has served our nation very well. As a Baptist and an advocate of the wall of separation, I ask myself, “Why are religious bodies and their ministers involved in legalizing marriage? Have we become unnecessarily entangled in an issue that is not ours?”
The system now works like this: A couple who wants legal benefits for their relationship goes to the courthouse or the city hall and gets a license to marry. The couple sometimes goes to a judge, a mayor, or (in Alaska) a willing friend. More often a couple finds a willing minister. There are no particular words that must be uttered. The important step is that someone signs the license and returns it to the appropriate governmental office. There is nothing intrinsically religious about the process.
I once knew a retired minister who hung around the city clerk’s office. His services were on the spot. He made a nice living. He had no personal or religious relationship with his clients. It was a business proposition. This is an unusual illustration, but it serves a point. Is this the system churches want to legally protect by enshrining the word marriage?
Churches and ministers should get completely out of the business of legalizing human relationships by whatever name. We should not be servants of government in any circumstance.
To my many gay friends, I ask, “Why are you hung up on the word marriage?” Turn loose of the word. Your real issue is equal rights under the law.
There are many couples, gay and non-gay, who want the blessing of God on their relationship. It is the job of clergy to formalize that blessing. I have come to the conclusion that such a service should have nothing to do with legalizing their relationship. It is a profoundly religious service. Furthermore, in such a setting the relationship can be called anything the minister and the couple want.
Representatives of all parties involved need to get together and formulate a workable system. We are involved in a disagreement that has lasted much too long.
The Rev. Howard Bess is a retired American Baptist minister, who lives in Palmer. His e-mail address is hdbss@mtaonline.net.
Comments
66 comment(s)About the Church wrote on Mar 9, 2010 12:57 AM:
Chasticed wrote on Mar 8, 2010 11:22 PM:
To littlebird wrote on Mar 8, 2010 2:59 PM:
The bible's not the 'word of God', but ever-changing words from men.
A great many Christians don't take the bible literally, yet spiritually flourish .
For me, a much more powerful faith evolved within when I concluded that the bible wasn't trustworthy.
I believe God challenges us all in that way--some are up for that challenge, others are too afraid to test the limits of their faith, without a man-written book (with too many versions) as a crutch. "
Littlebird wrote on Mar 8, 2010 11:47 AM:
You remind me of the young man my daughter brought home one time that was trying to impress me with his "I'm a Christian" spiel. He didn't go to Church, had never read the Bible and therefore had no idea what God expects either!
A "do what you like" Christian?! Good luck with that! "
TO say what wrote on Mar 8, 2010 4:31 AM:
My faith, as I've stated, transcends some silly little book that's been rewritten so many times, it lacks integrity. God and the Christ must shake their heads in dismay at the hateful outrageousness Christian "leadership" commits in their names--and the gullible submissives who unquestioningly validate them.
Your presumption that people not taking the bible literally are amoral and directionless, reflects naivete. Tens of millions of people on this planet possess strong moral compasses--yet practice other faiths; additionally, there're millions of Christians, like me, questioning biblical validity. "
say what wrote on Mar 7, 2010 7:42 PM:
To say what wrote on Mar 7, 2010 5:42 PM:
The bible is not a reliable source to a great many, myself included, as the revisionists and their exploits have permanently compromised its integrity. It's the revisionists who're the ultimate cherry pickers--yet Christians who take the bible literally gullibly validate them by not questioning the veracity of its contents.
Perhaps the essence of your discomfiture stems from the possibility that...churches' increasing acceptance of homosexuality reflects a lack of conviction that the bible's infallible. "
say what wrote on Mar 7, 2010 11:41 AM:
TO say what wrote on Mar 7, 2010 9:50 AM:
While we both agree that sin is sin in the eyes of God, I've no moral compulsion or obligation to 'embrace'--as you say--lawbreakers who kill and/or violate innocent people. Notice the term 'lawbreakers'--as we do live in a country that divides church and state.
As a consequence to that divide, we have jails and prisons to separate lawbreakers from those who endeavor to retain the peace.
To put homosexuals in the same sentence as those lawbreakers is a consistent (and objectionable) theme with you. "
Christian wrote on Mar 7, 2010 4:50 AM:
say what wrote on Mar 6, 2010 7:30 PM:
Last time; I couldn't care less what is "legal" or "illegal" and it cracks me up that some confuse what the Bible says vs what our laws say is acceptable. Also, one last time; ALL sin is equal in God's eyes and the logic of some churches condoning one sin while preaching against others is ridiculous.
We're saying the same thing but you just don't seem to get it. Oh, and "say what" is all I use. "
To say what wrote on Mar 6, 2010 5:00 AM:
If that's true, then rather than saying:
"Welcome all homosexuals but we will still continue to preach against murder, adultery etc.", you should instead be saying: "Welcome ALL sinners, but we will still continue to preach against murder, adultery, etc."
Do you see the difference now--and why your remarks appear hypocritical?
BTW, the irony remark was meant for another blogger (read it again)--unless, of course, you're blogging under multiple names. "
say what wrote on Mar 5, 2010 2:20 PM:
TO say what wrote on Mar 5, 2010 11:02 AM:
You say 'sin is sin'. Ok. Then one who takes the Lord's name in vain is no more or less a sinner, than a homosexual--assuming as you do that that's a sin.
Yet you seem to be suggesting that only certain types of sins are okay among churchgoers. Where's the logic there? Isn't a sin...a sin?
Talk about hipocrisy! "
Really now wrote on Mar 5, 2010 6:56 AM:
Open up your vocabulary, insert "ironic". Don't be moronic. The bible was written about the Christ--yes, duuuuh--yet the Christ grew up without the book you see as the only moral compass guide. The Christ was hardly a brat now, was he?
This 'say what' blogger's sick. Equating gays with pedophilia's a deliberate misconstrument to stir up hate.
It's ILLEGAL, bum, to commit rape or to molest. It's not illegal to be gay in this country.
BTW, if church was denied to sinners, the pews would be empty, wouldn't they? "
say what wrote on Mar 3, 2010 12:09 PM:
To Pastor Bess and say what wrote on Mar 3, 2010 9:12 AM:
Revelation 2 & 3 is the conditions of churches before and up to this day. Jesus told them to REPENT except Smyrna and Philadelphia churches.
Whether you believe the Bible or not God’s word still hounding you. Jesus tells us, “Heavens and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.” "
Chastised wrote on Mar 2, 2010 10:21 PM:
say what wrote on Mar 1, 2010 4:18 PM:
God Gave Us Warnings - Pastor Bess wrote on Mar 1, 2010 12:01 PM:
The Bible says, “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexual immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God (1Corrinthians 6:9-10).”
The Bible says, “…The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body (1 Corinthians 6:13).”
Repent and be saved. Turn to God through His Son – Jesus Christ. "
God Never Blessed Sexual Immorality. God wants them to REPENT wrote on Mar 1, 2010 9:22 AM:
You wrote, “There are many couples, gay and non-gay, who want the blessing of God on their relationship.”
The Bible says, “Because of this, God gave them over to shameful activity. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way, the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with sinful activity for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received themselves the due penalty for their perversion (Romans 1:26-27).”
Read Romans 1:18-32 (also -read Sodom and Gomorrah). Be careful what you teach. "
TO Pastor Howard Bess wrote on Mar 1, 2010 8:00 AM:
Redefining God is “altering” the Bible. You are representing the Holy God and the Bible is clear that you have a greater judgment and condemnation than non-believers do. If someone will follow your teaching, you are responsible for his or her blood and you will answer that to God – someday.
Repent and turn to Jesus. "
to really now wrote on Feb 28, 2010 9:30 PM:
Matt vally wrote on Feb 27, 2010 12:46 PM:
To God Help Us wrote on Feb 26, 2010 10:04 PM:
Really now watcher wrote on Feb 26, 2010 5:56 PM:
Funny. Growing up without a bible (so ironic, no?) was a good enough upbringing for Jesus, and he turned out mighty fine. "
The Bible tells us that we are all sinners and fall short Gods glory wrote on Feb 26, 2010 12:05 PM:
The Bible says, “God demonstrates His love towards us while we are living in sins, Christ died for us.
The Bible says, “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” "
watcher wrote on Feb 26, 2010 11:35 AM:
Hey Palmer farm wrote on Feb 26, 2010 9:31 AM:
Why would God empower 'prophets' with such diverse translations that aren't even mutually compatible?
BTW, nobody on this thread questioning the bible's veracity has said that they've doubts in order that they '...don't have to follow the parts' they don't like.
Why do you lie and twist their words?
Many people--including Christians--doubt the veracity of the bible for justifiable reasons. People often lie about what the truth is.
Right, Palmer Farm? "
TO Palmer Farm wrote on Feb 26, 2010 8:32 AM:
If the bible trumps your faith in an all-loving God, and validates your prejudices, that's your business and your problem.
I feel gratitude that I live in a country that constitutionally separates church and state, and protects all members of society--especially gays--from people who think as some blogging here do.
Hallelujiah and Aaaaa-men to that! "
re god wrote on Feb 26, 2010 7:26 AM:
i guess that is what you meant by sheep.
baaahhahhhhha. "
Palmer Farm wrote on Feb 25, 2010 10:07 PM:
Littlebird wrote on Feb 25, 2010 4:19 PM:
TO say what wrote on Feb 25, 2010 3:03 PM:
Why would any sane person?
As stated, the bible wasn't written by God or the Christ--but by men--with self-serving agendas.
Doesn't it occur to you, God--in his infinite power--challenges us to find Him within, rather than exogenously through a questionably composed book authored by prejudicial beings?
Would He expect less of us? "
say what wrote on Feb 25, 2010 10:29 AM:
LIES LIES LIES wrote on Feb 25, 2010 6:58 AM:
Gratitude wrote on Feb 24, 2010 2:14 PM:
I've never understood those people who hate gays and who try to use their religion as a means to justify their hate. I've had so many friends through the years who're gay and have been on the receiving end of such misguided thinking.
It's gratifying to live in an era where those hateful trends are reversing. I, too, hope someday it'lll all be behind us--forever--and we'll be horrified by the memories of the hateful few. "
TTOSBT wrote on Feb 24, 2010 1:10 PM:
PLEASE do not twist the Bible Mr. Bess wrote on Feb 24, 2010 9:12 AM:
God meant what He said and He said what He meant.
Turn to Jesus - the only hope of salvation. "
God Help Us wrote on Feb 24, 2010 7:19 AM:
Please include your prayers that Howard Bess will come to know the knowledge of the truth that he might repent and turn his ways and come to know the love of God through His Son – Jesus Christ. The Bible declares that if you are not with Jesus Christ, you are against Him. Mr. Bess belief system is different from the biblical teaching of Christianity and he considers himself a Christian.
God help us. "
TO I understand wrote on Feb 23, 2010 1:57 PM:
The many versions of King James'? Geneva? Catholic? Great? Bishop's? Coverdale? Taverner's? Marcionate? Latin Vulgate? I could go on...there are so many. And with so many vast and different interpretations, how can anyone believe everything they read? Or worse--like the silly 'watcher' blogging here--extrapolate a single quote to negatively and hurtfully judge a group of people, many of whom are Christians themselves?
Consider the fact that regardless of which bible, the books are written by men--not God or the Christ.
As stated, I don't believe everything I read, including everything in the bible(s). "
I understand wrote on Feb 23, 2010 12:34 PM:
Beware of Bible False Teachers wrote on Feb 23, 2010 9:23 AM:
Fellow Christians, read your Bible. "
To watcher wrote on Feb 23, 2010 6:59 AM:
What I said was I don't believe 'absolutely everything I read, including the bible' . Translated: I don't believe everything I read in the bible.
Got it this time? "
I understand wrote on Feb 23, 2010 1:25 AM:
watcher wrote on Feb 22, 2010 9:35 PM:
To watcher wrote on Feb 22, 2010 5:18 PM:
Neither God nor the Christ wrote the bible, nor have they--with their unequivocal, omniprescent power--parted the heavens to validate its contents.
The bible was written/assembled by simple men interested in controlling the masses with their version of morality, while diluting spirituality and invoking strict formulas for living.
Being a sane person, I don't believe absolutely everything I read, including the bible. Only koolaid drinkers do. "
watcher wrote on Feb 22, 2010 4:21 PM:
sosorry wrote on Feb 22, 2010 4:15 PM:
Call it Samesexianity and get married in your church and tell us how we should just except that as the word of God. Even though I am such a tiny minority
I believe you should do as I say. So what is takiing you so long? "
Sickened wrote on Feb 22, 2010 2:13 PM:
Steve wrote on Feb 22, 2010 1:05 PM:
Nostalgia wrote on Feb 22, 2010 9:35 AM:
to John Harkey wrote on Feb 21, 2010 10:08 PM:
Christian wrote on Feb 21, 2010 3:42 PM:
discourse wrote on Feb 21, 2010 9:57 AM:
Christian wrote on Feb 20, 2010 4:00 PM:
JP wrote on Feb 20, 2010 10:34 AM:
JOHN Harkey wrote on Feb 20, 2010 10:16 AM:
John Harkey wrote on Feb 20, 2010 9:47 AM:
Christian wrote on Feb 20, 2010 4:48 AM:
Since we live in a secular democracy, the government should take the responsibility of marrying people. Some countries do that and then the Christians have a Christian ceremony to bless their marriage later. "
matt vally wrote on Feb 19, 2010 6:05 PM:
Lev 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.
Is that in your Bible or are you useing one of those new "we'll delete it if we don't like it bibles"
preach the Bible not your openion "
Still Amen wrote on Feb 19, 2010 4:30 PM:
To Amen wrote on Feb 19, 2010 1:46 PM:
Amen wrote on Feb 19, 2010 10:41 AM:
Linn wrote on Feb 19, 2010 10:23 AM:
Which rock wrote on Feb 19, 2010 8:17 AM: