Does Christianity Allow Gay Marriage
Christians are divided when it comes to whether or not gay marriage is allowed according to scripture, with conservative Protestants and the Roman Catholic Church firmly against it. Same-sex marriage has divided the conservative Protestant community and even within denominations there is a diversity of views. While some churches are actively taking steps to embrace same-sex couples, others are expelling, questioning, or quietly arguing over the issues.
The Bible appears to have clear teaching on homosexuality, and throughout history, Christian organizations have interpreted this as an explanation why homosexual activity is forbidden and therefore why gay marriage should not be allowed. Opponents of same-sex unions argue that marriage is the union of one man and one woman for procreation and thus, same-sex unions go against the biblical ideal of marriage.
Conservative Protestants, including denominations such as Baptists and Pentecostals, typically oppose same-sex unions and support traditional marriage. They argue that homosexual behavior is a sin and that to bless relationships involving this type of behavior would go against the Bible’s teachings. Conversely, some Christian denominations, such as the Church of England and the United Church of Canada, take a more liberal approach to same-sex unions, arguing that homosexual relationships can be celebrated as part of Christian marriage.
Other approaches to this debate include those of some progressive churches, which are seeking creative approaches to joining the blessing of a church wedding to the civil society’s recognition and protection of same-sex relationships. For example, they may choose to offer individual marriage ceremonies, while at the same time refraining from being officially recognized by the state as same-sex marriages.
Whether or not a church chooses to officiate a same-sex union is ultimately up to the individual denomination or pastor. And while the Bible is often used to support either opinion, individual interpretations can lead to different opinions. Considering this alongside the fact that there is still an acute lack of definitive answers from a theological standpoint, it can be argued that it may be wiser for churches to avoid taking a firm stance on the issue, or to provide pastoral care for same-sex couples without the endorsement of a church wedding.
Liberal Approach
In 2014, the Church of England voted against a measure to allow its clergy to bless same-sex unions and to make ‘necessary provision’ for marriages between same-sex couples. Despite this decision, some churches within the organization are still offering prayers or blessings to same-sex couples. Certainly, within the Church of England, there are those who are sympathetic to the legitimization of same-sex unions and view the decision of their leadership as a compromise.
The United Church of Canada, meanwhile, has taken a much more progressive stance on the matter, and its governing body has voted to extend its marriage services to all couples, regardless of gender. The decision passed overwhelmingly, with 91 per cent in favour, and it is likely that other progressive denominations will soon follow suit. It is interesting to note that, in the US, some denominations such as the United Church of Christ and the Metropolitan Community Church are taking a proactive approach to blessing same-sex unions and explicitly recognize these kinds of marriages in their theology.
Therefore, it is clear that the theological debate over same-sex unions is far from settled and that some churches are recognizing the legitimacy of same-sex unions.
Conservative Response to Gay Marriage
The majority of conservative churches remain opposed to same-sex unions. Groups such as the Southern Baptist Convention have consistently and staunchly opposed the legitimization of same-sex unions, and this position is reflected in the SBC’s statement of faith, which declares that marriage is the exclusive union of one man and one woman. Conservatives within the SBC view same-sex unions as a violation of both Scripture and the historic understanding of marriage, and thus, are against the notion of gay marriage.
While a few conservative denominations are allowing individual churches to opt-in to recognizing same-sex relationships, the majority of the denomination is against it. In the US, for instance, the Pew Research Center estimates that about three-quarters of conservative Protestants are against same-sex unions. Even within denominations such as the Presbyterian Church (USA), which has an official policy allowing individual churches to recognize same-sex unions, it is likely that the majority of congregations would still rather abstain from doing so.
What Does the Bible Say?
The debate over same-sex unions is ultimately rooted in the interpretations of Scripture. However, not all Christians interpret the Bible the same way, and debates over same-sex unions have gone beyond simply looking at specific passages. For example, some religious scholars question the translations that are commonly used and suggest that more progressive readings may exist. Considering this, it remains difficult to come to a definitive conclusion as to what the Bible’s stance on gay marriage truly is.
At the same time, many conservative Christians point to a few specific Bible passages as justification for their view that homosexual activity is wrong. For instance, Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 both mention that homosexual activity is an “abomination.” Romans 1:26-27 also speaks about homosexual activities as something that should not be done.
Interpreting the Passages
However, depending on one’s interpretation of Scripture, these passages can be read in different ways. For example, some argue that the Bible is not actually speaking against homosexual relationships, but instead is referring to sexual exploitation, idolatry, and or heterosexuals engaging in homosexual activities. Additionally, some suggest that even if these passages refer to same-sex relationships, it does not necessarily imply that all forms of same-sex unions should be condemned.
Furthermore, other religious scholars point to passages in the Bible that are often ignored, and rightly so, which may also be interpreted as affirming of same-sex unions. For instance, some suggest that Paul’s statement in Romans 12:10 which says that “love one another with brotherly affection” can be interpreted to include same-sex relationships. Indeed, many denominations, such as the United Church of Canada, point to this notion of love in their understanding and acceptance of same-sex unions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that the debate over same-sex unions within Christianity is far from settled, and is likely to rage on for many years to come. While conservative Protestants remain firmly opposed to same-sex unions, there are some progressive denominations that are beginning to recognize them. Furthermore, the theological debate over same-sex unions is complicated by the complexity of Bible interpretation. While Scripture appears to provide clear teaching on homosexuality, individual interpretations can lead to different opinions and therefore, any attempt to make a definitive ruling on the matter will likely be met with criticism. Ultimately, each church must decide for itself how it will respond to the issue of same-sex unions.
