posted in: Questions
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What is your opinion about President Obama’s May 9 endorsement of same-sex “marriage”?
This is a great disappointment and a direct challenge to the moral standards taught in the Bible, which I believe to be the Word of God.
I cannot think of another instance where an American president has declared himself to be in such direct contradiction to the moral teachings of the Bible (see Romans 1:26-27).
The institution of marriage is a way for society to decide what kind of relationship it will promote by calling it “marriage” and giving it numerous legal and financial benefits. For centuries, societies have decided that they will promote marriage between one man and one woman because that is by far the best relationship for raising the children of the next generation, and also the best protection for women against abandonment and the best way to encourage men in socially beneficial pursuits. Society has a strong interest, therefore, in promoting marriage between one man and one woman. We should treat homosexuals with love and kindness, but government should not promote such relationships by calling them “marriage.”
But in this announcement, President Obama has given a clear signal of his agenda if he wins reelection. His administration will continue to actively promote (through laws and policies) a sexual relationship that is contrary to the Bible, contrary to most people’s moral instincts (according to how they consistently vote, even if they aren’t willing to tell that to pollsters), contrary to the way God designed our human bodies to function, and, sadly, harmful to the parties involved, harmful to the next generation of children, and harmful to the nature of marriage itself as understood through all societies in previous human history. (See the discussion in my Politics — According to the Bible, chapter 7.)
In addition, supporters of same-sex “marriage” have already shown that they will promote social and economic ostracism and sometimes even criminal penalties (for “hate speech”) against anyone who expresses public opposition to their view. Such conduct significantly threatens freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and freedom of religion in our nation.
What does this mean for President Obama’s future? The Bible also says that God is sovereign over the affairs of nations. “The Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will” (Daniel 4:25 ESV). Also, “it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another” (Psalm 75:7 ESV).
I will watch carefully for the next several months to see whether this sovereign God will bless or frustrate the plans of a national leader who takes the stand President Obama has taken. I do not expect that God will bring blessing to a president who has taken such a stand.
I have discussed this issue at some length in a recent podcast in Minnesota. KTIS radio podcast – Minnesota