Mixing Religon and Politics

I've asked people this question before, "Why don't you agree with same-sex marriage?" Not necessarily to start a debate, but to understand why the opposing group feels the way they do. The most common answer is, "Because marriage is defined between a man and a woman." And "Where," I ask, "Is it defined that way?" Then of course they reply, "The Bible." I don't always argue with them. Most of the time I just walk away - I got my answer, why fight with them? I respect everyone and wouldn't like it if they pushed me to change my views and told me I was wrong so I'm not going tell them that they're wrong. It's out of respect. But when they get rude and start to argue with me, then I argue my point.

Church and state are supposed to separate. Using religion as an argument isn't valid. What frustrates me even more is politicians who use religion as their platform like Michelle Bachman and Rick Perry. Both of them, it seems are intent on seeing the constitution through a biblical lens. I get sick of people jumping to the conclusion that when the constitution cites God, they are speaking of the Christian God.

I firmly believe our founding fathers were Unitarians. When they cited God, they meant an all-inclusive God. Not a Christian God and yet, people everywhere are intent on mixing religion and politics. If people want religion and want to express their faith, do it at church. But do not push it on me and do not try to tell me that we are a "CHRISTIAN NATION".

I understand that there are a lot of Christians in our nation. But we do not have an official religion and there are still many people with many different faiths in our nation. Pushing Christianity on them would be wrong.

The second argument I've encountered again same-sex marriage is the "family values" argument. "America is going to hell because we're losing sight of 'family values!" I've heard different people rant about this. But what are family values? Every family is different. Suddenly a family with two moms or with two fathers is wrong and they don't have "family values". I think it's a little funny because the values I was taught by my family were to accept everyone and not to discrimate anyone because we are all equal. But I guess others don't see it that way.

The last argument is just ridiculous and almost not even worth mentioning. But surprisingly I've heard it enough times that I feel the need to mention it. This argument goes a little something like this:

"If we let the gays get married, then before you know it, people are going to be getting married to animals and even inanimate objects!"

Oh yes, because I've been kissing my toaster for years just waiting for the day that gay marriage is legalized so I can proclamate my love for my toaster to the world! Yes, that makes perfect sense.

People are allowed to have their opinions, just as I'm allowed to have mine. I just feel that the government should not be able to regulate who you can fall in love with and get married to. But if people want to mix religion and politics, I guess that's up to them. I personally, will fight this until the day that I die.