Understanding of Marriage is Evolving, Not Static

Generally those who claim moral certainty are only certain of their narrow interpreation of scripture and are often oblivious (or intentionally ignore) the history of how clergy and religious scholars have viewed issues over the years, decades, and centures.

The issue of same-sex marriage is a prime example of this practice. This article from The Guardian (London, England) adresses the ever-changing view of marriage, both in society and in churches and offers the opinion that acceptance of same-sex marriage is the next logical step in that evolution. (hat-tip to Freedom to Marry)

Our evolving understanding of what marriage is leads, of necessity, to a re-examination of who it is for. Most Christian denominations no longer teach that all sex acts must be open to the possibility of procreation (hence, contraception is permitted). Nor do they hold that infertility precludes marriage. The church has deepened its understanding of the way in which faithful couples experience and embody the love of the creator for creation. In so doing, it has put itself in a position to consider whether same-sex couples should be allowed to marry.

Opponents of gay marriage may raise other objections - that it is unsuitable, for instance, to raise children with two mothers or two fathers. I believe these arguments are easily refuted, but they are arguments about effective social policy, not sound theology. Christians who want to deny others the blessings they claim for themselves should not assume they speak for the Almighty.

Click here for the rest of the article, as the writer walks through some of the changing views of marriage over time.