With same-sex couples being on the cusp of gaining equal marriage rights in Scotland, as well as battling for the same chance elsewhere in the world, the legalisation of gay marriage continues to do nothing less than wedge a massive divide between parties, the general public and most notably the Church.
Whilst growing up, the attendance of church amongst my peers was de rigueur. Each week the obligatory Sunday school classes were taken and I did, on occasion, actually read the bible – though nine times out of ten, I stealthy slid a comic inside. From what I remember reading, the bible spoke of love for humanity, tolerance and acceptance - three practices that seem to be embraced selectively - and I'm getting the impression a few religious bodies perhaps glided over those chapters.
I continued my quasi-religious practices until my early teens, but continued being an active part my local Christian youth for a couple years after - not for any devout religious reasons, but mainly because I felt comfortable engaging in conversation with my fellow attendees. As far as I was aware my sexuality was apparent, but God withheld the urge to have lightning bolts hurled at me and I didn't erupt into flames upon entering the building; some older members of the congregation did harbour some ill feelings, but that was more a generational issue, than it was His– to be honest, I don’t think God had any issues with my sexuality. But the problem we're faced with is no longer the congregation, who of recent years have swayed their stance on gay rights, but rather those who hold positions of authority within the church.
What must be carefully taken into consideration here though, for both political and religious bodies, is that this topic does, and shall continue to, part the sea of opinions. It excites sizable protests from religious leaders, who say that by legalising gay marriage the government is stripping them of their religious freedom and to an extent this is true. But for Christianity to continue its existence in a constantly evolving world it must adapt to the ever changing views of man; otherwise it will inevitably become extinct.
The argument roots from the story of Adam and Eve. When God created a partner for Adam, he created a female; Eve. The church states that marriage is a fundamental social institution that exists for the greater good of a community, that it is not there purely for emotional satisfaction, and that using it for emotional fulfilment it can cause deep corruption. And since its Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve, gay marriage doesn’t quite make the cut. The church may outline the very nature of marriage, and for that matter sexual activity, freely; but they have no right to thrust and enforce their characterisation of marriage on everybody else. As for corruption, they need only turn to married heterosexual couples, there they’ll find relationships that are plagued and littered with adultery, domestic abuse and divorce.
It is somewhat ironic though, that with so many indiscretions creeping around 'unnoticed' right underneath the Churches nose, that their judgemental gaze still stays firmly fixed upon the issues surrounding gay marriage. Some extreme religious groups even offer controversial ‘conversion’ therapies, which are just so absurd its borderline comical; on your knees, my child. Pray the gay away. Why do they use the Bible as a weapon for hate and prejudice? At least have the gumption to claim ownership to your ignorance and hate; don't pass the blame to Him. I don't know about you, but the fact such deluded people hold positions of power and authority puts the fear of God in me.
As far as I can tell, and have personally heard, a large percentage of congregations are now in full support of equal marriage rights, despite what the Church's hierarchy continue claim its followers believe. However, the question is no-longer if the Church hierarchy can lead but is now if they can follow? Will they adhere to their congregations cries of approval and support for gay marriage? Why go against the increasingly accepting majority, what do they benefit from it? Perhaps it’s to keep their power. Christianity is preached according to their interpretation of the bible; what they believe its saying. If they give in to the congregation then, perhaps, they fear that the bible will truly be open to individual interpretation. I'm not saying the Church has to compromise its values but merely expand them; otherwise in the future there will be a lot of Shepard's without a flock.
Personally I don't know if I'll ever get married. Partly because I have the sexual allure of a horse, partly because I reckon I'd stagger down the aisle with all the elegance and grace of a herd of intoxicated elephants, but mainly because I'm fast losing faith in an institution that's built on a solid slap of hypocrisy. Either way, I'm devout in my belief that marriage should be a union open to everybody, regardless of sexual orientation. We can only pray the Scottish government has the courage to follow through with their convictions.
