Defending Marriage

May 8 at 5:10pmManage Discussion Entry

Since the earliest times, marriage between a man and woman is considered the way to start a family.(1) And it has been proved to be the best environment for the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual well-being and identity of children.

In order to protect the institution of marriage and its upbringing, laws were created. Laws did not create marriage between man and woman, but they organized what existed millions of times. Nowadays, law and culture have taken the responsibility to change it, based on selfish intentions to fulfill personal desires.(2)

I was raised by a mother and father, and until my father passed away I enjoyed the best years of my childhood. In my adolescence, I only had my mother, and it was a struggle not only to my mother, but also to my siblings and I. There is a wisdom in having a father and mother, and no matter what culture or laws decide, children needs of father and mother, woman needs of a husband, and man needs of a wife, this cannot be changed.

As marriage between man and woman is a right, also is the liberty to do whatever a person wants as long it does not hurts other people’s liberty.(3) Unfortunately, same-sex marriage is interposing with religious freedom, the traditional family as base of society, and children’s well being.(4)

For those who believe in marriage between man and woman, we can take some actions in protecting and defending marriage and family:

• Respect other people choices: Despite our different perspectives, we should maintain a attitude of understanding and respect towards others, especially when it come to marriage and family. Putting ourselves in other people shoes is of great help to feel love for everyone, not only to people we agree with. 
• Not remain in silence: Family and marriage are the core of our society, and taking part on this important subject and speaking up is the least someone who’s seriously engaged in this cause should do. So it’s critical that our voice and opinion is made manifest and that our voice is not kept in silence.
• Investing in our marriage: The first and most important choice is to decide to love and care for the one another. Successful marriages are not about the ego, the self, but about service, care, and love for the other. Investing time, resources and energy towards building a strong relationship will bring the best result to having a happy and successful marriage.
• Teaching our children: Teaching our children, by precept and by example is perhaps the best thing we can do to contribute to society. We should not outsource to churches, institutions, governments or schools this tremendous responsibility to teach and raise our children. Our society, ultimately, is a reflection of how parents educate and teach their children.
• Sharing with others: After we’ve studied and learned, and acquired a solid understanding of how marriage and family contribute to how our society runs, it becomes our responsibility to share our experiences and knowledge with others, thus ensuring that a ripple effect will carry the message out to everyone.

References:

(1)The Divine Institution of Marriage

(2)Obergelfell v Hodges case (Oct 2014)

(3)Douglas Laycock, Anthony R. Picarello Jr., and Robin F. Wilson, eds., Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Liberty, Emerging Conicts (Lanham, Maryland: Rowman and Littleeld, 2008).

(4)Nelson, R.M. (2014) Disciples of Jesus Christ defenders of marriage.