Why are Christians opposed to marriage equality?
The debate around marriage equality, sometimes called same-sex marriage, is a complex one that involves biblical interpretation, church tradition, and perspectives on human sexuality and relationships. Here is an overview of some of the key reasons why many Christians argue against extending legal marriage to same-sex couples.
1. Appeal to the creation narrative and “natural law”
Many Christians point to the creation narrative in Genesis 1-2 to argue that God’s plan for marriage is between one man and one woman. They emphasize that God created woman from man to be his companion and the two became “one flesh” (Genesis 2:18-24). This is viewed as the blueprint for marriage that Jesus later affirms in the New Testament (Mark 10:6-9). Any deviation from this design is seen as violating God’s intended natural order and purpose for human relationships.
Related to this is an appeal to “natural law,” or the belief that God’s moral law is intrinsically woven into nature and human reason. Marriage between a man and woman is considered part of the natural, divinely ordered world. Same-sex relationships are viewed as an aberration of God’s good design.
2. Condemnation of homosexual acts in the Bible
Several passages in the Old and New Testament expressly condemn homosexual lust and behavior (Leviticus 18:22, 20:13; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:10). For Christians opposed to same-sex marriage, these verses clearly restrict acceptable expressions of human sexuality to heterosexual relationships within marriage.
Granting legal marriage rights to same-sex couples would seem to legitimize and bless something considered sinful according to Scripture. It could be viewed as society condoning something God condemns.
3. A different view of love, relationships, and identity
At a basic level, traditional Christian beliefs view intimate love and sexual relations as designed to occur between a man and a woman within marriage. The complementary physical and emotional qualities of male and female are seen as integral to forming a complete relationship. While same-sex attraction may exist, acting on it is considered outside of God’s will.
Same-sex marriage also represents a conflict with many Christians’ understanding of identity. They would argue that one’s fundamental identity is as male or female, with gender and biological sex being inextricably connected. Based on this view, a same-sex orientation reflects disordered desires rather than someone’s intrinsic identity.
4. Slippery slope concerns
Another consideration is a concern about where legalizing same-sex marriage might lead. Some Christians worry it could open the door to allowing other non-traditional relationship structures like polygamy or incestuous marriages. There is also concern that churches may eventually be forced to perform same-sex wedding ceremonies against their religious beliefs.
More broadly, Christians opposed to same-sex marriage often believe it represents a slippery slope of society increasingly deviating from biblical values regarding sexuality, marriage, and family. Granting marriage rights based on sexual orientation may lead down a path towards relationships lacking clear norms rooted in Scripture.
5. Undermines the public purpose of marriage
From a Christian perspective, marriage has a unique status in society with public significance. Traditional marriage between a man and a woman is seen as the building block of society and the best environment for raising children. Some Christians argue that same-sex marriage would diminish marriage as a public institution oriented towards child-rearing and the good of society.
They see marriage between only a man and woman as the ideal public model that points towards Christ’s sacrificial love for the church (Ephesians 5:32). Same-sex marriage could obscure this theological meaning and function.
6. Disagreement about discrimination and justice
Christians opposed to same-sex marriage commonly argue they are not singling out same-sex attracted people for mistreatment or denying them basic rights. They contend everyone has the freedom to enter into marriage with a person of the opposite sex.
For these Christians, same-sex marriage crosses a moral line they consider central to historic Christian teaching and practice. So denying this new definition of marriage is not necessarily unjust discrimination. The real issue is competing views of truth, sin, and what marriage is.
7. Concerns about religious liberty
Many Christians worry that legalizing same-sex marriage will lead to future infringement on religious freedoms. For instance, Christian business owners refusing services for same-sex weddings out of conscience have already faced legal challenges and penalties. Churches could eventually be sued or lose tax-exempt status for not performing same-sex marriages.
Christians opposed believe legalizing same-sex marriage will further entrench new orthodoxies around gender and sexuality in the public square. This could restrict future avenues for religious dissent and practices based on long-held beliefs about marriage.
8. Disagreement about hermeneutics and cultural context
Christians opposed to same-sex marriage frequently argue that Christians supporting it have strayed from a faithful interpretation of Scripture. They believe revisionist scholars wrongly dismiss biblical condemnations of homosexual acts as culturally-bound or only relevant to ancient Israel.
Traditionalists argue Scripture presents God’s universal standards for moral conduct and sexual ethics. These transcend cultural limitations and changing attitudes. Affirming same-sex marriage means accommodating Christianity to cultural trends rather than submitting to the authority of the Bible.
9. Importance of gender complementarity
Many Christians believe the distinctive traits of manhood and womanhood are beautiful reflections of God’s image that come together in marriage. Men and women complement each other physically, relationally, and spiritually. Marriage between a man and woman represents the fullest expression of essential gender differences.
Same-sex marriage is viewed as missing this masculine and feminine complementarity designed by God. It cannot fully capture the beauty of God’s intended partnership because it lacks differences between genders.
10. Connection to gender roles
This view of gender complementarity in marriage is also connected to beliefs about different roles for men and women. Many Christians believe men and women are designed for distinct functions in marriage, family, and society – such as provider vs. nurturer or head vs. helper.
Same-sex marriage challenges more traditional perspectives on gender-based roles. Two men or two women cannot reflect the complementarity that comes from the interplay between male headship and female submission in Christian understandings of marriage.
In conclusion, opposition to same-sex marriage among Christians relies heavily on appeals to Scripture, natural law, public welfare concerns, different philosophical assumptions, and traditional church teaching. It involves complex disputes over biblical hermeneutics, ethics, concepts of justice, gender, and the public good. Christians against same-sex marriage contend that it devalues God’s design for human sexuality, marriage, and family as conveyed in both Scripture and nature.