This blog has taken me weeks to write. The reason why is that this topic treads on deep and divisive waters. This topic is one where I depart from my spiritual upbringing and defer to my constitutional upbringing. Being that as it may I must say that my spiritual teachings have taught me not support gay marriages. However, constitutionally I believe civil unions are just and should be defined and regulated by the individual states. Accepting people for what they are instead of what they do is a lesson that many should learn. Either way most of us believe that “all have fallen short” however, the bible is clear in its views on homosexuality. The bible is also clear about other sins that we typically overlook. Either way this is not a biblical blog.
The center of concern at hand is that the LGBT community is outraged by the selection of Rick Warren to give the prayer of invocation at the Presidential Inauguration. The groups feel betrayed by Obama, because Obama‘s pledged support for many of their causes. Warren has always been very critical of the LGBT communities. But is that not his job as a minister of the gospel? I think the problem I have is that some point to the fact that if someone was this outspoken against African-Americans, that African-Americans would be have been up in arms protesting their selection to pray at the inauguration. Is it a sin to be black? Let me answer that. For centuries there was a widely misunderstood text in Genesis that purported that Noah cursed his son Ham. Ham is known as the father of those of African decent. But a closer look at the bible shows that Noah actually cursed Canaan (Genesis 9:25) and as we know the Canaanites were wiped out. So using this text to justify black servitude was wrong, misquoted, misguided and sinister to say the least. There is no mistaking the bible's feelings toward the lifestyles presented in the LGBT communities. The argument that they do have constitutionally granted rights is correct and I encourage them to continue argue with their local states for those rights and recognition. We as americans should assist them in that arguement. I do believe that everyone in this country regardless of sexual orientation should be afforded the same civil rights. I also support a separation of church and state. A better argument would be that there should be no invocation prayer rather than an argument on the philosophies of the deliverer of the prayer.
The selection of Rick Warren is Obama’s attempt to walk in the middle and to bring both sides of the aisle in. It is brilliant. During the dual interview with McCain and Obama it was clear that the crowd was pro McCain and anti Obama. Let’s put this in perspective it is the equivalent of McCain winning the election and asking Al Sharpton to offer the prayer of invocation. That would never happen. So people should look at the gesture for what it is an effort to bring both sides together, unify the country and show both sides that there is some common ground.
What do you think?
