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Wednesday, October 29, 2008

PROP H8TE

I see these signs all over town. I get emails about it. I see constant commercials about it. I am drowning in Prop 8 Propaganda.

So what is PROP H8TE? A clever reference to a proposition (Prop 8) that we have to vote on in California next week. Let me sum it up for you: Do we say marriage is between 1 man and 1 woman, or do we allow homosexual marriage?

Voting Yes on Prop 8 = Marriage remains between man and woman
Voting No on Prop 8 = Same Sex Marriage is acceptable by law.

This past summer we went to EPCOT and at the American Pavilion there was a reading of 'The Declaration of Independence" that began with "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. "

My immediate thoughts went to the homosexuality community.I understand wanting/desiring equality. I understand loving someone and wanting that love to be accepted by those around you. I understand and believe in the difference between church and state.

I have put a LOT of thought into this decision. It's fair to say that at one point, I was torn. And if they had a voting poll right after I heard the Declaration of Independence being read, I would have voted No on 8 immediately. Mainly because in spite of what I believe, the church is the church and the state is the state. However, as a follower of Christ, and according to the Bible and it's teachings, I need to vote according to what falls in line with scripture. People that are against homosexuality are always quick to point out Scripture references that denounce the lifestyle. I don't want to do that. I just want to share the reason that I am convicted to vote Yes on Prop 8.

In the Bible, marriage compares Christ as the bridegroom and the church as his bride in Ephesians 5:25-32. It is the one true, everlasting marriage covenant.

Ephesians 5:25-32
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church—for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.


This is the image of marriage that the Bible describes and what I believe Christ asks his followers to uphold. It is between a husband and a wife. The Bridegroom and his Bride. Christ and the Church.

It is popular decision? No. Does the world disagree with me? Yes. Do many of my friends disagree with me? DEFINITELY yes. Does it put me in an awkward position with my gay friends, or friends of mine with gay family members? YES! Does it mean that I HATE? No. I don't hate. See...I love people. I love them so much it hurts sometimes. But I love God more. So that may make me unpopular, but Christ himself said "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." John 15:18-19


I have spent a lot of time "belonging" to the world. And it has taken me further away from Christ. I am a sinner. I mess up a LOT. But voting on Prop 8 is a conscious decision. One that I have had time to research, think about, and even pray about. There are many reasons why I am voting Yes on 8. But most of all, because I want to make a decision that does not contradict my Christian beliefs.

So there it is...my opinion. I know that people will hate me for it. But to me, that means I am doing something right. I am taking a step out of the world and putting my feet back where they belong.

20 comments:

Heidi said...

Nicely put Kristi.

Sarah B. said...

I would agree...that is very nicely put. I have stumbled over my own words a few times trying to explaine the whys of why I am voting yes. But you described it beautifully....I might have to steal this to share with a few people if that is ok. :)

Stacey said...

Awsome post Kristi!

Rick said...

Haven't heard it said any better. I will vote the same way, while not losing any sleep over whether it wins or loses.

Billy and Laurel said...

Yep. You've described my exact struggle with this Prop ever since it became and issue. Thank you for helping me clarify my thoughts on this issue some more...your open honesty helps us all.

Thanks.

Billy and Laurel said...

That's Laurel who made that comment by the way...I signed in using our combined account. Oops.

Lyn said...

At the risk of sounding repetitive, I just want to say that was beautifully stated.

Brazenlilly said...

I'm sure that was a tough decision to put yourself out there. I just wrote on Steph's blog about the fact that I feel there is a new--vibe is the only word I can think of--in circles of educated Christians that to have any conservative leanings is ignorant and old-fashioned. "Down with Bush!" Well, duh. Just because we're ready for a new administration doesn't mean we have to swing the pendulum to the far side of domestic issues--especially ones that have a touch of moral dilemma.

I feel like there are some believers--especially on the west coast!--(don't worry, Di, I'm not talking about you--you're quite a legit liberal!) who are suddenly Obama fans or newly Democrat because it's popular right now. We're so afraid to be seen as judging, hating, or HEAVEN FORBID intolerant of ANYTHING...that we don't truly think through the issues!

Whether or not your readers agree with you or are enraged...no one can accuse you of being ignorant or not thinking it through! I think sharing the fact that this was a hard decision is important for people to hear. People on BOTH sides of the pendulum.

Stephanie said...

Great post, Kristi. I have felt a bit torn about prop 8 because I don't agree with the way that some churches and Christians have approached it. But, I totally agree with your opinion and the reasoning behind it. I don't know if you read my post a few days ago about abortion, but I appreciate your willingness to stand up for your beliefs, knowing full well that some will disagree.
PS- you still have the link to my old blog think-n-pink. you need to update it to mad about madeline. :)

Jon in HB said...

Having gay family, coworkers, and friends, this has been a tough one for me. Thank you for putting words to my thoughts and feelings.

Kristen Howerton said...

I completely agree.

The Unlikely Pastor's Wife said...

I think this is one of two pieces I have seen written about Propposition 8 that I have read and respected. You have courageously and quite articulatelly given your opinion....and showed your heart.

This should be a hard decision for all Christians. One that should be thought out carefully and prayed about. Unfortunatley, it's seems (and I say seems, because that is what I see mostly) like it is not and most people throw out standard lines and scripture to back up thier choice.

I know you don't hate...and it's opinions like yours that i love and respect.

Stacy said...

Hey Kristi...Liked your post. I think it's so hard as Christ followers to remain focused on Him and not the world. I think we can only look at these elections with our "eternal" glasses on. Knowing full well that we can't solve the world's problems. We can only be ambassadors for Christ who take cast votes based on things that have 'eternal value' (marriage, life, etc.) I love knowing that we are HIS!

Diane Davis said...

Wow... I got a shout out from Bunch on YOUR blog. Awesome!

Thanks for the respectful post. Today I was driving and encountered some YES on 8 people. They were chanting, "No Marriage for Homos." I was enraged. It is nice to be reminded that even tho I completely disagree with you on this issue, I know you (and others) have put thought into it.

In terms of the Bible being your compass, I'd be interested in hearing how you can be in leadership at your church. I thought the Bible had a lot to say about women in leadership roles.

I'm assuming you would say that the Bible was written in a cultural context and there are some things that were said then that don't apply the same today. I would agree. And that is why I am voting No on 8.

Seriously, I am glad we can disagree and still love one another. :)

Diane Davis said...

One more thought and I'll leave your blog alone and take it to my blog...

Prop 8 isn't just about equality in marriage being acceptable by law. It is actually changing the Constituion. That is a big deal. There are many people who think marriage should be between a man and a woman, but who are uncomfortable with Prop 8 because it sets a slippery precident. The Republican Governor of California is one of those and Obama is another. Something to think about.

Stepping off my soapbox now.

Kristi said...

Diane. I wondered when you would comment. I'm glad you didn't back down.

The Bible is my compass. But I will be the first to admit it confuses even me. Does the Bible say that women should not be in church leadership? Yes it does. But it also highlights the work of women in ministry... Priscilla in Acts. Phebe (or Phoebe) in Romans, and Junia in Romans. (Even the Old Testament has many prominent Women Leaders.)

The Bible also tells ALL of us (including women) in the Great Commission to "Go and make disciples...baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you"...Matthew 28. So that is my commission and why I am comfortable in my position at the church.

The reason I chose in my blogpost not to highlight any scriptures that condemn homosexuality is so that we did not have to argue over the translation of Scriptures. It is the image of Christ (male) marrying his bridegroom (female) that convicted me. This can not be mistranslated, and I believe that it still applies today.

And while the Bible can be misinterpreted or taken out of context, or considered to be written in a "different time"....there is absolutely nothing that gives me any reason to think same gender marriage is acceptable in the eyes of God.

With that said, I don't understand people shouting things such as "no marriage for Homos" and I truly believe that must sadden the heart of Jesus even more than it enraged you. Jesus taught love. He was love. He is love. Why Christians don't choose to show love, I will never know.

Even though Jesus' loved and accepted everyone not everyone accepts him or his teachings. They are radical. And if they seem exclusive, it is because they are. "Narrow is the road that leads to life and only a few find it." Truthfully, I sometimes find it hard to stay on this path because it seems to leave so many out. But the truth is, anyone can walk down this road...they just have to be willing to.

When I am aligned with God and his word, I feel the closest to him. When I make decisions that contradict his instructions/will for me....I feel further away.

There is a NO on 8 commercial that says "it's not a religious thing." But the truth is, for me it is. If I chose to vote No on 8, I feel like I would be turning my back on God. I am not willing to do that.

Bits from Bonnie said...

That was an awesome blog and very well written. In a day when political correctness can at times stifle freedom of speech, it is refreshing to see you put your feelings in black and white. What is commendable about your blog is not just the fact that you were willing to write about a contraversial decision and commit to your feelings, but that you studied both sides of the issue before doing so. BRAVO!!!

Alli said...

Well said, Kristi! I appreciate you articulating this argument so well. In Arizona, we are voting on 102, which is similar to 8. It is a pretty divisive issue, which makes me sad. I have several friends and family members who are gay and I don't want them to feel like second class human beings, but I don't think that is what this is about. At the same time, I want to honor God by making good choices, not just popular or politically correct choices--being in the world and not part of the world. The clincher for me was seeing what is happening in MA schools. Kindergartners are REQUIRED to read "King and King" and parents have no rights or say in protecting their kids from same-sex educational materials--if it's legal then the school is required to teach it.
I don't care what people do in their own homes. Their choices and sins are no different from mine and I am certainly in no position to judge them. But when their lifestyle choice affects my child's education and my ability to raise my child with a certain set of morals and standards, then I feel like I have to speak up.

Thanks again for your inspiring post!

Veronica Harmonica said...

Thanks Kristi for your comment on my blog!
The funny thing is this morning I did the same exact thing... I was reading Jen's post and linked to yours, and felt the same way!!

So thanks : )

Born to be Mrs. Beever said...

Kristi - I left a comment on Jen's post about this prop on her blog and then came over to read your blog about it. I also commented on your letter to Barack. I have to say...I am extremely impressed with you. I actually challenged something in your comment on Jen's blog and then you quoted the same scripture I did here in these comments so that made me laugh (and think I should have read this one first). But I just wanted to say it is SO refreshing to see a Godly woman stand up in grace, respect, articulation and TRUTH with such discernment and understanding of God's scriptures. You state your cause with what I believe is the leading of the Holy Spirit in irrefutable and honest ways. Just wanted to thank you for reminding me that there are so actually people still out there that can be truthful with grace and intelligence. Keep fighting the good fight and representing the faith well!