The Proposition Eight Debate

Proposition Eight: a ballot proposition and constitutional amendment passed in the November 2008, state elections. The measure added a new provision, Section 7.5 of the Declaration of Rights, to the California Constitution, which provides that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."


When non-christians think of a Christian, what comes to mind? Warm and fuzzy feelings of good Jesus loving, or as my preacher Mark would say, "a lifetime of eatin fried chicken and singin church songs"? Or maybe it's a bad feeling: hate, judgment, exclusivity, intolerance.

The question: How do Christians vote on issues like Proposition Eight?


The Yessers, lefties, the liberal progressives:
We vote yes. A person's constitutional right is separate from my beliefs as a Christian. I should not have the power to take away another's civil liberties. And moreover, I am called to love and support all souls, not just the ones I am comfortable with or who are sinless.
1 Cor 9:19-23 "Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible...I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."

The Nopers, righties, the conservative old honkies:
We vote no. The bible is very clear on God's view of homosexuality. Supporting those in this would enable and encourage the sin to continue. To take a stand, to take a side, we vote no. 1 Cor 6:9 "Do you know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders, nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."

The indifferent, ambidextrous, the pleasers who don't care:
We don't vote. Legalization of same sex marriage won't change whether the practice continues. As Christians, we make a difference by showing Jesus to all around us. The law doesn't convert people, God does.
Matt 22:18-21 "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."
1 Cor 3:6-8 "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow...For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building."



Where does your answer fall?

In the end, no matter where you would or would not vote, I think we need to evaluate the greatest commandment.
Matthew 22:37-39 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments."


Christians wear a lot of hats, and with that comes many preconceived notions. I hope that in a time of change in our country, we can hold true to our beliefs, loving those around us, shining the light of Jesus every step of the way.