This has been one of the hardest decisions I have made in relation to values. I have decided that this is important to me because of reflection, prayer, getting counsel, and doing research.
Gay people are welcome to join the community. However, they will need to embrace this value, and live a celibate life unless they get married to a person of the opposite sex. There are many examples of gay people marrying people of the opposite sex and being very happy. Please read near the end of this article in order to find out more about that topic. I hope you will read the whole article because I believe it is very educational.
AI summarizes the basic reasons that I share as to why marriage is meant only to be between one man and one woman.
“Based on the provided search results, here are some key points that summarize why some Christians support marriage between one man and one woman:
Biblical Foundations:
- Genesis 2:24: The verse describes the creation of Adam and Eve, stating that “therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This passage sets forth the biblical pattern for marriage as instituted by God in the beginning: one man united to one woman.
- Matthew 19:4-6 and Mark 10:6-9: Jesus quotes Genesis 1:26-27 and 2:24 to define marriage as between a man and a woman, reflecting God’s design for humanity.
- 1 Corinthians 7:2-3: Paul writes that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, with the husband and wife becoming “one flesh.”
Complementarity and Biological Design:
- Male and Female Imago Dei: Humans are created in God’s image, with male and female reflecting God’s triune nature (Genesis 1:26-27). This complementarity is essential for marriage and family.
- Biological Design: The dynamic interplay and biological complementarity between male and female are deemed “good” by God (Genesis 1:31). Jesus confirms this in Matthew 19:8, pointing to marriage’s existence as a male/female, one-flesh union “from the beginning.”
Theological and Ethical Implications:
- Reflection of Christ’s Relationship to the Church: Marriage is seen as a reflection of Christ’s relationship to the Church (Ephesians 5:32). Just as adoption points to believers’ adoption into God’s family, biblical marriage and families point to the Church as the bride of Christ.
- God’s Intention for Sexual Intimacy: The Bible commands that sexual intimacy occur only between a husband and wife (1 Corinthians 6:18; 7:2-5; Hebrews 13:4).
- Support for Biblical Families: Christians seek to support and equip families that reflect God’s design, promoting a deeper understanding of the Church as the bride of Christ.
Conclusion:
Based on these biblical foundations, complementarity, and theological implications, some Christians support marriage between one man and one woman because it reflects God’s design for humanity, is grounded in Scripture, and is essential for a healthy and fulfilling union.”
I found this article to be helpful: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/family-qa/biblical-perspective-on-homosexuality-and-same-sex-marriage/
For those of you who think that same-sex attracted people can not have a healthy marriage with the opposite sex, consider the following ideas.
There are many examples of people who have been able to change their attraction and I admire their stories of eventually finding an opposite sex partner and being happily married with children. I also have heard stories of people who have desperately wanted to change, but have not. Some have remained celibate, believing that this is what God’s law is. Others have chosen to marry a person of the same sex because they believe this is God’s will for them. I do not want to make a decision to keep someone from having a happy marriage because they have a condition which they have no control over.
I am willing to be proven wrong. I have gone back and forth on this numerous time. If the first person or first couple or first family who wanted to join me feel strongly about this issue, I might change my position. I will certainly be continuing to pray, reflect, and study about this issue.
The one thing I am sure about is that sexual relationship should be only had within a life-long committed relationship and that this will be something that people in the community practice for themselves and as examples for the children.
This is a very detailed article which is excellent for helping you make a conscious decision about where you stand on this topic in case your mind is not made up. Scientific studies prove that it is more likely that lifetime committed relationships are healthier and more likely to last when sexual intimacy is delayed until the lifetime commitment is made. https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/relationships/how-delaying-intimacy-can-benefit-your-relationship/
I asked Leo about this topic and this is what artificial intelligence came up with. I know there are lots more reason to refrain from sex outside of a life-long commitment.
Benefits of Monogamy
“Having a sexual relationship only within a marriage can be beneficial for several reasons, both secular and Christian.
Here are some words I agree with from Leo, the Artificial Intelligence
Secular Reasons:
- Emotional Security: Monogamy provides a sense of emotional security and stability for both partners, which is essential for a healthy relationship.
- Trust and Loyalty: Monogamy promotes trust and loyalty, which are essential for building a strong and lasting relationship.
- Reduced Risk of STDs: Having a sexual relationship only within a marriage reduces the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Increased Investment in Relationship: Monogamy encourages both partners to invest time, effort, and resources into the relationship, leading to a stronger and more fulfilling partnership.
Christian Reasons:
- Commitment and Faithfulness: Monogamy is seen as a commitment to one’s partner and a demonstration of faithfulness, which is a core value in Christianity.
- Respect for Marriage: Monogamy is seen as a way to respect the institution of marriage and the vows that are made between two people.
- Protection of Marriage: Monogamy is seen as a way to protect the marriage and prevent infidelity, which can damage the relationship and lead to divorce.
It’s worth noting that these are general benefits and reasons, and that individual perspectives and experiences may vary.
Understanding Celibacy Before Marriage
Celibacy before marriage is a personal promise not to have sex before marriage, often motivated by religious or spiritual reasons. Various studies and articles suggest that staying celibate can have benefits, such as reducing the likelihood of divorce and increasing emotional intimacy in marriage.
Reasons for Choosing Celibacy
Some people choose celibacy for religious or spiritual reasons, while others may do so for personal or emotional reasons. According to the articles, reasons for choosing celibacy include:
- Religious or spiritual beliefs: Many people choose celibacy as a way to honor their faith or spiritual practice.
- Emotional or psychological reasons: Some individuals may choose celibacy to avoid emotional attachment or to focus on personal growth.
- Personal values: Others may choose celibacy as a way to maintain their personal values or to avoid the potential consequences of premarital sex.
Benefits of Celibacy
Research suggests that staying celibate before marriage can have several benefits, including:
- Reduced likelihood of divorce: Studies have shown that couples who wait until marriage to have sex are less likely to divorce.
- Increased emotional intimacy: Celibacy can allow couples to focus on building emotional intimacy and connection before engaging in physical intimacy.
- Improved communication: Couples who choose celibacy may be more likely to communicate openly and honestly about their desires and boundaries.
If you’re considering choosing celibacy before marriage, it’s essential to have open and honest communication with your partner about your desires and boundaries.”
I found this video by a Christian who was same-sex attracted and then Holy Spirit convicted her and now she is married for 8 years and has 4 children.
I found this article to be interesting: https://www.christian.org.uk/news/exclusive-why-i-left-my-gay-life-to-follow-jesus/
This one is also helpful, I think. https://www.christian.org.uk/news/i-was-gay-but-i-found-christ-and-now-im-married-to-a-woman/
This article is very helpful, I think, for same-sex attracted people who want to be married to the opposite sex. https://www.livingout.org/resources/articles/19/is-it-ever-responsible-for-people-with-same-sex-attraction-to-get-married
I’m finding through my research some wonderful resources for people who are same sex attracted. This organization looks really good: https://www.truefreedomtrust.co.uk/about-us
This organization also is impressive and inspiring: https://www.livingout.org/about-us/what-we-re-about
This article is helpful for parents especially. https://www.livingout.org/resources/articles/42/how-should-i-respond-if-my-child-comes-out-to-me
Another testimony that is inspiring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_JfQQdquHU
More videos for your education.
