In reading a commentary article on the Supreme Court decision regarding the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) it made me wonder what the response should be of the church. It seems to me that the arguments on both sides are missing the point all together. On the conservative side of the aisle (in which I would be located on nearly all theological positions) I am concerned that political parties and church congregations have blurred the lines so much that one cannot make a distinction. The protest seem to be focused on making the Biblical standard for marriage the same as a secular civil union of marriage. Should this really be the focus? I of course feel the church should shine the light into the darkness of society but it seems to me the focus should be on bringing about a heart change and not legislating it into the lives of the society. When we legislate Christianity I feel it brings about a false sense of what it means to be Christian. We are called a Christian nation because of the founder’s roots but simply being born in America hardly makes a person a Christian. I believe for the conservative to continue on this path will leave them marginalized in an increasing hostile environment of political correctness. Of course the liberal approach of simply conforming to the sinful will of society is even more egregious error. The pacification of sin does not bring about repentance at all. To allow this sin or any other to be acceptable in the church is nothing short of an abomination and has replaced the Gospel with something that talks about the love of Jesus but does not require repentance. I feel the best approach is to first redeem the Biblical marriage within the church. The example must be set, there must be a real and tangible difference between a Biblical and Civil marriage. The church must then approach the issue in love, focusing on the heart of the individuals. To attack the sin specifically will alienate all who involved with that sin. The focus must be on the great commission, to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. To all the sinners under the sun, the approach Christ had was to minister to the heart of the sinner, when their heart is exposed to the truth of Christ then the sin can be approached. It is when someone has encountered the God who love them and bids them to follow Him they are confronted with the reality that they cannot serve two masters. The sin or the Savior, not all will choose to repent but that is not the churches role, but is the role of the Holy Spirit to convict and call to repentance. We are as a church called to proclaim the Gospel, baptize those who the Holy Spirit calls to be born again and disciple them. The church must show the light, show the better way of the Biblical marriage.
Below is the link of the article
http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=5259669&ct=13187637
creating for Christ 