Thursday, November 17, 2011

A Moral State Of Denial

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The argument for homosexual "marriage" hasn't changed over the past 11 years, according to the Seattle Times editorial board. However, they say, things have now changed, "attitudes are more accepting."

This week they exhorted the people of the state: "ALL right, Washington State: Let's do something bold. In the name of fairness and equality for all residents, it is time to stop working around the edges of domestic partnership rules and benefits. Our state should legalize same-sex marriage."

If the arguments haven't changed, why have attitudes changed?

Several reasons come to mind.

Gubernatorial candidate Jay Inslee's spokesman identified one reason. He said for him, it's an "equal rights" issue.

Deception.

Sen. Ed Murray and other homosexual advocates have convinced some of the people that homosexual "marriage" is not re-defining marriage---it is "marriage equality." Josh Freides, director of the just launched campaign, told KOMO radio following my interview with KOMO that they prefer the word "marriage equality" to same-sex, gay or homosexual "marriage." He said they particularly don't like the term "homosexual". But what makes marriage "equal" if it is extended only to homosexuals? What about polygamous groups who also "love" and are committed to each other? And all the other inequities found in marriage? What about first cousins, brother and sister, two sisters or two brothers, parent and child---all forbidden from marriage.

Mr. Inslee, please show us the equality in merely adding homosexuals, while excluding all the rest of those who will be equally qualified, at least in their mind, under the new rules for marriage, should it be redefined.

This is "special rights." Not equal rights.

What then will the argument be for not expanding "marriage" to all other groups? Will the Seattle Times Editorial board be telling our children in 11 years or less, it's time for polygamous "marriage"? Will they suggest it's time to "do something bold" and further redefine marriage? How bold will the suggest we become?

The Associated Press article which I linked earlier this week, also identified another reason some "attitudes have changed." The article quoted "supporters" saying, "It's about removing the stigma."

Homosexuality has evolved. It was identified as an act---sodomy, for many, many years. Then it was identified as a condition---homosexuality; now, it is an identity---gay. And from that the homosexual advocates have claimed it to be the new "civil rights" issue, now attempting to identify with and co-opt the African American struggle for civil rights, making it equal with sexual behavior.

Sexual behavior is not equal to ethnicity. Nor should it be identified with the civil rights movement.

I have written a personal message to biblical Christians. If you are a biblical believer, please take a moment and read it. If not, please skip it.

"A covenant with death---we have made lies our refuge."

Isaiah, the prophet, defined the moral collapse of his time, saying, "The priest and the prophet have erred through intoxicating drink. They are swallowed up by wine...they err in vision, they stumble in judgment." (Is. 28)

He said the tables "are full of vomit and filth; no place is clean."---An ugly image, to say the least.

In defining the moral collapse of our times, it can be said that some religious leaders are intoxicated by the so-called "tolerance and acceptance" of our times. Too many religious people are intoxicated by relativism, embracing a "new" truth called tolerance, believing right is wrong and wrong is right and perversion is normal. Values in this brave new world are ever changing. No absolutes.

Relativism and relative values allow everyone to determine what is "fair" and what is not.

Our times could also be defined by some churches wanting to "emerge"---relating to everyone, without taking a biblical stand on anything. Social Silence. While our very foundations crumble. And people continue to look for answers.

This, while trampling the sanctity of life---calling it choice, redefining marriage---calling it equality, and stripping Judeo-Christian values and principles from the foundations of our culture and county, calling it inclusion or fairness or honoring diversity.

We err in vision and stumble toward Sodom in our judgment.

Isaiah spoke encouragement and justice to his fellow citizens, speaking, "Strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate."

I believe God will give strength and courage and provision to those who seek to turn back the battle at the gate of our culture and communities today.

Your continuing financial support of this ministry and God's strength and blessing, allows us to continue to fight the battle--- to turn back evil at the gate.

And the battle rages. Your support gives us strength. Without it we could not do what we do.

Marriage is under more attack than ever. Recently, Sen. Patrick Leahy D-VT, a powerful and very liberal Senator who voted for DOMA when it was passed in the 1990s said, "Much has happened since DOMA became law, it must now be repealed." The President agrees.

Last Friday, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla and Chair of the Democratic National Committee said, "Saying life begins at conception is 'extreme and radical'."

And the President has mocked the House resolution affirming "In God We Trust" as our national motto.

State Senator Ed Murray, encouraged by the media and some religious leaders, is preparing to introduce legislation that will nullify Washington State's Defense of Marriage Act and usher in so-called homosexual "marriage." This session. And he and his colleagues launched their "conversation" with the people of Washington State, this week.

There are both politicians and pastors who support him.

We err in vision and stumble in judgment.

Rep. Matt Shea is the chair of a new alliance for marriage group. I serve with him, and helped organize the group. It includes several other State Senators and Representatives, including Rep. Brad Klippert, Rep. Jason Overstreet, Rep. Jim McCune, Sen. Val Stevens and others . Larry Stickney and Attorney Steven Pigeon are also part of the group. We have called it DOMA--Defense of Marriage "Alliance". We are now laying the ground work to defeat Sen. Ed Murray's bill to redefine marriage in the next session. A press release is forth coming.

We are scheduling meetings around the state. If you would be interested in helping organize a meeting in your area, please contact me by email. I will need your name, phone number and address. And will need to verify who you are. I know you understand. I will personally respond and will not share any of your personal contact info.

If we cannot kill the bill in session, we will run a referendum and bring it to a vote of the people.

Isaiah said of those who mocked godly righteousness in his time, "We have made a covenant with death---we have made lies our refuge."

Killing the unborn in the womb is not health care, nor is it a "right" or a "choice."

Redefining marriage, mocking the oldest and most fundamental institution in human history, created by God, is not a "civil rights" issue, nor is it an act of "equality." Or "fairness." It is rebellion against our Creator. God calls it sin.

Homosexuality is an act---a behavior, not an identity. Homosexual behavior is not equivalent to ethnicity.

Today's culture is taking refuge in lies. So are some religious leaders.

The battle must be turned back. Will you help us?

Our expenses going forward over the next few months are significant. If you are inclined to help us defend marriage, this is the time to step up. Your support is absolutely necessary, if we are to turn back the enemy at the gate.

Please mail a check or make a secure online donation.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I thank you, for your stand and your support and may God bless you.