Divorce is a part of the "if it feels good do it" mentality of this world. Marriage has become disposable because our world is world of greed and the next best thing. So politicians and media will not bring divorce up as a big deal because there is always the next best thing, right?

To me, the issue of SSM should be decided by the state and by religions SEPARATELY. There are many things allowed in our country under the banner of 'freedom' that I believe harm our society more than civil SSM ceremonies would. Why deny freedom arbitrarily to this group?

Because...although we believe in separation of church and state...the state likes to try and enforce their will on the church if they can. They have done it beofre and will try to do it again. If they legalize SSM, that gives the state the opportunity to force churches to recognize those marriage or even perform those marriage in their chapels. This has already been done in a couple states where it is legal. We cannot allow this to happen, therefore we have to fight to keep it illegal.

Agree. And I don't understand why any Christian would be FOR SSM. I don't get it.

I think people should separate Ssm and civil unions.

If the law allow we should have civil union etc.

But that does not mean the church has to honor. Church should not have to change their beliefs.

I'm not aware of any cases where the state forces the churches to do anything (other than abolishing polygamy). As I understand it, currently the Catholic church does not recognize some marriages recognized by the state and no government entity has tried to force the Catholic church to change its doctrine. I don't think the government is even interfering with the snake handlers.

I've been married for 24 years - not sure if the catholic church recognises it since we lived together first - and so were refused to be married in the church ny wife had been a member of for 18 years. I think many people could not give a rats butt if the church recognises their marriage. What I have is between me and my dear wife. The church can kiss my ass.

That is correct. According to the Catholic church, my husband and I are living in sin. We are not married in the church as my husband is not a confirmed Catholic. However we are married legally.

http://www.redstatereport.com/2012/01/gay-marriage-forced-on-churchs/

story discussing different situations where the state forced the church to either recognize or perform the SSM.

how do I post this as a hyperlink??? I feel stupid.

No need to feel stupid M. I enjoy reading your posts. [ url]article [ /url] no spaces

www.redstatereport.com/2012/01/gay-marriage-forced-on-churchs/

I think this was a different situation.

Lesbian couple wanted to RENT an open air PAVILION owned by a local United Methodist Church in NJ for their wedding ceremony. Guess different laws apply to a rental property.

I've stayed out of this debate...but tonight I'm sorta bored so I'm jumping in.

Taking God/religion out of the equation, I don't understand the tendency to say homosexuality is a choice. Just thinking logically with my own brain. I could not just choose to be attracted sexually to women. I am firmly attracted to men only and that's never wavered. I've never had to "make a choice to be hetero" nor "turn away or deny" an attraction to women.

Why would anyone who was attracted to the opposite sex CHOOSE not to be? Force themselves to have sex with the same sex? Pursue marriage with the same sex? It makes no sense at all.

Furthermore, I assert that people who think someone must "turn away from or deny" such feelings could only do so if they've been tempted in that way themselves. Otherwise how could one fathom such a response?

It's like saying one chose to be tall or bald.

One more thought on the matter of sexuality (and therefore marriage) as a choice...most of the gay people I know have tried at some point to live the straight life. Some even married, had children, but could not have a normal sexual life with their opposite sex partner - dis servicing both as sex is important in marriage. One cannot force the body to physically respond to what it is not chemically attracted to.