Because I'm Being Asked

The general election will take place two weeks from today. (It seems like the process has been going for 4 years now.) In addition to selecting the next president, we in California have our usual smorgasbord of Propositions. As recently as last Sunday in a class on the EFCA Statement of Faith I was asked about Proposition 8 and what we were going to do, as Christians, if it is defeated. My answer, I would like to think, was thoughtful and lacking my usual glib retorts.

I answered that I was going to go into the voting booth and, because propositions are really just the electorate's way of asking questions, I was going to voice my opinion on what I thought would be in the best interest of our culture. That is, my vote on Proposition 8 will be my way of giving my opinion on the issue presented. I will give that opinion on the basis of what I think Scripture clearly teaches about marriage in both the older and newer Testaments. The fact is, everyone who enters the booth on Tuesday, November 4, will give their opinion on the basis of their values, their view of life, their understanding of what is right and wrong. All laws are statements of values, whether they be about speed limits, taxes or marriage. Since we're being asked what values should be reflected in marriage, we should give our opinion. It is a great privilege in this country to even be asked what we think. There are still many nations where citizens, regardless of religious background, are never asked what they think about laws and moral issues. Those who govern the country simply tell the citizens what the leadership thinks is right.

Which brings me to the second part of the answer I gave. On Wednesday, November 5, I will live, Lord willing, exactly as I did on November 4, regardless of whether Proposition 8 passes or fails. This answer is not intended to minimize the importance of the vote on this issue or the potential consequences for our culture whichever way the issue is decided. (I predict acts of civil disobedience from individuals and groups from whichever side "loses" the vote.) The reason this is my answer is that a relationship with Christ, a relationship which often changes cultures, does not require cultural support.

As hard as it may be to believe, the society in which Christianity was birthed was, from a Biblical standpoint, more decadent than our own. The first century Christians lived out their relationship with Christ in the context of family, friends and neighbors who were monogamists, heterosexuals and celibates as well as polygamists, homosexuals and pederasts. There is no record I know of that indicates the Christians sought to change the hearts, minds and lifestyles of their family, friends or neighbors through legislation. It wasn't much of an option, especially since the Roman Senate had its share of legislators whose lifestyles would certainly not align with Biblical values. Those first century Christians did not throw up their hands in despair. In keeping with the parable of the leaven, they quietly, faithfully and almost invisibly (like yeast permeating dough) lived their relationship with Christ and shared the Gospel as opportunity presented itself. It is recorded that they turned the world upside down.

Lest someone has missed my point, let me go over it again. I have a strong opinion on what I think, on the basis of Scripture, constitutes a marriage and, because of that, what would be best for our culture in the long run. Since I am being asked to voice that opinion on November 4, I will do so. The outcome of the vote on Proposition 8 will not change my faith, regardless of which way the vote goes. And regardless of the outcome of the vote, I pray God that it will not change the way I interact with people whose values are different than my own.