3 Simple Ways to Repeal Prop 8...

Coming straight out of Gay.com, there is a short article on how to overturn Prop. 8. I think it is always wise to listen to the opposition so you know where they are coming from and maybe even find some point for dialogue. But honestly, I have my doubts here.

They have strong methods (fundraising, donating time, and reaching out to Christians) workin in their advantage to overturn Prop. 8 but we have the same ones we have as well. There is just one difference. We, without sounding arrogant, have the truth in this debate. But first a quote from this article I find incredibly interesting in that is reveals what is in store.

"There are three types of Christians. One group is liberal and supports our quest for equality. It is embedded in their faith—we have their vote. Another group is so consumed by fear and hate that they would not embrace gay rights if Jesus himself descended from heaven waving a rainbow flag and sporting a disco ball for a halo—we will never have their vote. A third group, and perhaps the largest, are good and decent people who strive to be more loving, fair-minded and compassionate, but have been fed lies about homosexuality— their votes are up for grabs. In the past we have ignored this group of Christians assuming that they are just like Pat Roberson and James Dobson.

All of us know good people who are misinformed about homosexuality. Maybe it is a family member, a coworker or a neighbor. By talking calmly and respectfully, many of these people will change their views and more importantly, their votes. Not a day goes by that I don’t receive an email from someone who has read my book Hearts & Minds: Talking to Christians about Homosexuality. Inevitably, they have been able to win a friend or family member over by knowing the facts, speaking the truth, and demonstrating deference and respect.

We won’t be able to convince everyone to vote for equality by 2010, but the good news is we don’t have to. Prop 8 passed by less than 5% in 2008. If each member of the LGBT community can convince one person to change their vote, we will easily win in 2010!"

The funny thing is she talks about speaking to people respectfully yet she starts namecalling. A certain group of Christians are "so consumed by fear and hate". Yikes, that does not sound respectful. In fact, I think this is what makes gay marriage rallies often quite hate-filled in the first place. They demonize their opponents. We can fall into the same danger though...

I would be quite willing to talk to gay marriage supporters but I will never change my stance on gay marriage. Does that make be someone filled with fear and hate? Does that make you someone like that? Tough options. The reality is that to oppose gay marriage requires true compassion and love. It points out to them that this lifestyle is not and cannot be approved by society. You care for them by speaking the truth in love. Gay marriage cannot help them and it will not help anyone else. Traditional marriage, between man and woman, builds and strengthens society. They have children, they educate them, and facilitate the continued growth of people who are well formed. Gay marriage is ultimately self-centered, not oriented towards giving life nor stabilizing society, but is simply directed towards whatever the individual desires. That's not how society works. Society it ultimately called to cultivate virtue, not vice. Not selfishness but selflessness. Think about how society would operate without virtue. More corruption, more crime, more violence, need I go on?

In fact, a scary sign of this self-centeredness is that our birth rate without immigrants is below the level of sustaining our population. We, like much of Europe, are shrinking. This is a sign of the decline of a society. Why, because as your population decreases, you have no people left. And in fact, there is a point where decline in population cannot be reversed. Much of Europe is on the brink. We don't notice in the U.S. because of immigrants. But come to Rome and it's scary how few children you see. Why is this? Contraception, another form of self-centeredness that says, don't let me be inconvenienced by children.

Just some thoughts...