What is it about us that we want to rebel so much? Not necessarily talking about my parents here; in fact, I don't think I'm really talking about parents at all. But why do we continually want to rebel against each other? It seems that those who support one idea to an extreme point-too-far are in fact the reason that people to go the other extreme direction one those same continuums. Whenever I read an article like this one, for example, I am suddenly compelled to side with the victims, regardless of their moral convictions. It could be that I see an injustice, and want, more than to agree with them, to support them. Or maybe I'm just appalled at the actions of someone who probably agrees with most of my ideas, and I am therefore repelled to what I see that we both have in common. Regardless, I am finding more and more that my desire to support people is outweighing my desire that they would agree with me. It's a tough balance between cowardice and sympathy. I can't lay down my ideas in order that I can just get along with other, yet I can't let my ideas get in the way of getting along with others. Trying to get along with everyone is near impossible though, and it seems I like to side (at least in my mind) with the underdog. I've been thinking a lot about gay rights and the bible.
It's funny that we'll condemn homosexuality as a sin using the Bible. Mostly funny because it wasn't too long ago that people were using the Bible to support slavery and male dominance (and may still use it today). I guess I've been pondering how our convictions are shaped so much by our immediate context. I grew up in a house that was against homosexuality, not necessarily gays. Not that the topic came up that much, but it probably did a few times. I'm not so sure anymore where I stand on this topic of homosexuality. I would say now, though, I'm a firm believer in equal rights for gay people. I have no right to deny any human being equality, regardless of lifestyle choice. However, I wouldn't go so far as to say that the church ought to be mandated to perform gay marriage ceremonies, because that would make no sense - forcing one group to give up their rights so another group could have those rights once owned by the former. But anyway, I guess I just don't know where I stand on gay marriage. I have heard every argument under the sun against homosexual practice, but haven't ever really read anyone who legitimately argued for gay theology.
Which makes me think of how (at least in the UK), adoption agencies are not allowed to turn down a gay couple adopting a child, even if that agency is a church. I'm not sure how I feel about this. On the one hand, can I really deny someone the right to have a child? But on the other, can I live with the fact that people are being forced to do something completely against their will? That's a toughie.
-Mark.
