As a Christian in favour of Gay marriage being legally available to those who want it (though ineligible to vote in yesterday's referendum), I offer the following reflections on what a YES result indicates:
(i) There is now a real prospect that we are moving from mere tolerance (or worse) towards equality; this vote won't stop homophobia, but it will help to make it as unacceptable as racism or sexism. The law can't change attitudes, but it can hel...p to limit the damage done by those who harbor, nurture or promote homophobia.
(ii) Some Christians ARE homophobic; many are not, but follow a particular understanding of the nature and purpose of the Bible and the way in which they believe it ought to be interpreted. It is entirely right that they ought to be free to express their opinions on this basis (even though I disagree with them) without being ASSUMED to be homophobic. However, they ought to recognise that the basis for their opinions (as well as the opinions themselves) are not accepted by many other Christians and by almost all those who are not Christians. Consequently, their attempts to influence the debate from this narrow base are likely to remain futile. Simply claiming to have the truth is not the same as having it. The onus, is also on them to indicate that comments that can easily be read as being homophobic, are not; otherwise they ought not to be surprised at the reaction.
(iii) Very many Irish people have firmly broken away from the Church (or churches) when it comes to seeking a moral base for their decision-making. THIS IS A GOOD THING; people ought to think for themselves and ought not to be badgered/cajoled/threatened/blackmailed into following religious dogma. Given the gross moral failings of churches and some Christian leaders with regard to child sex-abuse, a greater degree of humility during the same-sex marriage debate would have been helpful.
(iv) All churches are in danger of sinking into irrelevance; 'Church' is rapidly becoming a toxic brand. This is not the fault of those who are wearied of the church's former dominant position in society or unconvinced of its current value to society: it's the fault of the church.
(v)....finally (a little tongue in cheek): given all the prayers offered for the 'right' result in the referendum....maybe GOD IS LOVE, after all....
(i) There is now a real prospect that we are moving from mere tolerance (or worse) towards equality; this vote won't stop homophobia, but it will help to make it as unacceptable as racism or sexism. The law can't change attitudes, but it can hel...p to limit the damage done by those who harbor, nurture or promote homophobia.
(ii) Some Christians ARE homophobic; many are not, but follow a particular understanding of the nature and purpose of the Bible and the way in which they believe it ought to be interpreted. It is entirely right that they ought to be free to express their opinions on this basis (even though I disagree with them) without being ASSUMED to be homophobic. However, they ought to recognise that the basis for their opinions (as well as the opinions themselves) are not accepted by many other Christians and by almost all those who are not Christians. Consequently, their attempts to influence the debate from this narrow base are likely to remain futile. Simply claiming to have the truth is not the same as having it. The onus, is also on them to indicate that comments that can easily be read as being homophobic, are not; otherwise they ought not to be surprised at the reaction.
(iii) Very many Irish people have firmly broken away from the Church (or churches) when it comes to seeking a moral base for their decision-making. THIS IS A GOOD THING; people ought to think for themselves and ought not to be badgered/cajoled/threatened/blackmailed into following religious dogma. Given the gross moral failings of churches and some Christian leaders with regard to child sex-abuse, a greater degree of humility during the same-sex marriage debate would have been helpful.
(iv) All churches are in danger of sinking into irrelevance; 'Church' is rapidly becoming a toxic brand. This is not the fault of those who are wearied of the church's former dominant position in society or unconvinced of its current value to society: it's the fault of the church.
(v)....finally (a little tongue in cheek): given all the prayers offered for the 'right' result in the referendum....maybe GOD IS LOVE, after all....
