"Religious controversies are always productive of more acrimony and irreconcilable hatreds
than those which spring from any other cause.
I had hoped that liberal and enlightened thought
would have reconciled the Christians
so that their religious fights would not endanger the peace of Society."
Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.
I figured it was best to lump these together, so if I am hated, it can be for one post and not three! My views (obviously, they aren't 'right' or 'wrong'- just my thoughts!):
Gay marriage: I am a straight girl who married a straight guy. I suppose that means I believe in traditional marriage. But I think marriage is what you make of it, just like a couple dating for a few years could have a much closer and stronger relationship than a couple married ten. Marriage is hard and wonderful and horrible and beautiful. I think if someone wants to risk their heart, it shouldn't matter who they risk it with- so I don't have a problem with this.
Religion: I guess this is where the above view would get me in trouble, and that is why I chose the George Washington quote at the beginning. I am a Christian- I believe in God, I believe in the devil, and I believe in sin and redemption from it. I also believe that the Bible is God-inspired, but people (even back to King James) have so twisted and diluted what was intended that it's now used to condemn and judge and use however best suits that individual. I also believe that not every minute detail of everything is covered, which is why you need a relationship with God to guide you with common sense and love. I think the way so many Christians exclude others and have a holier-than-thou attitude is why there aren't more Christians in the world. I hesitate to talk much about my faith because I don't want to be seen as narrow-minded as so many are.
Politics: This might be the most controversial of all! It seems that certain groups of people are compelled to vote certain ways without any actual thought in the process. If you're a Christian, for example, or someone on the west coast, or a military family, or a poor person, or a rich person- the stereotypes of who votes for who are usually sound. In fact, even my parents have grouped me into a category- young people, who my dad likes to call "hope-y change-y". Obviously, you know my view now. But although I tend to lean more in one direction because of my personal beliefs, I honestly do pay attention to both sides and try to make a decision without party influence. (Side note: I also really, really, really like The Daily Show.)
Drugs and alcohol: This may be a surprise to some people. Smoking is a bad habit, but not the end of the world. Alcohol is fairly simple to me- fine in moderation, bad if it leads to drinking and driving or other stupid choices, or if you already have a personal or family history of alcoholism. Drugs are not so simple to me: I think most are bad, but I think medical marijuana is legitimate, and I think it should be legal (with restrictions like alcohol, of course). Except for a few people I know, most would disagree with me on this, and that's fine.
Some of these things are irrelevant to me personally- I will never be a married lesbian, nor am I on drugs. So take it all with a grain of salt. I've considered them all, and that's where I'm at. Now you all know where I stand! What are your thoughts?
2 kind comments from you:
I agree with most of these statements. Would it surprise you that there is an opened bottle of red wine in my fridge?
I think that it is a bit crazy that medical marijuana is so controversial, when there are so many other medications out there that have much worse side effects. Why is it that we trust kids with vicodin (like after wisdom teeth are pulled. I had pretty big bottle of it) but we don't trust adults with medical marijuana?
Ok, so while we are on the Gay supject, have you read this post over at Scary Mama?
http://www.scarymommy.com/is-gay-ok/
It's about a mom's struggle with her son's fourth grade teacher being Gay. It is very well written, but some of the comments are down right hateful. While I will never be a married lesbian, I might run into that issue! I also hope I never need medical Marijuana, but the vicodin was fun. Of course I only used it as directed. :)
Good post. Here's my quick shots at it:
1. I think the failure of straight marriage is a bigger threat to society that gay marriages. Our country's problem with marriage goes beyond gender...and into what it really means to love someone. Until we figure out that problem, the other issues don't matter.
2. I'm with you here. The church in America has become so tainted with politics that we love people unless they disagree with us on politics. Then we judge them. BTW, have you or Sky read Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller? It's a book that started to give me hope beyond the ultra-conservative, judgmental Christianity that is so prevalent in America (did someone say Xenia CC?!). Best book I've ever read on faith/religion. You should check it!
3. No party has the right answers, but each party has a few pieces of it. I wish I was allowed to vote on legislation and not just on politicians.
4. I'd say obesity is just as big an issue as drugs/alcohol/cigarettes. Food kills too...we should make it illegal.
~ Niko P
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