A Random thought and Question on Marriage...

[Aiden]

Probably spelling Marriage wrong, but was just thinking a little philosophical tonight.

Here's the Question, Should Marriage be only defined by Christianity?

Why does Christians define it, when it seems, though I may be wrong, that Marriage is used by many countries and many people and many who are not Christians.

Why is Marriage claimed by Christians, and defined by them, when it is used so broadly?

Today they argue over the rights of Marriage and what should be right, but of course in their argument they force their own views on people who choose marriage and who are not of the christian faith.

Here's the other thing.  Why does the government recognize only Marriage?  You fill out a documant, an application, etc, it asks if you are Married, I have rarely seen one which asks about civil unions.  It's no wonder a civil union doesn;t get the same recognition and rights that marriage does.  Many forms needed for services don;t seem to ask about it.  It asks if your married, well your not if it's a civil union.  So next thing know someone looks at document, hey your not married you can't do this, this, and this.  Your not married so your not bonded to your life partner. blah...

So just my thoughts.  Maybe not accurate but it's out.  Anyone else got thoughts?

[Janet_Girl]

Marriage is not just a Christian thing.  My ex and I were married in Reno and not by a minister.  Marriage is just a piece of paper.

Here's the other thing.  Why does the government recognize only Marriage?  You fill out a documant, an application, etc, it asks if you are Married, I have rarely seen one which asks about civil unions.  It's no wonder a civil union doesn;t get the same recognition and rights that marriage does.  Many forms needed for services don;t seem to ask about it.  It asks if your married, well your not if it's a civil union.  So next thing know someone looks at document, hey your not married you can't do this, this, and this.  Your not married so your not bonded to your life partner. blah...

That is why GLBT groups are fighting so hard to get same sex unions legalized.  And there are some of us that are now facing the fact that are they still married to their spouses.

Janet

[lisagurl]

A secular nation does not have to accept a religious term to make laws. Marriage has been a long tradition in many religions and parts of the world. In a country that separates Church and state we can make a new term for the legal recognition and leave the tradition to religion.

[Aiden]

Marriage is not just a Christian thing.  My ex and I were married in Reno and not by a minister.  Marriage is just a piece of paper.

Just making a Note that, that was one of my points LOL  Marriage is not just a Christian thing yet it's being dictated by Christians as if it is.

[tekla]

Marriage is not just a Christian thing yet it's being dictated by Christians as if it is.

Ahh, but if your a Christian, then a non Christian marriage is not a 'real' marriage either.

[Janet_Girl]

The whole thing that they miss is the commitment.  And yes the government needs to change the way it views marriage.  But based on our system of government it has to be at the state level.  And that is where the trouble comes from.  The Federal has a separation between church and state, but the states don't Have that.  Many states base the law on public opinion, which can be very non secular.

[lisagurl]

The point is that people have bindings that have nothing to do with religion, yet it is recognized as marriage.

That is the point. Non traditional bindings deserve a name that is not traditional.

[Aiden]

Truthfully, I don't care if they call it Marriage, civil union, or even ponfarr lol, as long is it gives the same rights as marriage does today and is not singling out a certain group of people.  The word marriage is simply that, a word. It's the people who put the meaning behind the word.  In this case marriage is the word used by the government and religion by people religious and not, except they have singled out gays and lesbians because of the rules of religion is impacting the government form of marriage as well.  Which is as i believe others were saying is our issue.

[myles]

I have deided they can just call it equal opportunity social security benefits union and I'm fine with it!
Honestly I really dont care what they call it if people think marriage is religious I  would prefer civil union then. Just want equal rights in the end.
Myles

[Sarah]

Here's the Question, Should Marriage be only defined by Christianity?

In our Sangha (Buddhist) we have marriages.
Gay, lesbian, straight, genderqueer, it doesn't matter.
Marriage is considered the joining of two people in the arms of the Eternal.
-Sara