Christianity suffered another setback two weeks ago when the Catholic Church declared that gay marriage was sinful and should not receive the blessing of the church.
Here is what the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith which is responsible for defending Catholic doctrine said:
– Same-sex marriages are not part of God’s plan for families and raising children.
– Whatever positive elements there may be in a gay union cannot justify these relationships and render them legitimate objects of an ecclesial blessing.
– Bestowing a blessing on a same-sex couple’s relationship would also be an “imitation” of the nuptial blessing on a relationship that involves “sexual activity outside of marriage,” thus, “God does not and cannot bless sin.”
Score another one for moral blindness and ecclesial judgmentalism.
Not that the Catholic hierarchy doesn’t have the authority to make such judgments. That hierarchy can and does define what it means to be Catholic (which is why I will never be one, I might add).
In this instance, though, members of the Congregation showed just how “old” their worldview is, presuming as they did that sexual orientation is a choice people make rather than a disposition genetic research has shown is actually the case.
But that is not even their most egregious error. Beyond presenting the church as unloving and judgmental, they crossed the line into an appalling self-righteousness when they assumed they were speaking for God.
This is why they not only damaged the credibility of the Catholic Church, they further eroded the trustworthiness of Christianity itself.
The presumption by the Vatican that it has the authority or right to speak for God is unfortunately indicative of an overreach common to Christians of all stripes.
The usual justification we hear from people who dare to speak for God is that they are saying what the Bible says.
In Unbinding Christianity (Unbinding+Chrisitia%2Caps%2C210&sr=8-1), I provide an extended explanation of why such a claim is the equivalent of playing God.
What anyone and everyone says about the Bible is an interpretation, thus, any belief based on an interpretation is by nature subject to being wrong.
No belief we hold as human beings escapes the fallibilities that are endemic to our nature. This is why the claim of biblical infallibility is itself an absurd claim that ignores the fact that we are not God.
Even if the Bible were infallible, which it is not, how would we who are fallible know that is the case? You see the problem people who want to speak for God run into right out of the gate.
The most and the best of which anyone of faith can speak has to do with what he or she believes. To be sure, some beliefs have more credibility and make more sense than others, but none is infallible.
Whether or not God considers homosexuality sinful and gay marriage unworthy of divine blessing is known only to God. Whatever we humans say about it is rooted in what kind of God we believe in.
My conviction that gay marriage is equal in the eyes of God to straight marriage stems from my belief that God embraces rather than judges, that God blesses rather than curses, that God loves and never hates and never condemns.
In short, what I believe about God leads me to believe love in a marriage matters more than the sexual orientation with which one is born.
I would not presume to say that what I believe about God is who God is, only that this is who I believe God is. That is as far as any of us can or should go.
The Catholic Church – and many Protestant Christians –obviously think diferently. What they believe about God is different from what I believe and that is their right. What is not their right is to insist God is who they say God is and acts as they say God acts.
So my question to all Christians – Catholic and Protestant – who insist gay marriage is a sin in the eyes of God is this: “Which is the real sin? Same-sex marriage or playing God?”
Throughout its history the Catholic Church has been forced to admit in later generations that it was wrong about what it was once sure of and taught its members to believe.
I believe it will again in regard to same-sex marriage, but when that day comes it will in no way make up for the pain and suffering its current claims about God and marriage are causing gays and lesbian Catholics and those of us who believe the heart of God is bigger than the church’s.
linnposts.com 
Well said, Jan, well said!
Thanks, Jane.
I’m entirely on board with your views here. Also, as I read this, I’m inclined to go even further. Why don’t we question the concept of “marriage” itself as it exists in our contemporary American and other cultures? Has it not been historically a form of ownership rather than partnership? (“Who gives this woman…”) We’ve mostly fallen far short of the ideal of “till death us do part.” Perhaps a commitment to parenthood is the only “deal” that’s required to hold a couple together in the eyes of the law and society. And we can support the vital agency of parenthood in many, many ways.
You make a good point, Barbara, but I think we have made progress in understanding marriage is not about men owning women, but is a co-equal relationship. The pronouncement of “man and wife” has been changed by most ministers to “husband and wife,” and the charge is usually about responsibilities for both parties. I also think the act of marriage means something to people who see it as a healthy way. All that said, marriage doesn’t in and of itself make for happiness. I know couples who live together without it who seem to be very happy. Also, today there are many legal ramifications of marriage, which is one of the reasons it is important to gay couples. Good comment. Thanks.
I wish Jan incorporated a “LIKE” button for comments. I like your comment, with which I agree.
Thank you, Jan. Sue and I appreciate and greatly value your support.
Judy, everyone who knows both of you as Joy and I do knows what I wrote is true. Thanks for sharing your comment.
Well said, sir. I totally agree!!
Jan,
I found myself laughing periodically as I made my way through your post, not because you were saying anything inherently funny or trying to elicit laughter from readers, but because you were systematically demonstrating the silliness and illogical thinking among Catholics and Protestants who attempt to play God.
One can almost hear God laughing at their presumptuousness in claiming to to know His / Her position on gays and lesbians and same-sex marriage.
I am laughing (sadly) again as I think about your apt closing verdict on the church and “the pain and suffering its…claims about God and marriage are causing” gays and lesbians who believe the heart of God is bigger than the church’s.” The heart of God is bigger than they can even imagine!!
Bill Blackwell
Well said, Bill. Sometimes we have to laugh to keep from crying.
It is interesting – and not a little amusing – that the “church” claims the power to interpret who God is and what he/she expects of us. I am reminded of a message “sent from God” to the prophet of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints regarding body piercing: “Latter-day prophets strongly discourage the piercing of the body except for medical purposes. If girls or women desire to have their ears pierced, they are encouraged to wear only one pair of modest earrings.Those who choose to disregard this counsel show a lack of respect for themselves and for God. They will someday regret their decision.” I wonder if God has an opinion on the color of my nail polish? Just asking…
Peggi, speaking for God leads people into an abyss, making religion in general and Christianity in particular less and less credible. If I were you I wouldn’t wait for God to choose the color of your nail polish.
Jan, as one who grew up in the Catholic faith, and as one who in the last twelve years has committed my life to Christianity in general, I am in awe of this masterpiece of truthfulness and of love. This is not a cynical or anti-Christian, judgmental expose on righteousness. It is a neo-gospel like oratory of what I think Jesus would say if He was alive today. I wish you could conduct a three day seminar to the Pope and the leaders of each religion today. In my mind it would change the world.
John, you are excessively gracious in your praise of this piece. Thank you. I have no aim except to speak honestly and I hope informatively on subjects that affect us all. This stand by the church has brought pain to many individuals and families. Why the church believes doctrine is more important than relationships of love is an enigma beyond my capacity to understand. One wonders if the church – Catholic and Protestant – will ever have ears to hear the gospel Jesus taught and lived.
Jan,
The typical “Christian” that I encounter has no idea what Jesus taught and lived. As some magical “son of God” they hear about him on Sundays and ignore his presence in the everyday world where his message is most urgently needed.
Bill Blackwell
That will preach, Bill.
Thanks. I know what a compliment that is……