Secular Summary and Theological Introduction

As the defense of marriage continues, I'm now shifting to the theological side of the argument.  The previous weeks laid out the secular argument including

• the impact of marriage on the stability of society,
• This noted Zimmerman's study on the three types of family (trustee, domestic and atomistic) and his conclusion that the dominance of the atomistic family which exalts an individual's rights above the family's usually signifies a civilization in its ultimate decline.
• It also noted Unwin's study of eighty cultures trying to prove that you do not need monogamous, heterosexual marriage for society to thrive.  Instead he proved that without exception, unless a society embraces absolute monogamy between a man and a woman in marriage, the society would collapse. 
• marriage as necessary for children,
• Marriage ties parents- especially fathers- to their children, which is necessary and just for the child.
• A same-sex union cannot equal opposite-sex marriage because it requires a third party to have children.
• Biology is the primary way we determine parentage and children are ordinarily entitled to a relationship with their biological parents.
• The State currently and historically simply recognizes parenthood, it doesn't determine it.  This is giving a huge amount of power to the state.
• and the loss of civil liberties
• What the state recognizes as equal, it must protect as equal.
• Examples include Catholic Charities in Boston and DC.

Again, our Bishops understand this.  Pope Benedict said in regard to marriage, "What's at risk is the future of society." 

Cardinal Arinze noted, 'If we lose marriage, society will collapse." 

And Denver's own Archbishop Chaput stated, "Although abortion is the greatest evil or our time, the greatest and most eminent threat is same-sex marriage."

Our Bishops and Christian leadership have studied theology and understand God's great love.  Scripture says that "God is love."  Yes, this means that He loves us, but more importantly it describes the relationship within God.  God is not a singular, lonely figure in the Heavens, but an eternal exchange of love between the Father, Son and Spirit.  The Father and the Son love each other so much and so personally, holding nothing back but giving completely of themselves, that the love exchanged is another person- the person of the Holy Spirit.  In Marriage, we see this echoed in the love of a husband and a wife.  They love each other so deeply that nine months later, you have to give that love a name!  (Or as Christopher West says, "you have to change its diaper!)

Everything that is good and holy comes from the Lord.  His way is our only true hope for happiness.  Deviating from His will might bring a moment of pleasure, but will ultimately leave us unsatisfied and wounded.  Every desire for union and intimacy with another, is simply a shadow of the ultimate union with the Lord, for whom we all long. 

God created us with certain appetites for good.  We desire food, sex, companionship, sleep, free time and more.  Satan, who hates what God creates and desiring to destroy it, can create nothing new, all he can do is to twist these desires.  Original sin is displayed in our wounded nature.  Our will and appetites disordered.  We want what WE want, not what He wants and our priorities are out of order.  For example, we desire food, but too much and not the right kind.  We desire sex, but struggle to keep it inside of marriage and open to life.  Our relationships are disordered.  We desire intimacy and union, but (for example) are tempted to place the affirmation of friends and loved ones ahead of the Lord.  We are tempted to be popular rather than holy.

We have bought into the sexual revolution of lies.  Pope Paul VI warned us in Humanae Vitae that we were headed for heartache.  (Janet Smith has a great article on Pope Paul VI's predictions coming true HERE.)  We have been told that the counterfeit is the real thing and the real thing is the counterfeit.  Our society today cannot fathom the concept of life-long married love as a vehicle to know, love, and serve the Lord better.  And this is what we must correct.  This is what we must fight for.  This is what we must stand up for and defend. 

Our friends, neighbors, and leaders are wounded by these lies, and it is our duty and honor to share the GOOD NEWS of REDEMPTION!  In Christ these wounds are healed.  Grace helps us reorder these wounded appetites. 

Therefore, I hope you stick with me for the next several Marriage Mondays to discover the HOPE that God's Word offers in regards to the Sacrament of Marriage.  We will discover the true gift that it is and healing it offers society.