Not quite sure who created this image. I noticed it float around Facebook several times over the past year during the heated discussions concerning marriage equality.
In the debate concerning homosexuality being an unbiblical relationship, and the marriage between one man and woman being the true biblical model for marriage, you’ll at some point come across an argument as revealed in this picture….
It all may look silly to you. But these ARE passages in the Bible, right? So wouldn’t that make these ‘biblical marriages’?
So what do we make of it all?
I’ve read a few individuals on the internet say, concerning this image, that we need to look at all of these bible passages in their proper cultural/historical context and see them within the light of the ‘bigger picture’ of scripture (the grand narrative of Genesis to Revelation), rather than isolating them to make our own theological case.
Yet at the same time, these same individuals in the same breath said that the bible is ‘clearly against homosexuality’ and this shouldn’t even be debated in the church.
So… the Bible, when seen in it’s proper context, is ‘clearly’ not in favor of Polygamy? Or having many concubines?
But it is ‘clearly’ against homosexuality?
Now the way these individuals responded is how I am perceiving many within the conservative church respond. These aren’t just a select few. And in their minds (for many, but not all), any ability to engage in dialogue and search the scriptures together with those who consider themselves gay and Christian is out of the picture. It’s a settled matter.
And I personally don’t find that fair.
Is it legitimate to say we need to dig out the context of certain passages in scripture and see it all in it’s proper historical/cultural setting, and yet dismiss that same intellectual honesty and willingness to critically think when men and women in favor of same sex marriage want to do the same with the many passages that appear to be against homosexuality?
It appears there is a picking and choosing of what we need to dig and what we need to just call ‘clearly revealed’ in God’s word.
(Keep in mind, I am addressing an attitude rather than telling you what the Bible does or doesn’t say concerning same sex marriage).
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How would you interpret these passages in the image?
Is it a ‘biblical marriage’?
Do you think there ought to be an allowance for more dialogue in the conservative Christian community with leaders and pastors that are in favor of same sex marriage? Or is it too dangerous to do so?
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