Dr. Bock,

While I agree with you on the morality, rather the immorality of homosexuality I have a some questions in mind about legislation. I detest the way people twist and distort what the text says, especially when they hate the text itself. (or they hate the ideas of the text...) I spent a lot of time, money and energy learning how to handle these texts properly (not to mention dealing with a horribly hard-nosed Luke-Acts prof!) so it pains me to see when people mishandle them. So, we are on the same page when it comes to the sinfulness of homosexuality.

Where my questions remain unanswered is on the issue of marriage in the civic arena. In CA "we" (meaning Evangelical Conservative Christians) won when it came to prop 8 and the preservation of marriage. But what did we win? People have more contempt for our faith and it has to wait a while before it appears on the ballot again. It doesn't change what has already transpired concerning civil unions and the like. In that case, I don't know why I'm against the GOVERNMENT allowing gay marriage. It does not impose on my faith and it won't cause me to change my position on homosexuality. Nor, will it magically open my church up to performing same-sex marriages. But will lobbying to keep it outlawed do harm to the reputation of Christians or, more importantly, of Christ?

On the other hand, the government does pass laws to prohibit rights. (I can't kill that lady who almost made me wreck b/c she was texting while driving...) Whether people like it or not, these laws are based on morality. (just some archaic law that say I can't steal other people's stuff, beat up my neighbor, destroy random public property) Personally, I would like the law to prohibit same-sex marriage even if it does prohibit their rights.

Maybe my question is: where is the proper place to stand? Not so much on the issue of homosexuality (I'm firm on that issue) but where to stand on the issue of same-sex marriage in the context of public policy. The truth in love is a tricky line to walk.

Any thoughts or words of wisdom o' sage?

Thanks