Originally posted by: OrByte
Originally posted by: HardcoreRobot
Sadly, it doesn't matter what you think. A large portion of people will interpret your union as a bond under god and want to define it as such. Furthermore, the CONCEPT itself is a religious construct. Whether you are religious or not, whether you have a religious ceremony or not, the act of officially marrying is steeped in religious history.
Granted, there were likely monogamous relationships prior to the invention of organized religion (makes biological sense given the long gestation period and child development times, also curtails STD spreading), it was religion that institutionalized it. Society is becoming more secular all the time (globalization/mass media/education), but we must not forget where the concept came from (in this country, Christianity's marriage concept specifically).
You keep saying that marriage is "steeped in religious history." You even go so for to qualify your argument that "we <not> must forget where the concept came from (in this country, Christianity's marriage concept specifically)"
I take it you think that the origins of marriage are in religion. I think you are wrong. I think you have this very narrow view of marriage (Western Christianity) and unfortunately (for you) here in the USA we are a pluristic society. Marriage is more than just a Christian institution. People were getting married long before Christianity. If I were to read up on the history of marriage I am certain I would find a more broad interpretation than you are leading us to believe. But what do I know... it doesnt matter.
I acknowledge that Christianity's version of marriage is what dominates our culture/society here in America. But AGAIN, a pluristic society allows for the philosophy and traditions of many different types. And generally our laws are built to protect these differences in tradition/philosophies/behaviors/etc etc etc. Are there exceptions to this rule? I think so. But You have to acknowledge that although Christianity's version of marriage is the dominant version, it is not the only version. And to dictate law based on your version/beliefs of marriage is wrong in THIS country at least...
I find it amusing that the type of government you advocate for, if taken to the logical extent in which you believe that your religious beliefs should be legislated, is exactly what some of those Theocracies In Eastern Europe and the Middle East implement. You see the minority believers..the Christians in the middle east, in East Asia, etc etc being persecuting and harmed all the time because of this.
WRT this issue, we are struggling as a society to limit the influence on religion in OUR state of government. Pure and simple.
anyways just my .02. Carry on with your "Crusade"