Join the debate: Biblical argument against same-sex marriage cannot stand – Religious scholars

Biblical Marriage
A trio of Iowa-based religious scholars penned an op-ed in a local paper this week, reminding readers that despite popular opinion, the Bible does not simply define marriage as between one man and one woman.

The joint editorial was written by Hector Avalos, Robert R. Cargill and Kenneth Atkinson and published in the Des Moines Register on Sunday. The men teach at Iowa State University, University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa, respectively.

“The debate about marriage equality often centers, however discretely, on an appeal to the Bible,” the authors wrote. “Unfortunately, such appeals often reflect a lack of biblical literacy on the part of those who use that complex collection of texts as an authority to enact modern social policy.”

The Bible’s definition of marriage can be confusing and contradictory, noted the scholars. They stated in their column that a primary example of this is the religious book’s stance on polygamy, a practice that was embraced by prominent biblical figures Abraham and David. Furthermore, Avalos, Cargill and Atkinson point out that various Bible passages mention not only traditional monogamy, but also self-induced castration and celibacy, as well as the practice of wedding rape victims to their rapists.

In an interview with The Huffington Post, Iowa University Professor Robert R. Cargill said the column was the brainchild of his colleague Hector Avalos, who suggested local scholars put together an “educated response” to the often-touted claim that the Bible defines marriage as solely between one man and one woman. “[T]hat’s not the only thing the Bible says,” Cargill told HuffPost.

He explained that it is obvious to scholars (and some religious leaders) that the Bible endorses a wide range of relationships. But he noted, however, that professors are “terrified” of the potential backlash that might result from opening a dialogue about these relationships. Cargill also noted that the initial response to the Register column has included its fair share of vitriol.

Ultimately, said Cargill, a Biblical “argument against same-sex marriage is wholly unsustainable. We all know this, but very few scholars are talking about it, because they don’t want to take the heat.”

He suggested that academics who continue to be cowed by a strident opposition do a disservice to their communities.

“Most people aren’t dumb, they want to make an informed decision” on religiously charged questions, Cargill said. “If scholars aren’t talking to them, they have to rely on talk show hosts and pundits, and that’s not the most reliable source of information.”

Cargill also realizes that there are some people he may never be able to convince.

Many politicians have made a career out of using the Bible to justify opposition to hot-button topics like same-sex marriage or abortion. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), for example, told a crowd of evangelicals in April that Americans cannot “retreat from our values and fail to make the case on issues like marriage — because it is one man, one woman — because God said it is.”

Cargill said Bachman and her like-minded colleagues use a strategy he calls “cherry picking” to appeal to their base.

“Politicians who use the Bible aren’t necessarily interested in the truth or the complexity of the Bible,” he said. “They are looking for one ancient sound bite to convince people what they already believe.”

Anyone who argues that “the Bible speaks plainly on one issue, especially something as complicated as marriage … haven’t take the time to read all of it,” he added.

Read more: Huffington post

Comments (7)

  1. …and what is God's punishment to the people of Lot…?!

    1. let those fellows open their minds wen studying d bible or beta still consult a man of God full of d holy spirit 2 teach them 4 they’r still babies. i knw they must hv come across Gen.2:24, bt bcos they didn’t hv d right knowledge they neva knew dat Adam full of d wisdom of God ws speaking d mind of God 4 mankind. for goodness sake even male pigs can’t mate male pigs it’s a height of pervasion. u cannot fight God. anyway, children of perdition shud b allowed 2 destruction themselves. for i knw dt no elect will even tink in dt direction. Jesus i thank u. d bible said dt i’m complete in u who is d head of all principalities n powers.

    2. let those fellows open their minds wen studying d bible or beta still consult a man of God full of d holy spirit 2 teach them 4 they’r still babies. i knw they must hv come across Gen.2:24, bt bcos they didn’t hv d right knowledge they neva knew dat Adam, full of d wisdom of God, ws speaking d mind of God 4 mankind. for goodness sake even male pigs can’t mate male pigs it’s a height of pervasion. u cannot fight God. anyway, children of perdition shud b allowed 2 destruction themselves. for i knw dt no elect will even tink in dt direction. Jesus i thank u. d bible said dt i’m complete in u who is d head of all principalities n powers.

  2. Let them paint d bible anyhow they like to suit there quest 4 dsame sex marriage! God is nt a man, they can deceive fool bt nt pple like me. The bible is against dsame sex mariage, perhaps they shuld tel us where dsame sex mariage is in d bible. I Hav nt heard them talk abt sodom and gomorah.

  3. Let them paint d bible anyhow they like to suit there quest 4 dsame sex marriage! God is nt a man, they can diceive fool bt nt pple like me. The bible is against dsame sex mariage, perhaps they shuld tel us where dsame sex mariage is in d bible. Hav nt heard them talk abt sodom and gomorah.

  4. End-time signs. This are d anti-christ d bible talked about. I am not suprise, they are all agent of darkness. Jesus is coming very soon.

  5. That is it because naturally man is polygamous while only Islam encourage it among the religions and only 4 wives for a person but what of christianity that is the Roman perception that one man one wife.

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