The debate over gay marriage is commonly presented as a choice between including permission for homosexual and marriage and something called ‘traditional’ marriage.
However, we may ask what is ‘traditional’? It sounds like an attempt to steal the argument by a definition that implies outdatedness. Besides, which tradition is being referred to and at which time and place? It seems that ‘traditional’ is in the eye of the beholder. And thus in this present debate a straw image of ugly, domineering, patriarchal marriage can be constructed, labelled ‘traditional’ and then subjected to disposal.
Is it time to ditch the word ‘traditional’ and its vague historical reference?
Instead, let’s reconsider the Biblical ideal of marriage as a mutual, equal, permanent and exclusive heterosexual union formed under God. Maybe that’s more updated than ‘traditional’.
1 comment:
wow david I didn't know you were such a prodigious writer...on my day off and read through the last years or so...great stuff and very insightful and also helpful. Have taken some of it on board and will apply it. Hope you are well. Andrew Ong
PS you can contact me on my old email if you are free
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