Why Does Traditional Marriage Matter?

Hubby and I clicked on the television the other night, and ended up watching a few minutes of a show called (I believe) "The Scholar." It was one of those reality-competition shows--in this case, between students competing for a college scholarship. My interest was piqued by this particular episode's challenge: Two groups of students had to debate whether or not homosexuals should be allowed to marry. The most interesting, and disturbing thing, was that the students who had to take the "con position" against gay marriage were absolutely horrified at the prospect. Apparently many of today's youth are so conditioned by the gay-rights agenda, that they believe that only bigots can hold the position that legalized homosexual marriage is undesirable for society.

During the debate, these students tried their best to imagine what those "bigoted opponents of gay marriage" must believe, and to sound convincing. But they failed miserably, in my opinion, to capture the true argument. They rattled off rhetoric about how marriage has always been between a man and a woman, and that the majority of Americans, especially "religious" ones want it to stay that way. "Do we want to abandon the religious beliefs of our forefathers?" they asked. While these things may be true, they are not in and of themselves a reason to deny marriage to gays. There must be compelling reasons to continue to define marriage as between one man and one woman, besides the fact that "it's always been done that way."

I believe that there are VERY compelling reasons, some of which I explained in my last post. I think Christians have a special obligation to know these reasons. "Because God says it" is not a good enough reason when talking to people who do not care what God says. When God establishes an ideal for us to aspire to, it's because He knows what will make our lives and our societies work the best. What is it about marriage between a man and a woman that benefits individuals and societies? Here is a good summary that helps clarify some reasons for why traditional marriage matters.