Why are we losing this debate? Some would argue that it's because we're wrong. They prove that by the fact that we're losing this debate. Kind of circular, isn't it? Some would argue that it's because we're not giving the most compelling argument. That, of course, is a given, isn't it? I mean, in terms of debate, the winner of a debate is not the one who is right or wrong, but the one that wins the approval of the hearers. This, of course, must include the prejudices of the hearers. Go to a KKK meeting and extol the virtues of and reasons for putting an end to racism and when it's done you won't be counted as the winner of the debate. (You may not be counted as among the living.) You may have presented the best argument and the most logical argument and the most correct argument, but you did not offer the most compelling argument based on their prejudices.
Why are we losing this debate? It's not because our positions or our arguments are not logical. It's not because we're not offering facts and figures -- sufficient evidence. It's not because we don't have biblical, historical, or moral backing. It's not because we're wrong. Before "right and wrong" is ever considered in a debate in general and quite particularly in this debate, you have to consider the prejudices. The bias of this audience is "Did God say ...?" The predisposition of this group is "I want to be allowed to do what I want to do." All your logic and reasoning and evidence and facts cannot overcome "I want to be able to marry whomever I love" even though the sentence and sentiment is incoherent with any simple, rational examination. The demand of any practical debate is that you must win on the emotional level regardless of the logical consistency. We're arguing with evidence, history, Scripture -- truth -- but we're not winning on the emotional level and thus not winning this debate.
Why are we losing this debate? That's simple.
The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth (Rom 1:18).The remedy is not in a better debate. The remedy is only found in a changed heart, and that is God's venue. Defend the faith, we are told (1 Peter 3:15; Jude 3), and pray (Matt 5:44; 9:38; 1 Thess 5:17; 1 Tim 2:1-8). I'd recommend a heavy emphasis on the latter.
Although they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. (Rom 1:21-25).
For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot (Rom 8:7).
In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Cor 4:4).
You were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience--among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind (Eph 2:1-3).
3 comments:
The fact that we even held sway as long as we did is in itself a miracle.
Yes ... and no. The nation was built on Christian principles by Christian men. This country can only be successful as long as those principles hold, even if they are no longer held by Christians.
I believe, as always, that God is in control. As such, I believe that God has maintained things to accomplish His purposes. Is that a miracle? (That's a question, not a claim.)
The real sway, here, however, is specifically in regard to marriage. And that has been held in place by the vast tide of human history. NO ONE before us has viewed two people of the same gender as "married". Oddly enough, today's generation thinks otherwise.
You said that abortion and marriage were 2 big examples, implying there are others. And yes, I'd have to say that is a miracle, but then, I'd also say salvation is a miracle, defining miracle as anything outside the natural order.
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