It meant in the medieval period to marry out of status and hope of improving that status rather than out of love. Yet love from another being is what we all yearn for and hope to achieve in this life. Even monks who don't marry express love for the Dharma and the Sangha as well as for the laity. Their marriage is again, not "traditional" but their marriage to the three jewels is no less important and fulfilling.
How twisted have some religious veins become that some people are using them to deny people basic happiness and love in a world that is so full of suffering. Why would we want to cause even more suffering by denying people the right to marry the person that they want to share their life with? Shouldn't we be applauding people who want to commit to honor and cherish each other in this world of hatred, isolation and division? Without love for each other I ask, "What chance do we have as a species?"
~Peace to all beings~
10 comments:
James,
really great post! I agree with you totally. Sometimes it's very sad to notice that people are dissing others because of their sexuality and it's even worse when they're using religious statements against others. Dangerous and ignorant. Gay or straight, bi- or trans, it doesn't matter. We're all the same.
Gassho,
Uku
Great post. Have nothing to add. Keith is a real hero of mine, a constant voice of sanity. Everything in that video he said I've often found myself thinking or saying.
Well said, by both yourself and Olbermann. This may be the best I have ever heard Olbermann. Powerful.
I have been enjoying your blog for a couple of months now. First time commenter. Keep up the good work.
I don't know who said it but...
"I approve of gay marriage. I mean why can't gay people be as miserable as everyone else?"
Classic!
What gay rights activists want is for the state to see their union as legitimate and that seems acceptable to me. It's funny I'm so conservative on many issues but gay rights isn't one of them. Hopefully one day they will get the recognition and acceptence that they wish for.
All people should be able to experience the challenges and "growth opportunities" of marriage. Why restrict the suffering only to heterosexuals?
Thank you for highlighting how modern conservatives are actually guilty of what they claim gays are trying to do--"redefine marriage!" They leave out all the numerous times marriage has been redefined to suit changes in society.
Being gay, I've mostly been ambivalent about marriage. I've been doing fine without any legal or religious structure for several years. So why would i need it? Generally, I still don't know that I do. After all, a piece of paper, a gold ring or repeating a vow in a church doesn't make you a person who will commit to love another.
Christians may say it isn't possible for gays to mirror "traditional marriage," but they are wrong. If my partner and I have been able to do that, this shatters their construct that only heterosexual marriage is beneficial. It also puts their very faith in peril. If "sinful" gays can love just like the heteros, and God is love--where do the gays get their love from?
Riverwolf:
I agree that in the end one doesn't need a piece of paper to validate their relationship. In many ways it more symbolic than anything.
Forest Wisdom:
Thanks for commenting!! Welcome to The Buddhist Blog!! :)
Dhamma81:
I think it shows that you are free thinker and look at each issue on its own. It tells me that you really study issues in detail and then make your best informed decision. I highly respect that and am very much the same way.
Barry and Shunyavadin:
Exactly. Everyone's marriage has the same chances of success: 50/50.
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