The Definition of Marriage

First off, if you are a supporter of gay marrige, go take a look at whiteknot.org , I think it's a pretty good idea.

Now, I'm sorry I am stuck on this topic right now, but I am very passionate about this, so obviously I'm going to write about it. I'll try to find something else to write about soon! ;p

A response to my last blog made me think (which I love to do, so please if you agree or disagree feel free to comment!) if some think marriage is strictly religious, does that mean that people of other religions are not married? (I'm going to pick on Christianity here because I know more about it, but the same thing stands for religion in general.)

So do most Christians not think that Muslims, Hindu's, Jew's etc. are not married because they do not believe in the same God or that Jesus is not the son of God? Having grown up in a Christian household, I know I never thought that, but it seems to me that if you think that marriage is strictly a religious right, then if they do not believe in the same religion, they must not be married. The same goes for Christians who get married at a court house or by a Justice of the Peace. I know quite a few people who were married that way that are Christians and they do consider themselves married. Are they not? If your definition of marriage is strictly are religious one, then they must not be.

Do you see where the problem lies? The US is in a tizzy over the definition of a word. People are arguing sometimes for the same thing (in some way) but sound to each other as though they are on opposite sides. I know some people who say that same-sex couples should be allowed to have the same legal rights as married couples but should not be allowed to marry. Obviously they ascribe to the belief that marriage is absolutely a religious thing. (What I find funny is that some of them were 'married' at the court house, or have friends that were and they still consider them married.) But ultimately, they say they agree with what same-sex couples want; to have the same legal rights as hetro couples they just are arguing over the definition without realizing it.

I think the definition of marriage is a legal one, and therefore all people regardless of religion and sexual preference have the right to be married to the person they love provided both parties are consenting adults. Should you want to also be married and in contract with your God, then that is wonderful for you, and that is your right but saying marriage is strictly religious is discrimination.

Perhaps at one time, the word marriage was a religious word or had religious connotation (though in the dictionary it is not and we had evidence of marriage before Christianity, but I doubt it was called that as it was a Middle English word, but again with the definition thing), and if it was, it has changed. Words change meanings all the time. The English language is fluid, not a fixed construct, words we use everyday do not mean the same things that they once did. You can find list after list of such words on the internet. Some of my favorites; Awful once meant full of awe, brave once meant coward (hence the word bravado), hussy referred to a respectable married woman today it means anything but.

So, maybe it is time to redefine marriage for our time and perhaps a lot more people would agree on this subject.