Who knew that when Penelope Gnesin and Brenda Sue Fulton, a West Point graduate, recently exchanged vows in the Cadet Chapel that it would cause so much consternation amongst the religious right.
Various not very nice comments have been leveled at West Point and the couple. So while Robert Knight's comment doesn't take the proverbial cake, they do reveal the weakness of the arguments behind those angry at this wedding:
"It's a disgrace that West Point allowed same-sex so-called 'marriage' in the chapel. That's a blasphemy against God. It goes against the Defense of Marriage Act, a federal law. It's a finger in the eye of God and the American people who still hold to biblical morality, and it was done deliberately. They did it there to make a point."
First of all, I don't think the wedding goes against the Defense of Marriage Act. Secondly, and most importantly, I fail to see how this wedding is an insult to those who supposedly hold to biblical morality seeing that they weren't forced to be there.
Knight's comments underscores a discussion which is sorely needed in this country. Not all Christians believe that homosexuality is a sin. In fact, some LGBTs are Christians. But for those Christians who feel that homosexuality is a sin, how far should the nation go to accommodate their belief, even when it comes to situations that do not directly involve them? Unfortunately, there are some Christians who believe that this country was founded solely for them and the rest of us who don't believe as they do are only here for their will and pleasure. And when challenged on this, they revert to the victimhood mentality, implying that if some of us -particularly lgbts - take full advantage of rights afforded to us, we are somehow targeting them.
This sense of entitlement needs to be nipped because this nation was not created as a homeland for Christians who believe as Knight does, but for all Americans.
Also, the comment that this is a "finger in the eye of . . . the American people who still hold to biblical morality" ignores that the two people married ARE also "the American people." And the folks assembled to witness their marriage are ALSO "the American people."
ReplyDeleteEntitled to more. That nails it.
ReplyDeleteIt is like this "war on Christmas" they keep bringing up every year. Christmas has taken over! There was decorations in the store before Halloween! Try looking for a decoration or mention of any other holiday in the same week.
I am Pagan and I have friends who are Muslim and Jewish. Is it that much to ask that we join the Holiday Season? Maybe display our symbols of faith? According to people like Knight, Jesus is the reason for the season not just Christmas day. Do I get the day off for my holiday? No. Can I find TV programs geared toward my holiday? No. I am bombarded by Christmas for months. TV, radio, shopping. All for one day that many of us are forced to participate in. Check out Jon Stewart's take on this.
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-december-3-2012/the-war-on-christmas--friendly-fire-edition
In regards to the outrage felt by religious opponents of gay rights, I can only say that now I understand and enjoy schadenfreude!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Alvin. What I still fail to understand is why the "Christian" far-right thinks gay people are somehow devaluing marriage by wanting to take part in it. Um, yeah, I want to trash marriage. I think I'll do it by getting married, Huh?
ReplyDeleteMr. Knight needs to get his head out of his ass and learn that this is NOT and never has been a "Christian country" and that our laws and ceremonies are supposed to be good for EVERYONE. This Christian is ashamed of him.
ReplyDelete