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... For many, the idea of marriage fills them with anticipation and excitement, but for some, it brings heartache and hopelessness because they know that marriage, although something they desire is not something within their grasp. “Marriage is a powerful and important affirmation of love, a source of social recognition and support, and the legal gateway to a vast array of protections, responsibilities, and benefits, most of which cannot be replicated in any other way,” yet, for many same-sex couples, marriage is something that they are unable to attain.
When speaking about the institution of marriage in terms of theology, there are two main values that are upheld by the Christian Church, those being procreation and fidelity. As far as the aspect of procreation is concerned, the Church feels that the willingness to bear children within the boundaries of the sacrament of marriage is crucial for all couples entering into matrimony. The Church places utmost importance on procreation, almost making it seem as though the only point of marriage is to have children. ... ” This statement explains that childlessness can be compensated for; therefore, if a same-sex couple enters into the institution of marriage but is unable to have children, as long as they make up for that childlessness by serving their community or performing other services in the name of God, the Church should recognize it as a marriage. In addition, Eugene Rogers points out two dangers of putting so much emphasis on procreation and making it the central purpose of marriage. First, when the Church puts so much weight on procreation, it is almost demeaning a non-fertile heterosexual marriage because of their incapacity to bear children. ... On the issue of fidelity, Matzko says, “Infidelity contradicts the theological character of marriage as a steadfast covenant of intimate self-giving.” Therefore, contrary to childlessness, infidelity in a marriage cannot be compensated for, because recurring affairs will ultimately lead to the obliteration of the marriage.
Approximate Word count = 1556
Approximate Pages = 6.2
(250 words per page double spaced)
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