Causes of Gay Marriage Issues within the Church

In the current world, there is a contentious discussion about whether gay marriage should be legalized. In addition, by 2004, this practice was prohibited in the majority of nations. In recent years, gay marriage has gained support in a number of nations, including the United States. However, until 2006, same-sex marriage couples continued to face discrimination (Bedi). Because so few nations have passed laws expressing support for homosexuals, gay marriage continues to be a societal issue. The main cause of the opposition that has been seen is the belief that same-sex unions will have a negative impact on society. On the other hand, the countries that have passed bills that legalize gay marriages still have mixed reactions and divisions in the public domain regarding this matter.

Religion and the Impact on Gay Marriages

Religion is the social institution most affected by the legalization of gay marriages. In particular, the church has come out openly to oppose legislation whose aim is to legalize same-sex marriages. However, the case is different for church members. It is important to note that majority of the Catholics, Protestants, and other unaffiliated churches have no problems with the passing of legislation that allow gay marriages (Goldberg-Hiller 10). Therefore, the support that has sprouted has led to newer arguments regarding same-sex marriages. On the other hand, religion has impacted on the perceptions people hold regarding gay marriages. While some churches strongly hold their stand against this practice, others are out there doing antidiscrimination campaigns against the homosexuals. Divergence emanates when churchgoers take into consideration what kind of influence the gay teachers will have on children as the outcome may be an increase in homosexuals in the society.

Causes of Gay Marriage Issues within the Church

The causes of divisions regarding gay marriages have arisen due to the presence of many denominations which push for different values and ideologies. Whereas some churches consider same-sex marriages as a sin, others have realized that the sexual inclination of a person does not solely lie as a choice to one. Secondly, proponents of the debate have now emphasized the practices of a given denomination. For example, the Anglican Church is willing to conduct a gay marriage whereas the Church of England strongly believes that its values do not allow it to oversee such activities. (Bedi) Third, there is the freedom of worship which gives one the right to follow any religion they please. For this reason, some churches have embraced same-sex marriages to pull congregations.

Consequences

One of the consequences of the division of churches on the issue of gay marriages is the issuance of sanctions. For example, the Scotland Anglican Church has been barred from the decision-making policy owing to its support for same-sex marriages. On the other hand, this matter is likely to precipitate the legalization of polygamy and other gender-associated theories (Harry and Robert 179). Third, supporting gay marriages by the church will change the way members of the society perceive the family structure. In particular, the children will not know the rights of their mother or father in the event of a conflict. Lastly, there will be problems in trying to balance the marriage equality for both heterosexual and homosexual couples (Goldberg-Hiller 33). Hence, there is a likelihood that the division of churches on this social issue will create a broader rift and thereby make the consequences problematic.

Conflict Theoretical Paradigm

The conflict theory views the society from a perspective where it is characterized by inequalities which bring about rivalries and the need for change. One of the assumptions of this theory is structural inequality which explains that the benefiting group will try to maintain their status (Harry and Robert 182). In the case of the church, there have been divisions because heterosexual marriages fall under the benefiting group and have formed the traditional family structure as outlined in the bible. However, the same-sex marriages are uncommon and are trying to find their place in the society, but the church wants to retain the status quo. Hence, this has led to divisions in the church. Concerning the consequences, this theory outlines social change as an assumption (Harry and Robert 183). The change takes place owing to competing interests which will yield to sanctioning of some churches, legalization of polygamy, erosion of the family structure, and problems in striking a balance between heterosexual and homosexual marriage equity.

Conclusion

The conflict theory paradigm explains various occurrences in life ranging from education to sports. However, for it to apply to a given scenario, there is the need to conduct a critical analysis. It is important to note that in a societal setting, there are individuals who are loser and winners. Hence, conflict theory comes in handy when addressing the points of stress and how people can move to attain social change (Harry and Robert 183). The theory applies to my life and in particular in my place of work. If I decide to go against the fiduciary duty as speculated in the employment contract for my own benefit, then I will have created a conflict of interest.

Works Cited

Bedi, Sonu. "Not About Gay Rights: Same Sex Marriage And The Separation Of Church And State." HuffPost. N.p., 2013. Web. 11 Dec. 2017.

Goldberg-Hiller, Jonathan. The limits to union: Same-sex marriage and the politics of civil rights. University of Michigan Press, 2004.

Harry, Joseph, and Robert Lovely. "Gay marriages and communities of sexual orientation." Journal of Family and Economic Issues 2.2 (1979): 177-200.