Articles
Slouching Toward Gomorrah
The title of this article is also the title of a book written by Robert Bork in 1996. The book is an insightful treatment on how American society came to be what it is. And what is it? Our Supreme Court will soon be voting on whether marriage should be defined as a union between a male and a female. The alternative to that bedrock principle: Marriage is a legal arrangement between any two (or more) consenting adults (at least as far as the law currently defines an “adult” and bigamy).
Many of us have observed how swiftly such changes have come. But this is not entirely accurate. Such sweeping, fundamental changes do not generally happen quickly. They are the end result of many contributing forces which have largely gone unnoticed because of an inability (or unwillingness) to anticipate and understand consequences. Bork discusses various factors which have played a role in the unraveling of our moral fabric: a dying work ethic and resultant sense of entitlement; radical feminism; a coarsening of culture; unfettered sexuality leading to abortion and deviancy; religious compromise and other “perfect storm” degeneracy.
While we could profitably discuss at length the various causes of the impending collapse of marriage, the rest of this article will focus on the possible and even likely ripple effect in the wake of such a decision.
There have been many voices, even among Christians, opining: “If two people of the same gender want to get married, what will it hurt? It is their private business, and society shouldn’t infringe their right.” But is this true, or is it naïve assessment of the same type that ignored the previous warning signs?
It is already obvious that wedding-related businesses have been and will continue to be affected, personal conscience notwithstanding. Caterers, florists, photographers, clothiers, etc. will be prohibited by law from “discriminating.” This includes preachers and clergy. I foresee the day when I will likely abstain from performing all wedding ceremonies to avoid rejecting those that would violate my faith. Other businesses will also be affected as a “zero-tolerance” enforcement of anti-discrimination laws takes full effect.
We have also seen the impact already upon psychological counselors. It is prohibited in many places, and will only expand under change of law, to counsel clients away from a homosexual orientation. I personally know a man in California who was in the forefront of the battle to defend such counseling before the state legislature only to see the measure defeated. Can you envision parents being fined, jailed and/or stripped of their parental rights because they sought to lead their confused son or daughter back to a godly perspective? Or a counselor being decertified because of their attempt to steer a patient away from homosexual interests?
Churches will likely have their services picketed. Arrest/fines/jail may be forthcoming for preaching certain messages or reading passages condemning deviant practices. Private religious colleges that teach the Scriptural view of marriage and immorality and/or refuse to hire practicing homosexuals as educators and staff will be financially penalized or lose their accreditation.
Text books will be published to include sexually-deviant practices and marriages. California and Massachusetts have already implemented such. Even our own Fairfax County School Board recently adopted a non-discrimination policy toward transgendered students and faculty. This same policy in California resulted in allowing students to choose their own bathrooms. This list is not exhaustive, but lengthening it would not change the spiritual mandate: Brethren, let us pray, and let your light shine!
