WHY MARRIAGE?

So – Why Marriage? Well, statistically speaking there is surmounting evidence that marriage is the core footing of any society. It lays the foundation for successful families. It promotes selflessness and compassion. Married folk can plan on a longer life expectancy. It is good for the economy. Children with married parents generally perform better in school. Married couples tend to live healthier lifestyles, and crime is less likely to happen among married men. Don’t believe me? Check it out.

 http://marripedia.org/effects_of_marriage_on_society (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) 

Most if not all of these reports are dating up to 2006. Statistics continue to pour in supporting these claims year after year. Non-traditional unions (single-parent homes, co-parenting, cohabitation, etc.) do not have the same results. The mental health industry is booming with an influx in younger and younger cliental, with the majority coming from a non-traditional home. With these things to consider, it is kind of safe to say that odds are in your favor if you choose traditional marriage as your lifestyle.

Ok, so what’s the big deal? So many have argued as of late the importance of this age-old institution called marriage, and with the obvious reason. Divorce is on the rise. Broken family is a NORM. Married people argue and fight all the time. Children are difficult (trust me on this one). The definition of marriage is shifting drastically. And now, gender or sex is no longer a real concern when creating this once outlined union between a man and a woman. So, why get married?

YES, I know, this is a risky (possibly socially suicidal) topic. So, let me start with this; 

I AM IN NO WAY AGAINST ANY INDIVIDUAL OR UNION OF INDIVIDUALS THAT WISH TO PURSUE THEIR LIFE DREAMS, GOALS, OR AMBITIONS SO LONG AS IT IS NOT AT THE HARM OF THEMSELVES, OR OF ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL/S. 

There, I will leave this in all caps, not because I am yelling it (I might be), but for the ease of the reader who may interpret my words as being harmful, bigoted, or even just distasteful. This will make it easy for you to reference later if need be.

In the most recent years, we have witnessed a heated debate happening in our society regarding the importance of protecting this age-defying union between a man and a woman. Why would we need to “protect” something that is so obviously important to society's fabric? Well, for several reasons. But, for purposes of this blog and due to time, let's just focus in on the recent act of redefining marriage. In 2015, the debate happening among American citizens regarding same-sex marriage was taken off the streets, and placed in the hands of our very own Supreme Court. 5 appointed (important fact here) judges decided to sidestep what we call Due Process and make law ...by redefining a law ...in their favor.  

Read about Obergefell v. Hodges here. 

https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/14-556_3204.Pdf

Regardless of your stance on marriage, this ruling should be alarming to you. IT IS TO ME. If it isn’t, then perhaps you did not pay attention to the how and focused more on the what.  I can see the joy of getting something you are in favor of. For example, I like nice cars, but I don’t want one if it is stolen. That would be careless and risky, not to mention illegal. Justice Kennedy said these words in response to the ruling; 

"Most Americans—understandably—will cheer or lament today's decision because of their views on the issue of same-sex marriage. But all Americans, whatever they're thinking on that issue, should worry about what the majority's claim of power portends."

Essentially, what we have here is the overreach of our own federal government, done by the office and title of the Supreme Court.

Remember this guy from School House Rocks? The “Bill” has a due process, and it is not by heading straight to the Supreme Court House and asking for a pass. The supreme court was not appointed (there is that important word again) to make laws. In fact, NOBODY in our country is appointed to make laws. Lawmakers are voted in by the citizens. Now, I know, you may argue that the Honorable Judges were defining a constitutional right and that what they did was protect equal rights for everyone in this country. That sounds like a fair argument, but it is weak in merit. Listen to what the honorable Justice Thomas had to say: 

“liberty has long been understood as individual freedom from governmental action, not as a right to a particular governmental entitlement" 

Perhaps the overlooked-crime actually began when the federal government started making marriage a federal concern? –Just a thought, but not the topic of today, so moving on.

The Due Right Process is something that every citizen, was robbed of on that fateful day, regardless of their personal stance on marriage.

Ponder on this statement made by the dissenting Justice Thomas:

"liberty has long been understood as individual freedom from governmental action, not as a right to a particular governmental entitlement" 

Justice Thomas continues to express his concerns about the threat of undermining the process of religious liberty. He profoundly describes the inability of the government to bestow dignity. It is not something that can be given or taken away. Rather, dignity is a natural right that is innate within every human being. Not even slavery or internment camps can take that away!

Although I have a list of reasons as to why I wish to defend traditional marriage, today in this post I feel most concerned about the protection of Due Process, and how it has taken something that is found sacred to so many and redefined it on the premises of "equal rights." This is reason enough for me to also feel concern for my religious freedoms, and how they too have come under evaluation by such rulings. 

You may find this interesting, if you are of the traditional Christian faith, and would wish to listen to additional religious insights on this topic. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7V1dbIN4ps