An Article of Faith

This past Sunday, April 26, more than 45,000 pastors held a “Stand for Marriage Sunday” just two days before the U.S. Supreme Court began to hear oral arguments on the definition of marriage this past Tuesday, April 28.
The backdrop to the court taking up this case is a number of high-profile cases of Christian business owners being punished by the government for declining to participate in same-sex weddings. There is a growing understanding that the redefinition of marriage cannot be divorced from a loss of freedom.
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the followed statement: “The consequences this decision could have on our religious freedom, the freedom to believe and live according to those beliefs, are staggering. Should the court redefine marriage, our religious liberty – the foundation for all of our freedoms – will be at risk.”
Marriage was the first institution created by God in the book of Genesis. One man and one woman in a marriage covenant relationship for life is the divine pattern expressed throughout the Bible. Quoting from Genesis 1 and 2, Jesus declared, “Have you not read that at the beginning, the Creator made them male and female, and said, `For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and the two will become one flesh?’ So they are no longer two but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matthew 19:4-6).
A good marriage enables people to be happier, live longer, and build more economic security. Marriage is also the form of relationship that is uniquely suited for childrearing, which is why it is a matter of vital public concern and not just a “private matter.” In fact, marriage is a public, social contract for which the law requires witnesses. Why? It has profound implications for the common good, for the health of society.
Marriage impacts children. Wherever possible, children should be reared in the context of the bond between the two parents whose marital union gave them life. Research shows that when both genders are represented in the parenting role, children have the best opportunity for health, wellbeing, development, and success in life. As Dr. James Dobson notes, “More than ten thousand studies have concluded that kids do best when they are raised by mothers and fathers.” Every civilization has been built upon the institution of marriage. It is the foundation. The happiness and success of individuals, the welfare and security of children, and the soundness of society, are all largely dependent upon the stability of marriage according to the divine pattern.
Though marriage between a man and a woman has existed since the beginning, the time-honored institution is under fire. For nearly 20 years, the debate has raged. Before federal judges began to overturn marriage laws, 30 states had protected natural marriage. Now the high court is poised to decide for us all. This historic hearing will set the stage for the court’s written opinion on the matter – expected in June.
Between now and then, pray for the court and our country and proclaim your stand for natural marriage. It is time for our voices to be heard in this debate.
“The nation will not accept a redefinition of marriage from the court,” concluded Perkins. “Similar to the court’s inability to ‘resolve’ the issue of abortion for the nation in the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, the court will not resolve this issue either. Religious liberty is in jeopardy. The threat is not hypothetical; it is a clear and present danger.”
Jessie J. Charpentier Sr. is pastor of Jenkins Memorial Baptist Church in St. Martinville.