The Marriage Amendment--WWJD

I am very surprised by the Washington Post poll which shows that 53% of Virginia voters support the so-called marriage amendment. My initial thought was, “didn’t they poll any Christians?” Thinking Christians cannot possibly support this amendment.

1- When Jesus was asked what the great commandment in the law was, he replied “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.” Matt. 22:37-40.

Does the “marriage amendment” demonstrate love of God? By outlawing some of God’s children, the amendment shows scorn, not love, of God. Can one love the Creator and yet hate His creation? The amendment violates what Jesus called “the great and first commandment.” It also violates the second commandment. One does not show love for one’s neighbors by taking away their rights.

2- Jesus taught, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” He described as hypocrites those who criticized the perceived sins of others while ignoring their own behavior. Matt. 7:1-5. The “marriage amendment” is based on a judgment that the lifestyle of some people is not acceptable in Virginia. It violates Jesus’ admonition to not judge.

3- When faced with the punishment of a sinner, Jesus said, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7 Are the supporters of the “marriage amendment” so pure that they can throw stones at those they consider sinners? Is not voting for this amendment casting the first stone?

The bumper sticker asks “WWJD?”—what would Jesus do? Based on his teachings, it is clear that Jesus would vote “no” on the proposed amendment.