Week 03: Threats to Marriage

“Just who do we think we are?” – this chilling question asked by Chief Justice Roberts, should give us pause when we consider what he was referring to. On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled in a 5 to 4 decision that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry if they so choose. For some, this decision may seem unimportant, or even desirable. However, unlike how pulling on a stray thread satisfies the urge to bring a polished image back to one’s garment, the Obergefell v. Hodges case of 2015 is just the beginning tug that may eventually unravel our social order, the strength of our constitution, and the sanctity of family units.

When one considers marriage between one man and one woman, the sacred institution practiced around the world, in all cultures, for over millennia; which gives society it’s origin and binding influence, it is hardly surprising that this audacious move by Justices Kennedy, Ginsburg, Breyer, Sotomayor, and Kagan, caused shock across the nation.

As Americans we value, honor, and hold in reverence our Founding Fathers, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution; or at least we should. Unfortunately, the ruling on same-sex marriage blatantly thumbs its nose at these beloved American strongholds in a sly move that usurps power from the people. On any other issue, would Americans rejoice to be told that the fate of their lives will be, from now on, decided by the majority of 9 individuals, unelected, unaccountable, and unfamiliar with their attitudes, beliefs, and values? Never! Sadly, this is what happened in Obergefell v. Hodges.

Thankfully, the decision was not unanimous and four courageous Justices opposed. Below are quotes from these dissenting Justices that clarify the seriousness of our situation:

Chief Justice Roberts: “By deciding this question under the Constitution, the Court removes it from the realm of democratic decision. There will be consequences to shutting down the political process on an issue of such profound public significance. Closing debate tends to close minds.”

Justice Scalia: “A system of government that makes the People subordinate to a committee of nine unelected lawyers does not deserve to be called a democracy.”

Justice Thomas: “Aside from undermining the political processes that protect our liberty, the majority’s decision threatens the religious liberty our Nation has long sought to protect.”

Justice Alito: “Today’s decision shows that decades of attempts to restrain this Court’s abuse of its authority have failed…. I do not doubt that my colleagues in the majority sincerely see in the Constitution a vision of liberty that happens to coincide with their own. But this sincerity is cause for concern, not comfort. What it evidences is the deep and perhaps irremediable corruption of our legal culture’s conception of constitutional interpretation.”

Aside from the unconstitutional aspect of the same-sex marriage ruling, complete damage is still looming. Like a wolf circling its prey, same-sex marriage is just one of many perimeter issues Satan is wearing down before he attacks the heart of the matter – the family. As Elder Robert D. Hales taught, “Because of the importance of the family to the eternal plan of happiness, Satan makes a major effort to destroy the sanctity of the family, demean the importance of the role of men and women, encourage moral uncleanliness and violations of the sacred law of chastity, and to discourage parents from placing the bearing and rearing of children as one of their highest priorities” (1996).

Now that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right, society’s next move is to silence those who value marriage’s traditional composition. As Justice Alito discussed, “[The same-sex marriage ruling] will be used to vilify Americans who are unwilling to assent to the new orthodoxy. In the course of its opinion, the majority compares traditional marriage laws to laws that denied equal treatment for African-Americans and women. The implications of this analogy will be exploited by those who are determined to stamp out every vestige of dissent…. I assume that those who cling to old beliefs will be able to whisper their thoughts in the recesses of their homes, but if they repeat those views in public, they will risk being labeled as bigots and treated as such by governments, employers, and schools.”

With pressures bearing in on all sides, one may wearily ask, “What is to be done?” For, as Paul states in Ephesians 6:12, we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. The answer? Paul shows us in verse 13, “Wherefore, take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

Let us link arms with fellow defenders of truth, in personal preparation and in action.

Preparation includes:
Girding our loins with truth (v. 14)
Wearing the breastplate of righteousness (v. 14)
Shod our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace (v. 15)
Taking the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (v.16)
Putting on the helmet of salvation (v. 17)
Using the sword of the Spirit (v. 17)

After seeing to our preparation, we stand! We stand up for our religious freedom, our freedom of speech, and we stand up for God’s laws relating to marriage and family. Furthermore, we stand by being righteous examples to others, proclaiming the truth in love and sincerity, and “… be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you…” (1 Peter 3:15).

This week the questions I leave with you to ponder are:
1. How does the United States Supreme Court same-sex marriage ruling weaken your individual liberties and freedoms?
2. What attitudes, actions, or habits can you refine to strengthen your armor of God?
3. How will you link arms with me and “stand” for what is right amidst the “fiery darts of the wicked?”

References
Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. (2015). Supreme Court of the United States. https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/14-556_3204.pdf
Hales, R.D. (1996). The eternal family. Ensign. https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1996/10/the-eternal-family?lang=eng
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1235&bih=645&q=justice+scalia&oq=justice&gs_l=img.1.0.35i39k1j0l9.2424.3438.0.4934.9.9.0.0.0.0.207.749.4j1j1.6.0.dummy_maps_web_fallback...0...1.1.64.img..3.6.748.0...0.thFSej2yUEU#imgrc=51cQTLK30e6VQM:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Justices_of_the_Supreme_Court_of_the_United_States#/media/File:Supreme_Court_US_2010.jpg
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&biw=1235&bih=645&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=destroying+the+constitution&oq=destroying+the+constitution&gs_l=psy-ab.3...117804.122128.0.122327.27.23.0.0.0.0.238.2515.3j12j2.17.0.dummy_maps_web_fallback...0...1.1.64.psy-ab..10.13.1668...0j0i67k1j0i24k1.0.3Hm0qwbAjxE
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&biw=1235&bih=645&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=armor+of+god&oq=armor+of+god&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0l4.206692.208165.0.208290.12.11.0.0.0.0.146.668.2j4.6.0.dummy_maps_web_fallback...0...1.1.64.psy-ab..6.6.667...0i67k1.0.UtVgQ10npwA#imgrc=zX0sHb3NHjtDlM: