Evanglicals Discussing Giving up on Same Sex Marriage Opposition

[Material Defender]

A Breaching of the Topic

Mostly it comes down to the idea that while theologically they are opposed, it is a secondary factor to their ministry and it is harming the overall image of the evangelical community by trying to force this on the rest of the world and thus harming their primary ministry. They aren't discussing changing their stance on gayness, just whether they bring it to the political arena or not. The idea is that by dropping it from the political arena, they can improve their image without changing theologically. 

The main argument against doing that seems to be a slippery slope idea that if they give up this ground, they'll be forced to give up more another day because those in 'control' are always and will always be against them.

I'm curious about general thoughts, though this is just discussion and not a change. Is it better that they are just theologically opposed as to politically, or do you think it is just bigotry they are just justifying with the interpretation of the Bible whether or not they are pressing for this bigotry to be the law of the land.

Clarifications from the Author

[JohnE]

I don't really care what their religious beliefs on the matter are. What I care about is that they legislate those beliefs on people who don't share them. So I'm all for this.

[ironbite]

Wow...giving up eh?

Ironbite-that's a surprise coming from this group.

[Mechtaur]

I agree with John. People can be against it as much as they want, as long as they aren't trying to force it on others.

[Dakota Bob]

All of these Pastors and Churches are gonna have to start shifting to the left on social issues, lest they become obsolete.

[Meshakhad]

Hell, I have religious objections to homosexuality. I just don't let my religious beliefs color my political ones.

[RavynousHunter]

Whoawhoawhoa, back the fuck up...  I'm confused now.  The reasonable levels of reasonableness these people are espousing are starting to drive me insane...in a good way, of course.

[erictheblue]

I don't really care what their religious beliefs on the matter are. What I care about is that they legislate those beliefs on people who don't share them. So I'm all for this.

This.

[starseeker]

I don't really care what their religious beliefs on the matter are. What I care about is that they legislate those beliefs on people who don't share them. So I'm all for this.

This.

Wish I had the "religion is like a penis" image here.

[Rabbit of Caerbannog]

I don't really care what their religious beliefs on the matter are. What I care about is that they legislate those beliefs on people who don't share them. So I'm all for this.

This.

Wish I had the "religion is like a penis" image here.

[Caeliys]

On the one hand, it's good.  They stop beating on the queer community.

Other the other, I really want their bigoted ideas to be the death of their political power.  It's a faith in humanity sort of thing with a side of poetical justice.

They aren't wrong about the slippery slope though.  Once you start doing the right thing, all the future christians will be doing the right thing in private too.  Like racism is largely today (it has little to no political power, just all private), people just won't understand "why" and label it a character defect in the person who holds to it.

[ironbite]

Oh you naive little...girl.  You honestly think racism has little to no political power?  Look at the past presidential election.  Yeah Romney lost but he did get the racist vote.

Ironbite-it's a huge block that's diminishing over time but not fast enough for me.

[TheL]

About fucking time they started acting reasonable and recognized that Some People Are Gay.

[Sylvana]

The main argument against doing that seems to be a slippery slope idea that if they give up this ground, they'll be forced to give up more another day because those in 'control' are always and will always be against them

You mean like how they have given up on and changed their stance on everything from racism to women's rights? They will change their stance as society changes to remain in business, just like have done before and will do again.

Religion is far more a business and profit focused organization, the followers may not see it entirely that way, but as society changes they will sweep the gay verses under the rug just like they have for the working on the sabbath and the shellfish verses. They want people to be part of their group and will bend their beliefs to ensure that happens.

[Eniliad]

Like many social issues, the church as a whole will change it's opinion on gay marriage if they perceive that their current position is damaging their PR. This is hardly a new phenomenon; this is a classic shift that goes back to the denial of gravity. Throughout the ages, the church has become more accepting of ideas based on reason - yes, far behind the rest of the world, but once their precious PR is threatened, they will bend.