In his seminal work, The Meaning and End of Religion, Wilfred Cantwell Smith proposes using two separate concepts for religious studies. Believing that the conventional approach of studying “a religion” or “the religions” is inadequate and misleading, Smith states, “If religion or a religion is anything at all, it is not only in fact but in theory something in which actual living, historical persons are involved” (1838). Therefore, he offers his theories of examining “faith” and “cumulative tradition” as more valuable for any intellectual analysis of the religious experience of mankind. With these two separate, albeit, related concepts, Smith theorizes that religious studies can better grasp both the mundane and the transcendent aspects that make up the whole of man’s religious life (1899-1908). These approaches cover both personal and historical elements – faith being the inner, subjective, personal religious experience of man (includes the transcendent aspect) and cumulative traditions being the outward, objective and observable, historical religious evidence (the mundane aspect). Smith goes on to offer his new theories to the Christian Church as it struggles to maintain relevance in a modern world dominated by science and by “men of new knowledge, new opportunities, new responsibilities” (2406). He suggests that this dual method of analysis could assist the church in formulating a “new theology that will empower Christians to be at once more modern and more devout” (Smith 2396-97).
With the contemporary issue of same-sex marriage, the Christian Church faces a serious confrontation between modern secular thinking and traditional religious beliefs. As growing public opinion favors equal rights for homosexuals and more state...
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...the issue of same-sex marriage.
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Kindle file.
In his article “Sacred Rite or Civil Right?” Howard Moody tackles the controversial issue of the definition of marriage and inclusion of same-sex marriage into that definition. The real issue that takes center stage is the not so clear separation between the church and the state. Moody, an ordained Baptist minister, shares his belief that it’s only a matter of time that civil law is once again redefined and homosexual marriage is recognized just as much as heterosexual marriage. The gay marriage debate he suggests isn’t focused on the relationship between such couples and is more about how to define such unions as a “marriage”. (353)
Hobbes, Thomas. “Of Religion.” ed.Smith,Lacey Baldwin and Jean Reeder Smith. The Past Speaks. 2nd ed. 1 vol. Lexington: Heath, 1993.
Have you ever thought something was unjust, but every one around you believed otherwise? For many years marriage was seen as a religious and legal contract between a man and a woman. However, in recent years the American population has accepted in increasing numbers the idea that homosexuality exists and is equal. Although the majority of states do not allow same-sex marriage, today there are fifteen states that allow homosexual couples the right to get married, and they also receive all the rights that a heterogeneous couple have. Even if states don’t have marriages, many states may have domestic partnerships or civil unions as alternatives. To those combating the injustice to homosexuals and those in favor of homosexual activities these civil unions and domestic partnerships aren’t enough. On the other hand, we see the stance that the Westboro Church has taken in their hatred of homosexuals. Although the majority of people are in support of gay marriage, including myself, I think it is important to understand the opposition. Therefore, I decided to write my final report on the Westboro Baptist Church and their ideologies against homosexuals, Jews, Catholics, and the military. The main focus will obviously be the church’s feelings against homosexuality because many of their rallies focus on that issue.
Waldrep, C. The Use and Abuse of the Law: Public Opinion and United Methodist Church Trials of Ministers Performing Same-Sex Union Ceremonies. Law and History Review, 30, 953-1005.
The Episcopal Church of the United States is one of the most debatable when it comes to the subject of homosexuality and creating equal rights amongst its members. The church embraces a new kind of transitioning belief that sets them aside from other denominations. The Episcopal Church stems from the Church of England, dating to at least the second century. The Church was founded from the very beginnings on the Christian beliefs and is customary to regard the St. Augustine of Canterbury's mission to England. This was the official beginning of the church under papal authority. In time, these churches branched away from their mother church and gained their individuality without raising and eyebrow retaining important connections with Anglican Communion by abiding by their religious laws (Episcopal Church 1999). Subsequently, the topic of homosexuality has placed a huge amount of stress and turmoil on the denomination, with conflicting views in the church community and with the Angelic communion who does not support the strides made by the Episcopalians. This isn’t the first time, certainly not the last for the Episcopal Church they have made great steps in including the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community and encompassed a new kind of dedication to their members. The Episcopal Church throughout history and in today’s society are very well known for their unstandardized laws, ever changing structure and futuristic traditions.
Waldman, Steven. "Why religions people are against gay marriage.." n. pag. Web. 20 Sep 2011. .
The growth of religious ideas is environed with such intrinsic difficulties that it may never receive a perfectly satisfactory exposition. Religion deals so largely with the imaginative and emotional nature, and consequently with such an certain elements of knowledge, the all primitive religions are grotesque to some extent unintelligible. (1877:5)
Gay marriage is a hotly debated issue in today's society. Andrew Sullivan and William Bennett offer opposing views in the June 3, 1996 edition of Newsweek. Sullivan's article, “Let Gays Marry,” offers several arguments supporting the issues of same sex marriage. Bennett counters in his article, “Leave Marriage Alone,” that same sex marriages would be damaging to the sanctity of marriage. Each author presents several reasons for the positions they defend and bring up valid points to defend their opinions. William Bennett and Andrew Sullivan share a mutual respect for the values and sacredness of the bond of marriage. Their disagreements stem from who they believe should be allowed to marry.
In a country with it’s fundamentals based on liberty and equality, America has always struggled with those very concepts. Throughout history, Americans have been challenged to make decisions that have oppressed and freed certain groups of people. The political fight for same-sex marriages is a perfect example of this notion. This relation between spouses has created a major controversy that is creating history in our nation. A series of protests, acts and political scandal has finally opened America to discuss a topic that had been in “the closet” for a long time. This discussion asks questions that have caused a visceral reaction in society. Questions such as whether gays and lesbians should marry, and if so, should they be granted the same matrimony rights as heterosexual couples? Should marriage be protected to fit traditional American values? How would these unions affect or contribute to our definition of such a celebrated institution? .
Even up until now, the controversial issue of homosexuality is still apparent and widely discussed in many countries all over the world. Although many people are becoming more open minded and less skeptical about homosexuality, many more are still reluctant to accept the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) communities as equals. Whilst many may argue that their religion absolutely forbids same sex marriages, thus, rejecting the idea of homosexual relationship, many of them feels it is their right to make the gays and lesbians straight again. For instance, in South Africa, many males practice corrective rape. It is a form of hate crime towards lesbians in order to ‘cure’ them of their homosexuality in order to change them into heterosexuals (Strudwick, 2014). This proves how sick and twisted the minds of homophobes are. As a Catholic myself, even though I was taught that same sex relationship is wrong and not natural, I do not condemn homosexuals or look down on them. In fact, I even have friends that are gay or bisexual. It is good that more countries have now implemented new laws to protect the LGBT community. This ensures the lower crime rate and discrimination of the LGBTs. Despite the fact that a few European countries and several others have legalized same sex marriages, there are still rejection and objection from some parties particularly from the Roman Catholic Church (Bingham, 2005). Why does the Church have such strong objections? Through my research, I will discuss on the views and teachings of the Catholic Church on homosexuality and same sex marriage.
In the United States, conservative Christians are more involved than ever when it comes to limiting the right gays and lesbians to marry, claiming that it’s wrong due to the fact that the Bible clearly states that marriage is between a man and a woman (Burn 178). “Most fundamentalist and conservative religions will not ordain gays and lesbians or permit them to serve in religious leadership roles (Burn 178).”
The LGBTQIA community has faced strong opposition from groups falling outside this minority for years, primarily conservative and religious groups. This phenomenon is not particular to the United States, but spans hundreds of countries across the world. Religious leaders in varying religions not only oppose the act of marriage, but often times oppose the actual act of homosexual behavior. Often religious oppositionist will cite religious text, like the Bible as a means of opposing the LGBTQIA lifestyle. One of the most blatant oppositions to homosexual b...
Eastman, Roger. The Ways of Religion: An Introduction to the Major Traditions. Third Edition. Oxford University Press. N.Y. 1999
In this essay, I will explain how religion is sometimes used to mobilize against LGBT people, how some people’s religious and personal doctrines conflict regarding LGBT issues, and how religious belief and community can be a positive force for the LGBT community.
There are probably as many definitions of religion as there are religions themselves. Behind the definitions lie differing intentions and originate from various sources. Everyone from scholars, to religious leaders, to scientists has weighed in his or her opinion. Even an entire field of academic study arose to help define religion. This academic study of religion has proven useful in facilitating a better definition of religion, as it has identified six key aspects to create a decent definition of religion (Shulman, Definitions of Religion Quiz). The six points are not being bias, not being too narrow, not being too broad, being substantive, being functional, and being comprehensive. Three definitions of religion—one acceptable, one lacking, and this author’s own—go through a compare-and-contrast analysis using these six points as the basis of critique in order to illustrate what makes a definition of religion either acceptable or lacking.