Laws

C.S Lewis said it best: “The moral law tells us the tune we have to play: our instincts are merely the key.” Laws cannot be created solely by man, as our instincts of what is right or wrong stem not from culture, but God’s presence in life. Despite the article supporting law created from culture or society, it unknowingly includes one of the greatest arguments towards intelligent design and natural law. The similarity of all laws throughout time may set a precedent, but also prove that the common man supports fairly similar ideals as everyone else. This, of course is because of the Natural Law that has been put into the world as “physical and moral laws revealed in general revelation and built into the structure of the universe”(Textbook285).  Every man feels pain when he sees a young child go hungry. This reaction and inherent feeling is built into every being through this natural law. While the article has truth in that society does have a role in marriage, alcohol, and other various laws and regulations, ultimately it is the natural law that has its hand in all matters.

Feminism

While it is very important to understand the faults and shortcomings of feminism, it is equally important to recognize the value in a belief system that upholds women to a greater degree. For thousands of years throughout thousands of religions women have been viewed as mere objects or simple reproductive tools. I’m all for the equal rights that women deserve, but nonetheless there are definitive problems that feminism endorses. In fact, this idea of equal rights becomes increasingly skewed and misinterpreted by the feminist community every day. I imagine the old Nike commercials attempting to empower women. The slogan was “anything you can do I can do better, anything you can do I can do too.” While in feminists eyes this is true, in reality God created men and women VERY different for a reason. These differences help shape and structure the society that we live in. Section 1 of the ERA is not clear enough. If these rights are not being denied to any sex, then how should anyone address any issue concerning homosexuality? It is important to clarify what the intended meaning of this section is, so that there will be neither confusion nor debate. In general, I believe as A Christian it is fine to disagree with feminism and attempt to exemplify what it means to follow in God’s intended plan for a man and a woman.   

Sexist? Homophobic?

First and foremost, I must ask you to define what you believe constitutes homophobic and sexist behavior. It is very possible that you are poking holes at ideas and behaviors that are not sexist or homophobic, but instead simply the beliefs and lifestyle choices of Christianity. While there are exceptions with all religions, Christians are predominantly a loving group of people, whom respect and love both female and gay populations.

            While other religions belittle and beat women, Christianity is called to respect and love ALL women. Ephesians 5:25 says: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” How can this be a sexist religion when they are called to love women in the same way that their own God loved his people? It is baffling to me that you question Christianity when it is legal for a man to beat his wife in other religions of the world.

            To say that Christianity is homophobic is a flat out lie. Homophobia by definition is “an irrational fear, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals(Meriam Webster).” If you hold true to this definition, you are either calling Christians cowards or oppressors. 1^st John 4:7 asserts “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” This idea of loving one another is reiterated all throughout the bible. Christianity is a loving religion, not one of fear or hate. Just as Christians love their brothers and sisters in Christ, so they are called to love the gay community.

Sociology

            Dear Sarah and Mark, please understand that the last thing families need is big brother looking over their shoulder. As is generally my view of the government, I believe less involvement is better. Don’t get me wrong, it is absolutely necessary for government to protect the mental, physical, and emotional safety of all children. That idea is clearly presented in the articles. However, it is up to the individual parent to raise their child to enter into the world as a contributing member of society.

            In recent years I have noticed a significant increase in what the government’s powers entail. From owning private companies to parenting our nation’s youth?  This would be another breach of the limited power that our government should have at its disposal.  By allowing and encouraging governmental parenting, the child is exposed to the same lifestyle that millions of other kids would face. It is diversity and varying lifestyles that contribute so greatly to the culture of America, and this move towards a parental form of government would upset the balance of everything.

            Sarah and Mark, please look more into depth at the arguments that were made. As a part of the  “Education Begins at home act,” the advocates of such are basically inferring that all Americans are too incompetent to correctly parent their own children. When in reality, parents have successfully raised their children in America without any governmental involvement whatsoever. I feel that it is unnecessary and fallacious to have a governmental worker (making a big salary, raising my taxes) come into my home and pass a judgment onto my parenting skills. I can successfully raise a child/children without any governmental assistance.

            While the intentions of getting more involved in the family are good, the methods are bad, and the result would be even worse. Children should be looking up to their parents and God, not the government. The bible is very clear upon the special bond between the family. It is one that should not be interrupted, and needs to continue to be held up in high regard.