Human beings have a strong tendency to need to be “better than” or superior to others. This tendency is driven by the ego and helps make an individual feel better about him or her self. Often, humans group together, in clubs, religious organizations, political parties, and even entire nations. Then the motivation often is a collective “we are better than the others” and drives actions that are discriminatory, morally reprehensible, and often physically harmful to “the others.”
I see this happening in the debate over gay marriage. This issue represents a basic inequality that affects thousands of gay and lesbian families (the minority). This inequality is detailed in approximately 1,000 state and federal laws that use the term “civil marriage,” and affect taxes, human rights, and human responsibilities.
Unfortunately, many straight people see being gay or lesbian as a lifestyle that is “chosen” by morally inferior people. They believe equality should be based on the popular vote—a vote, of course, they shall “win” since they far outnumber gays and lesbians, the minority. They fill communication venues with words such as, “Our religion/faith/Bible interpretation is the RIGHT one and yours is the WRONG one.” “Our set of morals, living standards, and beliefs is far superior to yours. You, your partner, and your children are less than me, my partner, and my children because you are an aberration to my beliefs.” “You shall have equal rights when you choose to be just like me, and then you shall gain the right to get married and pay lower taxes.”
But what IF we all knew, in our hearts and souls, that God makes no mistakes? What IF we knew an indwelling spirit of goodness and sameness indwells every human being?
What IF we realized that our feelings of superiority are created by our egos versus by God telling us that our way is the only way. What IF we knew that some people truly are born homosexual and deserve equality and the chance to form a permanent relationship? What IF God doesn’t make mistakes?
This article appears in Jun 19-26, 2008.