Gay Marriage Issue - Essay Example

The couple is recognized as a man and wife despite the same sex. This issue is openly against the norms; however, it has found its way to acceptance and legalization. The first time, when same–sex was mentioned and performed was in 342, in the early Roman Empire. Nero became the first emperor to marry a man. He later married two other males on different occasions. During the medieval period, same-sex marriage happened between Pedro Diaz and Muno Vandilaz in Spain in 1061 (Corvino & Gallagher, 2012).  In the modern era, two lesbians cohabiting in Boston became referred to as the Boston marriage. On the other, contemporary society has risen to the occasion to accept and recognize same–sex relationships and marriages. As of the 1980s, numerous nations have been accepting and legalizing same-sex marriages, with the Netherlands becoming the first nation in the world to recognize and grant same-sex marriage rights in 2001. Today over 20 nations have legalized and fully accepted same–sex marriages (Corvino & Gallagher, 2012).

There have been various perspectives on the legalization and acceptance of same-sex marriage. According to religious views, the Bible defines marriage as a union of two people of opposite sex. This implies that same-sex marriage is a redefinition of marriage, which is contrary to the Bible. Most Christians have opposed this type of marriage based on ungodliness and against the word of God. This opposition is reflected in most of the nations that have refused to recognize such marriages. The nations are well founded on religious beliefs. Similarly, the aspect of culture plays a critical role in reflecting what nature of morals a society should uphold (Rauch, 2004). Most cultures across the world respect and recognize marriage between a woman and a man. This makes it difficult to accept marriage between two individuals of the same sex. This is a taboo according to most cultures. 

The contemporary culture across the nations that have adopted same–sex marriages is attributed to this type of marriage. The associated cultural groups argue that same-sex marriage identifies with contemporary society, which is not so much glued to traditional beliefs (Rauch, 2004). 

Part Two: Critical Dialogue with a Bishop

The dialogue opened my mind to same-sex marriage. Initially, I believed that this issue is associated with contemporary society and there is no problem with recognizing and legalizing it. However, according to the Bishop’s assertion, God’s authority for a man to marry a woman should be respected despite the world’s dynamism. I initially had no bias on the issue being accepted, however, after the dialogue, I reserve my support for the enhancement of same-sex marriages. I feel I am more inclusive of the cultural and religious beliefs on marriage. A man and a woman should be married. I have learned that the world's dynamism is closely associated with the acceptance of the issue of same-sex marriage. I will use the experience to enlighten others that world forces and dynamism should not be the driving force of acceptance of same–sex marriage. I will use the new knowledge that culture and religious beliefs should form the basis of decision-making since they are the fundamental aspects through which humanity thrives.