Within the section entitled God’s Loving Design, paragraph 8, Paul VI explains how marriage is the result of natural forces created through god; “…husband and wife, through that mutual gift of themselves…develop that union of two persons in which they perfect one another, cooperating with God...” In this paragraph, the Pope argues that marriage is not the result of chance but rather a plan set in place through God the Creator. He also makes it evident that this plan includes a man and a woman. These two forces (husband and wife) perfect one another to create “the perfect” marriage. Within this paragraph, the Pope also explains that marriage is a “result of the blind evolution of natural forces.” The Pope seems to believe that even without the Church, individuals would still follow this concept of marriage between a man and a woman. The main goal of this paragraph seems to be that God’s design is a plan for all actions of individuals, especially in marriage, that is influenced by natural forces.
This concept of marriage through natural law and God the Creator comes into conflict with the modern practices of gay marriage. The Pope is documenting against any homosexual relationships. The Pope seems to believe his specific viewpoint because two individuals in gay marriage cannot procreate. Gay marriage also goes against biblical terms about marriage and how marriage is “supposed” to be. The concepts within the Bible seems to go against gays having any identity with a religion or the church.
Along with the rights of gays in religion, the Federal Marriage Amendment prevents marriage rights to same-sex couples. This amendment received much support from congress and most states. Society continues to hold a strong faith in religion and the plan of God. Society still believes in the natural forces of creating a marriage between a man and a woman with all other forms of marriage (same –sex marriage) seen as an act against what God determined or planned for all individuals.
As the Pope states that there is a “plan” pre-determined by God, it makes me wonder about divorce. His loving design designates whom each individual marries. Does divorce mean that two individuals went against the plan of God by getting a divorce when they were meant to be together or that two individuals married the wrong person and are getting a divorce to once again search for his or her soul mate?
First of all I completely agree with what you say about the law upholding religious views. I mean if it didn't I feel that gay marriage would be legal throughout the nation right now. And yes through the eyes of the church marriage is meant for procreation, something that cannot happen in a homosexual relationship, therefore it's not acknowledged. As far as divorce goes, from what I understand as a raised catholic is that although God has a plan for us he gives us freewill to make our own decisions. So if people choose to either marry someone who is not right for them and then decide to get a divorce or are unable to work out their problems and then decide to divorce, both are frowned upon by God. So in essence yes, they are going against what he had planned for them.
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