In reply to Marie Hanson.

Hello Marie,

Thank you for your thoughtful reply.

Massachusetts has had legalized same-sex marriage since 2004 -- eleven years. Thus, same-sex marriage is nothing new in the United States. What's has been the fall out? Nothing.

My point is that same-sex marriage has a decade old history of NOT causing the state of Massachusetts to implode with sexual immorality, for heterosexual marriages to crumble, or for society at large to collapse. Actually, Massachusetts is doing just fine.

As for my claims of fearmongering, where's the proof or evidence that supports the LCMS' culture of "us v. them" fear?

Same-sex marriage is legal in 37 states to date.

Has even one single LCMS congregation been forced by the government to break their integrity with the scriptures?

Has one ordained and called LCMS pastor ever been forced to perform a same-sex marriage? Of course not.

Eventually same-sex marriage will become the law of the land for all states. And, I'm not one bit worried about our synod's welfare or legal status.

What I am worried about is our (the synod's) myopic view of the world.

I believe that Satan's biggest trick is NOT legalizing same-sex marriage, but getting Christians distracted by such issues so that they pour their time and treasure into unwinnable battles.

Instead of being afraid of legalized same-sex marriage, in my opinion, we should be living out Christ's gospel of love by feeding the poor, visiting those in prison, etc. It's charitable acts like these that make Satan tremble and God smile.

Peace and Love.