An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which contradictory or opposite words or concepts are combined. I love oxymorons. We use them often, phrases like pretty ugly, freezer-burn, deafening silence, plastic silverware, jumbo shrimp, or one of my favorites—a definite maybe.

On the surface, these humorous phrases sound good, but when examined a little more closely, the contradictions become obvious. The most recent oxymoron to gain national attention is the phrase same-sex marriage. Same-sex and marriage are definitely opposite, and they contradict each other.

In our day, same-sex marriage is touted as the “new normal.” From books and magazines to television shows and radio programs, Americans face a constant barrage of propaganda from proponents of the gay lifestyle. And when the President of the United States was recently described as “The First Gay President” on the cover of Newsweek magazine (in response to his open support for homosexual marriage), biblical truth demanded a response.

We arrived at this crossroads as a result of a gradual decay in the national conscience regarding this issue. It began in 1993 with the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy under President Bill Clinton, which permitted gay men and women to serve in the armed forces as long as they did not proclaim their homosexuality openly. It continued as eight states legalized same-sex marriage. It was promoted further on February 23, 2011, with the U.S. Justice Department decision to no longer enforce the Defense of Marriage Act. This vital decision gutted the law by removing federal enforcement prohibiting same-sex marriage.

Seven months later, on September 19, 2011, the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell granted homosexuals permission to openly proclaim and practice the gay lifestyle in the military. The capstone of this campaign to undermine the foundation of society is the recent presidential proclamation supporting the redefinition of marriage to include members of the same sex.

What Is the Problem With Same-Sex Marriage?

Why even ask the question? I believe we must be ready with an answer for a world being coerced—under the banner of political correctness—not only to tolerate but to embrace same- sex marriage.

Same-sex marriage is wrong on a number of levels. The most obvious to the Christian is that it violates God’s biblical plan for marriage. Genesis 2:24 reminds us that in a biblical marriage, a man leaves his father and his mother, and cleaves unto his wife. The two then become one. The words leave and cleave are important, but the word wife is crucial.

The word in the original Hebrew is ishshah. The word is feminine and always refers to the female of the species. God’s plan for marriage was simple: one man and one woman, not two men or two women.

Those who advocate man-to-man or woman-to-woman marriage are attempting to change the marriage plan designed by God Himself. They find themselves in direct conflict with this biblical truth that defines marriage as between a man and a woman. God makes it clear that a man shall leave his parents (relinquish the old relationship) and cleave (be fastened together in a new relationship) to his wife. The two partners are clearly male and female.

Second is the sin problem. Let us not take lightly the many admonitions in Scripture that condemn the homosexual lifestyle (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:24-31; 1 Timothy 1:10; and Jude 7 to name a few). The Bible speaks openly about homosexuality, and never in a positive context.

Where Do We Go From Here?

1. We should be encouraged that North Carolina recently became the 30th state to define marriage as between a man and woman. Our votes do count! We live in a unique country, with freedom to voice opinions.

   We should be actively involved in the political process. We should examine the moral positions of the candidates and measure them against biblical truth. Sometimes, we must choose to vote for the lesser of two evils, but refusing to vote at all is like voting for the winning candidate—whoever it may be.
   

2. We must filter polls, media propaganda, and political correctness through the guidelines of God’s Word. We must resist the temptation to go along with popular opinion and stand firm in proclaiming the truth of Scripture. Perhaps you recall the story of the prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel. He stood unyielding against the ungodly standards of his culture, and the power of God prevailed at the end of the day. We would do well to follow his example.
   

3. 3. We must proclaim clearly—from the pulpits to the pews—the biblical origin, design, and purpose of marriage; the sin of homosexuality; and the problems produced by same-sex marriage.
   

In my opinion, America has reached the most crucial crossroad in history. I fear that if the same-sex marriage oxymoron is embraced by our nation, 236 years of God’s blessings may come to an end.

It is time for action! Second Chronicles 7:14 reveals an ageless prescription for the cure. We must humble ourselves, admitting the desperate moral decline in the nation; ask for God’s help in turning this nation around; and examine our own lives as Christians, dealing with any sin the Holy Spirit reveals.

If we do that, according to this passage, God will turn our nation around and continue to be awful good to us. (I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist one final oxymoron).

About the Writer: Roy Harris has 30+ years ministry experience as pastor, educator, and conference speaker, serving in leadership positions on the local, state, and national levels. He currently serves as moderator of the Cumberland Association of Free Will Baptists (Tennessee).