Response to Newsweek Article: "Our Mutual Joy"

In a recent issue of Newsweek magazine, Lisa Miller's article Our Mutual Joy makes the case that Scripture, instead of arguing against homosexuality and gay marriage, actually argues drastically for it. For the article, here is the link http://www.newsweek.com/id/172653 . Now, while Miller does make some very pointed arguments in this article, upon further examination, most of her points come from either the misinterpretation of Scripture to fit her own particular agenda she is bringing to the text, or she is quoting a part of the Bible completely out of context. Therefore, in this post, I will atttempt to address some of her points and demonstrate how they are unashamedly flawed.

Speaking about the biblical model of marriage in a negative light, Miller states "The New Testament model of marriage is hardly better. Jesus himself was single and preached an indifference to earthly attachments - especially family." Clearly, Miller has missed the biblical Jesus I know. Jesus preached an indifference to material wealth, not an indifference to the people that make up the children of God. For example, in Matthew 12:46-50, Jesus does not preach an indifference to family but an expansion of the common model. According to Jesus himself, family can be defined as someone who does the will of His Father in heaven. Therefore, Christ was very much interested in family. In fact, he died for the children of God. For Miller to say that Jesus preached an indifference to people is the height of folly and bad hermeneutics.

Demonstrating the modern understanding of marriage, Miller also relates that "...no sensible modern person wants marriage - theirs or anyone else's - to look in its particulars anything like what the Bible describes." Now, you may be shocked, but for the most part, I agree with what Miller is saying. Our current culture does not want to be confronted with the facts that marriage requires fidelity, committment, and it might actually take some work. However, if we were not such selfish beings, Ephesians 5 or even the Trinity itself give beautiful frameworks for how marriage should function. The Bible teaches that marriage is a covenant, a promise before God between two people. Yes, women should submit, but if you look at the text in Ephesians, the burden of proof for a good marriage rests upon the men. We are to love our wives like Christ. What a huge standard!!!!! This teaches that we should value the people in this world. To contemplate anything else, is just not biblical. If you guys want me to respond to more, let me know.