I am going to try and be as non-political and non-religious as possible. However, part of our assignment with these blogs is to share about something that we have emotions towards. Well here is what has been on my mind: the whole debate over gay marriages or civil unions. I am not going to sit here and pound any beliefs into anyone's head. I am just simply stating how I feel and other things that have domino'ed because of it...
Easter Sunday my mom thought it would be a great idea to attend church as an extended family. I loved the idea and naturally so did all the cousins. However, the early start to the sunrise service did not bother me a bit after I really started to listen in on the sermon. I was expecting to hear the same story we get to experience every year. Not that it is a bad story! Since that is the reason for the whole Easter celebration I find it beneficial to get a quick reminder, and that is what I had expected to hear about. I couldn't have been more wrong! The sermon had nothing to do with Easter at all, but more of a biblical vision towards gay marriage? I was appalled. Of all things we could have a sermon on, this was what was decided upon. Interesting. I am not going to preach about this because I do feel that every person has their own beliefs and I do not want to offend anyone. I am still just confused and shocked towards why this subject is being brought up on the extremely important Christian holiday?
This event took me by surprise and totally keeps me questioning. I wonder why the pastor chose this particular week to dig into this topic. Maybe he wanted to leave an impression, or thought he could really connect to people's lives away from church? In all honesty I am still unsure. If anything, I have to congratulate him because he definitely had a memorable topic and sermon. Still though, I do not totally agree or disagree with what he had to say. I am just sharing this experience and trying to better understand the whole situation.
After it all, I still do not know how I feel about the political aspect of this whole debate. However, my eyes have been opened to a new side of the story and I feel I will one day be better able to chose a side based on this experience. I know how I personally stand on this subject, but I feel that small-town North Dakota doesn't have much of an opinion as other areas where acts like this are more common. Yet, I do not know if a church is the place to discuss such matters, but this is just my take on the situation. My vision may be slightly clouded from my worldly experiences, but that is why everyone is entitled to their own beliefs.
You wrote this really well. I agreed with your sentence about saying that it was a bit odd he decided to talk about gay marriage instead of Easter...considering it was Easter. You started off talking about how your family was going to church, then changed to your feelings. It was a really good way to get into the next few paragraphs. Good job!
ReplyDeleteThe pastor picked a good day to talk about gay marriage because other days he may not feel as if anyone is listening but then he pulls you all for a loop because he think you guys are going to want to hear about easter but instead he forces you to listen to marriage. It is very tricky and very unique. Great job!
ReplyDeleteEveryone is entitled to their own opinion, but there is a time and a place for them. I don't really think Easter Sunday is a great time to express them. You did a great job writing this though! Even if you pastor would read this, I don't think he would get offended or anything like that. Blogs are meant to show personality and feelings! You did a great job with that this week! Great job! :)
ReplyDeleteYou had great description and opinion in your writing. I think it is quite weird that your pastor would talk about a politically debated topic for a sermon. It's fine that everyone has their own opinion on matters, I just dislike when those opinions are forced upon you, especially on social networks.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I really wish they would talk about church stuff at church and not politics. It ruins the purpose.
ReplyDeleteSam, I applaud you for give your opinion. In an opinion piece it is important to be fair and considerate and know why you believe the way you do and be able to express that. One thing to remember is that other people will clash with your opinion and that is ok. To make your piece stronger, do not worry so much about being offensive, just state your thoughts and don't worry about using hedging words. Relevant piece of writing. I get a sense of your strong feelings about the presentation of the message being given at church.
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