I suspect Kim Davis is sincere; and from all accounts, extremely devout in her faith. She stood up for what she believed despite opposition and despite the prospect of being arrested and going to jail. Is that not admirable? She demonstrated the courage of her convictions.
But, while her courage is laudable, her convictions require further examination. She claims that her decision to deny marriage licenses to gay couples is grounded in scripture. But if that were the case wouldn’t she be just as adamant in denying marriage licenses to straight couples that include a divorced woman? In scripture, there are at least as many explicit admonitions against divorced women remarrying as there are against homosexuality. (Check out the gospel of Matthew chapter 5 verse 32 for example.) How could someone so devout and so sincere in her faith who claims that following scripture is a moral imperative and a matter of heaven and hell, blatantly defy these explicit Biblical precepts?
The answer? Though Ms. Davis attributes her moral code to scripture, it is more likely a product of her social milieu - her family, her friends, her faith community to be sure, but clearly not scripture. And while the social environment in which she lives has grown to accept divorce, it has not accepted homosexuality. Thus she is able to disregard Bible verses that prohibit divorcees from remarrying, while feeling compelled to go to jail to adhere literally and fervently to those that concern homosexuality. It is quite a contradiction. Hypocritical? Not necessarily. Confused? No doubt. Discriminatory and injurious? Absolutely.
And don’t we all do it? We find the verse in the Bible (or some other moral authority) that supports what we already believe. We read into scripture what is already in our minds and hearts. And we thereby claim victory for our side, or even deny others their basic human rights, while asserting that our views and actions carry the weight of the will of God? We must not forget that slavery at one time was considered by many to reflect the will of God.
The Bible assures us that we are all created in God’s image. Our challenge is to avoid seeking to create God in ours.
But, while her courage is laudable, her convictions require further examination. She claims that her decision to deny marriage licenses to gay couples is grounded in scripture. But if that were the case wouldn’t she be just as adamant in denying marriage licenses to straight couples that include a divorced woman? In scripture, there are at least as many explicit admonitions against divorced women remarrying as there are against homosexuality. (Check out the gospel of Matthew chapter 5 verse 32 for example.) How could someone so devout and so sincere in her faith who claims that following scripture is a moral imperative and a matter of heaven and hell, blatantly defy these explicit Biblical precepts?
The answer? Though Ms. Davis attributes her moral code to scripture, it is more likely a product of her social milieu - her family, her friends, her faith community to be sure, but clearly not scripture. And while the social environment in which she lives has grown to accept divorce, it has not accepted homosexuality. Thus she is able to disregard Bible verses that prohibit divorcees from remarrying, while feeling compelled to go to jail to adhere literally and fervently to those that concern homosexuality. It is quite a contradiction. Hypocritical? Not necessarily. Confused? No doubt. Discriminatory and injurious? Absolutely.
And don’t we all do it? We find the verse in the Bible (or some other moral authority) that supports what we already believe. We read into scripture what is already in our minds and hearts. And we thereby claim victory for our side, or even deny others their basic human rights, while asserting that our views and actions carry the weight of the will of God? We must not forget that slavery at one time was considered by many to reflect the will of God.
The Bible assures us that we are all created in God’s image. Our challenge is to avoid seeking to create God in ours.
I love this analysis. I also love the compassion and humanness you use with this situation. "Don't we all do it?" indeed! For an easy read that sheds light on the application/disregard for scripture in real life, check out A Year of Living Biblically from AJ Jacobs. It's both delightfully silly AND thoughtfully introspective. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/495395.The_Year_of_Living_Biblically
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