Shouldn't religion discourage marriage and teach us to share ourselves with more people?
448468
There are a few tribes out there you may wish to consider joining.  You could keep some of the makeup, but the clothes would probably have to go. . .
538212
Why not?  People complain it is against God.  so those who feel that way should decline wedding invitations from gays.  MAN makes these rules and uses God as an excuse.  There are religions where a man can have many wives; do you  hear anyone complaining?  Anyway marriage does not have to be a religious ceremony.  People get married every day by a Justice of the Peace, a Mayor, even a ship's captain.  atheists get married.  what's the big deal?   so all the people who think this is a sin, would leave the "sinners" alone,  after all isn't it their God's job to judge them?  and to "punish".  They do believe their God gave them "free will" don't they?
1022992
If religion makes people fear god and do good, then its fine. but if it divides ppl, then we dont need religion. My take is that all religions lead to one god who is one and the same the diff been that we call him by diff names but he is one and the same. But somehow I guess we would have been well off without religions..as they have now become means to divide ppl
205342
Absolutely!!! With more love amongst the world communities would come tolerance & respect for one another & one another's culture, belief, religion ect. Such an atmosphere would break down the many walls of colour, creed,religion, narrow mindedness we have built over many a centuries amongst ourselves distancing ourselves in the process & make the world a better place to inhabit.
739128
marriage is exist in this world and this is one of the reason why we are here in this planet because we are forming a family. as god says "go to the world and multiply".
1032239
Depending on where you live, religion might be a choice or enforced. I agree to a point with what you are saying but, if people were to simply filter out and use ONLY the morality, spirituality and common sense religion CAN teach one, then I say teach away. Unfortunately the belief in the intangable is rampant even in this modern day and age.
1078447
I have no earthly idea why people keep insisting on defining marriage!  Why is this such a big deal?  There are so many things that are truly imporant that we can put our energy into solving rather than someones desire to marry someone of the same sex.  You certainly wont stop them from having a relationship.  What are you doing that the government will decide to ban next?  Frankly, whatever goes on in my underpants is none of the governments business.  All of those who are in support of BIG GOVERNMENT telling you how to conduct your private lives had better watch out, you may get more than what you bargained for.  Obviously, since this question keeps coming up over and over, there are more people out there that have little else to do but worry about this nonsense.  If this has to do with Christianity, divorce, partner swapping, adultery, sexual abuse, spousal abuse, etc. have already made a mockery of marriage so who cares if homosexuals want a part of it.  I think there is something in that big Bible that you all are thumping that says that we have all have free will....Please stop trying to legislate morality and personal decision that have absolutly nothing to do with you.  If you dont want to marry someone of the same sex, DONT.  And no, I am not gay, I am just not so hypocritical that I feel I need to impose my lifestyle on others.
1034004
No, I would still marry them, because each person can have their own beliefs, and not have it interrupt the marriage at all. Religion is something that brings people together, not takes them apart. Besides if the love is true then they respect each others religion, so it would not be a big deal
244629
The Bible says "be fruitfull and multiplty and fill the earth". It says nothing about what race you should marry (it does say that believer's shouldn't marry non-believers, though).
16412
I believe so. It's in the bible. Fornication (sex before marriage) should not be committed. Share that special something with that special someone.
574213
Many other religions have the same rules. It's all a matter of living together. I don't think any religion is superior or anything. We should all get along and help each other out regardless of faith/non-faith.
1028075
People should live their lives in a manner that they are comfortable with.  If someone chooses not to be married, that's fine.  Better to be alone than wish you were!
838198
I think because of the ambiguous boundaries in a relationship--relative to a marriage's--it is not as constraining as the latter and can actually help foster the relationship. I'd prefer to be in a relationship than a marriage.
1075012
Yes, the religous folk do seem very contradictory at times. Personally, I believe that a lot "religious people" (Think Dana Carvey as the Church Lady) miss the point of their beliefs. And that is acceptance. The way gay marriage is being protrayed in the media is almost laughable if it weren't true. Them not being allowed to get married is just another form of discrimination and this time in history will be marked for this civil right. I don't believe people will start marrying sheep or some other idiotic claim these people make. It's just fear of the unknown and the fear makes these people want to get rid of it. \n\nAs for sex, it's a natural thing. Whether you believe me or not, religion is a way of controlling behavior, look back to the Middle Ages if you don't believe me, and sex is one of those urges though totally natural, suppressed. Just like nudity (see Genesis) or other "sins." As for why these people speak of it constantly, well, let's just call it "sexual frustration" and thus they must get the frustration out of their system. It's a lot like if you had a fight with a friend and have to vent to someone so you feel better.
559112
I can't imagine.  I believe that marriage is a religious thing.  Civil unions are what the government should offer -- to everyone.  Churches should perform the weddings -- therefore, the Southern Baptists would not have gay weddings, but the United Church of Christ would.\n\nAnd then maybe everyone could be happy.\n\nAnd by the way, thank you for your support.  My partner and I have been together nearly 15 years.\n\nThank you again.\n\nReynolds Jones\nSchenectady, NY
115115
Of course not. Religions have been trying for thousands of years without any success. \n\nWe need to respect people with different preferences the same way we want to be respected. Most gay people simple ARE that way, and simply don't want a heterosexual relationship.
653114
A lot of people do walk in to marriage for the wrong reasons.  A lot of people are more in love with the idea of being married as opposed to the actual person they are marrying however when two people both understand the commitment and hard work that goes in to being married they go on to live great full filling lives. As long as people realize that a marriage is made up of a lot more than the honeymoon it can be very fantastic.  I can't think of anything more rewarding than knowing you have a life partner who will be there for you no matter what and who also shares the same goals for the future.  So to answer your question.  Yes it is that fantastic if people walk in to it with their eyes on the big picture and not the immediate gratification of a "marriage".