[Faith-talk] article3

[Beth]

How dramatifc.  We can still use those dead words--husband, wife,
boyfriend, girlfriend--but we can add new ones.  What's wrong wit the
man here?
Beth

On 11/9/08, Corey Cook <ccook01 at knology.net> wrote:
> What's Really at Stake in the Gay Marriage Debate? Part 3
> Albert Mohler
> President, Southern Bapist Theological Seminary
>
> October 24, 2008
>
> "We're talking about really refraining from using things like, husband-wife,
> boyfriend-girlfriend, those kind of things, and just say 'partner,'"
> explains Robin Sinks.  She is the health education specialist for the Long
> Beach Unified School District in California.  The point she was making is
> clear enough.  The legalization of same-sex marriage will require a
> comprehensive change in our language.
>
> Language is, as we now know, integral to a culture.  In fact,
> anthropologists such as the influential Clifford Geertz refer to human
> culture as a "cultural-lingustic system."  The language and the culture are
> inseparable.  Each influences the other, and together they produce an entire
> system of meaning.
>
> Until now, at least, words like "husband" and "wife" have been essential to
> understanding our culture.  Some words have been inseparable, forming
> comprehensive sets of meaning together.  "Marriage" goes with "husband" and
> "wife."  "Boyfriend" goes with "girlfriend."
>
> With the legalization of same-sex marriage, the only acceptable word is
> "partner."  Marriage licenses will speak of the union of "Partner A" with
> "Partner B."  There will be no use for terms such as "wife" or "husband."
>
> Robin Sinks made her statement with reference to what the normalization of
> same-sex marriage would mean for the public schools.  As MSNBC reports, the
> battle over same-sex marriage will reach the schools.
>
> "The opposing sides have debated what, if anything, schools must teach about
> marriage now that gays have the right to wed," the network explains.
>
> California mandates that schools teach about marriage, if the schools teach
> sex education.  Surprisingly perhaps, the vast majority of California school
> districts do not teach sex education.  Nevertheless, one state judge
> recently ruled that the districts "may require" such courses.
>
> California is "ground zero" on this issue because the state's voters will
> face "Proposition 8" on the November 4 ballot.  This proposition, if
> approved by voters, would amend the California constitution to limit
> marriage to the union of a man and a woman.  The measure is an effort to
> reverse last May's decision by the California Supreme Court to legalize
> same-sex marriage.
>
> Given the state's huge population and cultural influence, all eyes are now
> on California.  But so should be our ears.  Do we hear a shift in the
> language coming?  If so, the language will change far more than vocabulary
> and word usage.
>
> Civilizations are built on careful and necessary distinctions.  As an
> institution, marriage has been defined throughout history as a heterosexual
> union.  Marriage is so central to our civilization that its related words
> have become equally essential.  Words like "husband" and "wife" have been
> necessary to understanding our stories, our laws, our families, our social
> arrangements, and our aspirations.  Transform marriage into a homosexual
> institution, and the vocabulary no longer works.
>
> The effects of this linguistic transformation are most acute among the
> young.  Language acquisition is among the most essential tasks of childhood
> -- and this includes everything from early babbling to vocabulary lists at
> school.
>
> When children acquire a language without the words "husband" or "wife," they
> acquire a cultural knowledge that betrays the subversion of the central
> institution of civilization itself.  "Partner" is just not enough to carry
> the meaning of marriage.  Will "husband" and "wife" soon be relegated to the
> dust-bin of obsolete words?  If so, the loss will leave us speechless.
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
> In addition to being one of Salem's nationally syndicated radio talk show
> hosts, R. Albert Mohler, Jr. is the president of The Southern Baptist
> Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky and recognized as one of
> America's leading theologians and cultural commentators. Contact Dr. Mohler
> at mail at albertmohler.com.
>
> Find this article at: http://www.crosswalk.com/news/commentary/11583380/
>
> Corey Cook
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