For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Gregory Bush
I agree in the boldness of the Clark. Proverbs 28:1 the wicked flee when no one pursue, but the righteous is bold as lion. It is time for Christian people to fight for the law of God. God has given is blessing for all who do as He commands. We must not allow Satan to destroy what we believe. Same sex couples are under the command of Satan, which will lead to their eternal destruction.
Jennifer Rothnie
The law in Kentucky is that marriage is between one man and one woman. There is no Kentucky law mandating that she issue liscenses at all, it is optional for her job. The issue here is not following the law, which she is, but how Christians should respond to illegal court orders or respond when choosing between livelihood and faith. In America, the judicial branch has NO authority to make law, the gederal government is forbidden from prohibiting the free exercise of religion (including in work), and 'we the people' are the highest governing authority. So, unlike Rome or a monarchy, we can and should resist illegal laws or orders that countermand the constitution. That is part of our obedience, participation, and respect of government.
Vin Smith
This entire story of a specific county court clerk refusing marriage licenses to same sex couples is extremely sad... Other clerks in other counties seem to be following suit.
First, you have to admire the clerks who have refused the laws of their communities for their considered stands on this issue. It is based on their sincere interpretation of the brand of Christianity that they have embraced.
They happen to be wrong---the Bible does not instruct us to disobey civil authorities as a result of using our own judgment in interpreting Scripture. (1 Peter 2:13-17)
Second, the same sex couples who wish to marry are also wrong---that is not what the Bible teaches. (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13) (Romans 1:26-27) (1 Timothy 1:9-10).
However, if it is the law of the land, then same sex couples are free to marry and obtain licenses to do such. It is arrogance on the part of the clerks who attempt to impose their own take on the law of the land and in so doing refuse a lawful request.
"Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed." (1 Samuel 2:3) ESV
Third, it is Godlessness on the part of same sex couples to live in violation of the Bible. How can these things exist in our modern world? Because Satan is very savvy and is a past master at pitting people against each other. In this case, it pits Christians against secularists, making it very hard for them to understand Christian principles.
Jennifer Rothnie
It is not the law of the land. As mentioned above, the law in Kentucky is that marriage is between one man and one woman, and even her job description does not mandate that she give out marriage liscenses, merely that she 'may'. The supreme Court has no authority to pass laws, it is part of the judicial branch not the legislative. The government has no authority that has been granted to it by the people under the Constitution to restrict freedom of religion. As many lawyers commenting on the case have also pointed out, there were many ways the courts could have handled the issue to make the liscencea abailable without making a woman choose between her faith and livelihood.
Recall that the founding of America began by the rejection of unjust rule; that we the people are the highest government in America and should resist laws that contradict the Constitution; that slavery was once the law of the land and many gave their lives to end it; and that abortion is still the law of the land.
Vin Smith
I totally agree with your statement, Jennifer. That's one of a number of reasons that this situation bothers me, and why this case "...is extremely sad."
I believe in its entirety that this particular issue has Satan's fingerprints all over it.
John Smith
Christians should support Religious freedom and not "cherry pick" the scriptures for political gain. Matthew 23:27-28 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity."
Galatians 5:16-26 states that the works of the flesh are evident which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, sorcery hatred, contentiousness, jealousies, outburst of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, drunkenness, revelries,and it states, "those of you who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Consequently this suggests that those sins, along with obesity and using the scriptures to religiously condemn the LGBT community invites God's wrath.
If Christians cherry pick some scriptures of the Bible as a foundation for their purpose and ignore other scriptures and claim reverence, then Luke 16:13 speaks to them: "No servant can serve two masters... you cannot serve God and money."
God Bless.
Cindy Jennings
The Supreme Court has no authority over God's law. They can make whatever laws they want (and who knew they were a law-making institution) but it doesn't change God's law one iota. Gen 2:24 - ONE man, ONE woman--that's God's version of marriage.
Man's thoughts and laws are not greater than God's.