A Minnesotan for Traditional Marriage

This November, Minnesotans have the opportunity to vote on a proposed amendment that would define marriage in our state’s constitution as between one man and one woman. I, as many others will, voted “yes” to this proposed amendment on my absentee ballot a few weeks ago.

I have always believed marriage to be a sacred bond between man and woman through the intercession of Christ and His Church, but moreover, I acknowledge that the primary function of marriage is, and always will be, procreation. A stance such as this on homosexual marriage seems to be absolutely unbelievable here at Luther. Everyone seems to be absolutely astonished and completely perplexed as to how I could hold such a preposterous viewpoint. But is my perspective and reasoning really that unheard of, or are views like mine being shut down and discouraged because of overwhelming liberal domination on campus? I vote for the latter.

The problem is that people are never willing to talk about it. And, if they do want to talk about it, they don’t really want to talk about it. People automatically assume that, because you are a conservative Republican and a devout Christian, you are a bigot, homophobe and religious nut. This is absolutely not true.

On multiple occasions I have heard of people speaking ill of me behind my back, using exactly the kind of labels I listed above. Too many “liberals” here at Luther just don’t get it. If Luther is all about encouraging diversity and discovering yourself, why is it that conservative-minded people can’t so much as post an informational status on Facebook without fellow students jumping all over it? Why do upperclassmen chant “MITT!! MITT!! MITT!!” at me mockingly, just because they saw me walking in the homecoming parade with the LC Republicans?

Liberals like to believe that they are all about acceptance, but let’s reason with them right now: The same hate that liberals stereotypically associate with coming from conservative-minded Christians, they are actually casting down upon US every day. This hatred stems far beyond the issue of homosexual marriage; this is clear to me now. So what do we, as conservatives and Christians, do? We step back, stay silent and take it. Perhaps it is time for liberals take a page out of our book and learn to respect us and our beliefs as we do theirs.
I want every conservative Minnesotan out there who is struggling to come to terms with the liberal nature of this campus (and yes, I realize there are far many more liberal campuses in this country, but is there one where the student population is so tight and everyone knows everyone as we do here at Luther?) to know that you are not alone.

Voting “yes” on the Marriage Protection Amendment this November does NOT make you a bigot, homophobe, or religious zealot. You are NOT forcing religious beliefs on others. You are NOT worthy of the hatred and discrimination that you may be receiving. You ARE, however, ensuring that an institution that has been defined based on principle as between one man and one woman since its inception is not subjected to redefinition based on the political notions of politicians and justices. Do not be afraid to be conservative on this campus. Do not be afraid to practice your faith. And do not be afraid to vote “yes” this November.