In the news ...

Two news articles caught my eye today:

"A judge in California has ruled that a law banning gay marriage in the state is unconstitutional."

This issue will ping-pong around for some time to come yet I feel but this is an interesting step. It's clear that different states have dramatically different views on same sex mariage.

As a heterosexual I have the right (providing I satisfy some basic legal requirements of age and marital status) to marry. Well, strictly speaking I had the right to marry as I did so last year!

Religious ceremonies or religious blessings of same sex unions is a matter for the religious institutions themselves. It would be nice to think that love and compassion for fellow human beings would mean that such ceremonies would be possible, but unfortunately at the moment that is often not the case.
However, I can see no logical reason against a civil union between two loving, consenting, single adults. Marriage is a complex thing and people want to get married for their own combination of reasons however I would argue that there are two main reasons for marriage:

1. most importantly, two people who love each other want to declare their commitment to each other in a suitable ceremony;
2. the rights, responsibilities and benefits of being recognised as a legal entity.

Surely, governments have no right to stop a certain sector of society in enjoying something that heterosexuals may take for granted.

I guess it's a case of watch this space ...

"The Roman Catholic Church in Italy has spoken out against what it says are "shameful and unfounded lies" in the best-selling novel The Da Vinci Code."

First and foremost this is a dramatic work. I think it is a fantastic book. Many of the places that are mentioned exist, many of the artefacts referenced can be seen in various museums, some of the theories have supporting evidence whilst others are more open to artistic license. Dan Brown skillfully incorporates all these to create an exciting and compelling novel.

I find it fascinating that the Church and some christians feel so very threatened by this novel. An acquaintance of mine was reading the book and was approached by a stranger who introduced themselves as a Christian and proceeded to say that it was all lies. My acquaintance was so taken aback that they didn't think to ask whether the person had actually read the book.

It is fact that the Bible does not contain all the writings and gospels from the time of Jesus. It is fact that humans love a mystery or hint of conspiracy. It is fact that many people over the centuries have questioned Church doctrine, beliefs and teachings. The author has tapped into this fascinating world.

I'll let Dan Brown have the last word:
"My hope in writing this novel was that the story would serve as a catalyst and a springboard for people to discuss the important topics of faith, religion, and history."

He certainly suceeded!

Happy Journeys.