It has been a while since I have felt compelled to respond to a Citizen commentary. However, after Terry Garlock’s column about his new-found enlightenment on the issue of same-sex marriage, it was not enough to shake my head in disbelief, but worthy of a few words in response.

I almost don’t know where to begin because there are two issues involved: marriage and homosexuality. But let me start with Garlock’s final comment relating to a “social question.”

Garlock states, “The commitment of marriage is a diminishing bedrock in our society, fewer are taking that legal step and the divorce rate is high.”

Bedrock, absolutely. Fewer are taking that step, yes, the sad truth. But that has nothing to do with issue of whether or not we allow same-sex marriage.

It is simply an abandonment of the institution of marriage by many of our citizens who try to divorce marriage as something NOT ordained by God. It is up to us, including myself, to teach our children the value of a successful marriage according to Christian teachings.

It is our DUTY as fathers and mothers to teach our children the virtues necessary for solid marriages and God’s role in bringing forth happiness.

You cannot separate religion from the issue because it has everything to do with “bedrock” of Christianity from the Old Testament to the New and for over 2,000 years since the first coming of Christ.

Man and woman brought together before God through marriage results in life-giving love. Marriage between same-sex couples simply cannot produce life-giving love.

It was obvious from Garlock’s column as he described his own “discomfort” that he too knows in his heart and conscience that same-sex marriage is wrong. Garlock (I would bet) believed same-sex marriage was wrong because the act of homosexuality is incompatible with the institution of marriage, and he knew this to be the truth.

I make an assumption, but I believe it is a safe one. How can same-sex couples obey God’s first commandment: ”Be fruitful and multiply”?

In my opinion, Garlock and others have grown susceptible to the continued barrage of the same-sex marriage rhetoric that any marriage between two grown adults is okay as long as they love each other. Or as Garlock contends, same-sex marriage could strengthen the institution of marriage.

These notions sound good, but they are in direct conflict in “hating the sin, loving the sinner.”

Sorry, Mr. Garlock, you cannot have it both ways. If you support same-sex marriage, you might as well tell your children the sinful act of sex between homosexuals is okay, as long as they are married. Just doesn’t make sense to me and it does not seem like a loving position to take.

I have had homosexual neighbors and coworkers. However, I have never abandoned Christian teaching to accommodate my relationship with them. I only treated them with kindness and respect, hoping and praying they would change their ways.

Again, you cannot divorce Christian principles from these issues; at least I cannot nor can most of Americans who proclaim a strong Christian faith.

In my opinion we have become a society of “lukewarmness” where we have weakened our consciences based on God’s law for the sake of “tolerance” and “acceptance.” Mr. Garlock’s position reminds me of the old story about placing a frog in slow boiling water.

For the great majority of this country who believe in marriage between man, woman, and God, we need to stick to our convictions about what is right and what is the TRUTH about marriage.

Truth trumps everything, and the truth about marriage between a man and woman is a non-negotiable issue for MOST of us, especially God.

I refuse to let the will of the minority and activist judges to continue to redefine what God has ordained to be the truth about marriage.

Mr. Garlock might be a conservative on economic and defense issues, but he is no different from McCain on social issues. I found it amusing Garlock calls McCain a moderate Democrat. Maybe he ought to take a close look in the mirror. May I also suggest a must read, “Lukewarmness – The Devil in Disguise” by Francis Carvajal?

Rick Walker

Peachtree City, Ga.