With the rising trend of the legal acceptance of same-sex marriage in some countries, our nation is now being confronted whether to join it with an online poll by no less than congress. Predictably, there is the subsequent debate for both sides. Those in favor argue that everybody has a right to be happy while those who are against it argue from their Christian beliefs which led to a counter-argument that it is not about religion.

Religion is defined as a” set of beliefs…(that) often contains a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs…(which) one believes in and follows devotedly (as it is) a point or matter of ethics or conscience.” The operative word there is “devotedly” which means “extremely loving and loyal.” And this is why for someone who takes his/her religion seriously, there can and will be no instances of “this is not about religion.” Everything will be about it because it is his/her set of beliefs, his/her way of life. It is his/her impetus. It cannot be compartmentalized. It can and should never be on “off or silent mode” because “this is a secular matter.” Jesus said, “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.” (John 14:21 NIV). He didn’t say “some of my commands.” It is all or nothing.

A professing believer who can set aside his/her biblical beliefs every now and then only shows that there is a greater set of beliefs s/he adheres to. That is what defines him/her more, that is what s/he is devoted to, and that is his/her true religion.