I have been asked to choose an identity which is alien to me and write a short piece from that perspective. As a confirmed atheist, I thought it would be interesting to write from the point of view of someone with fundamental religious views. I have chosen the Southern Baptist convention and their stance on homosexuality:

The foundational beliefs of the Southern Baptist Convention are based around the Holy Bible. We believe that it was written by men who were divinely inspired and it is through the bible that God reveals himself to man. The scripture is totally true and trust worthy. Through the Holy Bible, God has revealed the principles by which man will be judged, and set the standards by which all human conduct and religious opinion should be tried.

Homosexuality is denounced by the bible; therefore it is sinful. Sexual orientation is a matter of choice and can therefore be overcome. It is not caused by hormonal imbalance or genetic factors, but through an unhealthy relationship with ones parents. As set out in the scriptures, the family unit is comprised of those related through marriage, blood or adoption. Marriage is the sacred union between man and women in covenant commitment for life. It is this union that provides the foundations for the procreation of the species. To condone homosexuality through the legalization of same sex marriage conveys societal approval; this poses a danger not only to the individuals involved but to society as a whole. Homosexuality is a reflection of a general moral decline in America; this can only be exacerbated by a social acceptance of homosexual marriage, as future generations will grow up without proper family values.

With all of these factors in mind, discrimination against homosexuals will be deemed proper in the interests of protecting the heterosexual family. The Southern Baptist Convention will continue to stand against homosexual marriages. We will however, demonstrate our love for those practicing homosexuality through prayer. That they may be shown the forgiving and transforming power of the gospel and receive ultimate salvation.