This document explores the relationship between religion, specifically Christianity, and views on same-sex marriage through a sociological lens. It discusses how Christianity generally influences negative views of same-sex marriage and unions. However, some branches of Christianity, such as Lutheran, Episcopal, and Unitarian Universalism, have allowed and sanctioned same-sex marriages. The document examines this issue through the conflict theory perspective, noting the dichotomy it creates between those who support and oppose same-sex marriage.

1. Religion and Same Sex Unions: A Sociological Exploration
Tatyana Whyte, Rachel Segree, Tebah Browne, Jamel Garcia, Eric Banegas
Learning Community 005, Sociology 101, Professor Antonio Jay Pastrana
The Argument
• Religion, specifically
Christianity, influences the
views of same-sex marriage.
• Christianity negatively
influences the views of same-
sex marriage.
• Normally, Christians don’t
accept same-sex marriages or
couples.
• Karl Marx would agree that
the subject of same-sex
unions under Christianity is a
conflict theory. The subject of
same-sex unions has both
opposing beliefs and
problems.
• In applying a sociological
perspective to our question of how a
certain religion influences the
believer’s views on same-sex
marriage, one would undoubtedly
need to use conflict perspective.
• In using this perspective we admit
and accept the fact that people who
fall into the category of favoring
same–sex marriage are naturally
excluded from the larger group (in
this case society).
• Same-sex marriage is an issue that
naturally forms a dichotomy
between people.
Sociological Perspectives
http://www.pewresearch.org/key-
data-points/u-s-catholics-key-data-
from-pew-research/
Graphs
The Rationale
Findings
Data
http://www.gallup.com/poll/154529/half-americans-support-legal-gay-marriage.aspx
 Many states approved same sex
marriage.
 Big argument in today’s society
 Important to the community’s example
and environment
 Free will importance
 Self importance / connecting to the
churchhttp://publicreligion.org/2013/03/generational-divisions-in-the-pews-on-same-sex-marriage/
Anglican Church.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/central-coast/gay-rights-post-by-gosford-anglican-parish-minster-rod-bower-goes-viral-on-facebook/story-fngr8h0p-1226687874235
http://www.tucsonsentinel.com/local/report/062513_same-sex_marriage/activists-already-gathering-supreme-court-same-sex-marriage-rulings/
• Branches of Christianity that
allowed same sex couples and
marriages are Lutheran,
Angelical, Episcopal, Protestant,
and Unitarian Universalism.
• Churches were created so that
the couples were married under
the eyes of God. Also individuals
became pastors so they could
specifically marry same-sex
couples.
• The reason they did it was
because they viewed same-sex
marriage as sanctity instead of
sacred.
• There are branches of
Christianity that allow gay
couples. However, when it
comes to gay marriage their
views are split. Therefore,
people within that religion with
the same views join together
and create their own churches.

2. http://www.pewresearch.org/key-data-
points/u-s-catholics-key-data-from-pew-
research/