The Sacred Side of Marriage

By Charisse N. MontgomeryDarnell Hodges/Hodges Digital Media

Among the black community, resistance to gay marriage remains remarkably staunch. But do we have a leg to stand on in our oppositions to gay marriage?

The primary reasons people cite in opposition to gay marriage are generally biblical. Among those who consider homosexuality a sin, they seem to regard homosexuality as worse than lying, murdering, and greed. By deeming homosexuality as more offensive than other biblically prescribed sins, people create their own justifications for judging people and restricting their rights based on these judgments. In short, if you do think homosexuality is a sin, how can you justify treating homosexuals worse than you treat liars, murderers and divorcees? All of these groups of people have the right to marry, despite the Bible’s assertions that their actions are sinful.

Click to read more ...

The Marriage Ratio: Is the 50/50 concept of marriage outdated?

By Derix J. Paloade

With the sharp decline in successful marriages in our community, we must look at how we approach the idea of these unions. For most who are married, the 50/50 baseline was an ideal way to measure how much the husband and wife should contribute or put into the  marriage in order to make things not only work, but be successful for the long run. For a very small minority, this seems to work; but for others it only serves as a basis for strife.

Click to read more ...

Can homosexuality help us?

By Charisse N. Montgomery

Gay marriage is frequently in the news nowadays, with politicians using the issue as a platform to declare their liberal or conservative values. The issue seems very personal to some people, although gay marriage has little effect on them personally.

Church folks generally argue that the Bible says homosexuality is an abomination, which they site as a reason for believing homosexuality and gay marriage are morally reprehensible. The obvious concern here is that people’s religious convictions are overshadowing the laws of this land, which state that we should all be treated equally.

Click to read more ...

The Married-Man Magnet

By Charisse N. Montgomery

What is it about a married man that some single women find so attractive?  Recently, celebrities like Fantasia and Alicia Keys have had relationships with married men, reflecting what we know to be an everyday occurence. I’m not saying the married man is not responsible for infidelity – after all, he is the one who made the marital commitment. However, I think there is some culpability for those who participate in the downfall of another person, kind of like aiding and abetting in a crime. Besides the scandal and drama of these relationships, what propels some single women knowingly toward married men?

Click to read more ...

The language of love: How to communicate with your spouse

By Richard Montgomery

After seeing Hill Harper’s debacle of a premarital counseling session with Cynthia and Peter on Real Housewives of Atlanta, I felt compelled to consider sharing my story of premarital counseling. Mr. Harper’s pseudo-technical approach to preparing them for marriage would make even the most confident couples reconsider engaging in a dialogue about how to synthesize their values into a marriage.

Click to read more ...