And you too, John56!
TomOfSweden, I think John56 has hit the nail on the head. There are demagogues in this country that have hijacked a number of issues for their own self enrichment, Gay Marriage being one.

They put together specious arguments to justify their cause, but their real message is an emotional one appealing to their base. It pats them on the back for being an "elect" special group who knows all the answers to everything, and which entitles them to tell other people what to do. Certainly an appealing message.

This isn't our problem alone. The world is getting very crowded with this type of personality. Paraphrasing George Bernard Shaw, "Religion is the one area where a person does not need talent, intelligence, experience or education in order to claim to be an expert." I have an aunt who's a Christian Science Practitioner, which is a senior position in that faith responsible for instructing sich people on how to treat their illnesses holisticaly. She hasn't read the Bible once, nor studied any holistic medicines ourside her faith.
But she's an expert on the subject, who sadly sakes her head at my misplaced faith in doctors.

In an increasing complex world requiring more and more knowledge, they offer simple solutions which assures their followers they are superior to others, comparative educations not with standing, and they are entitled to tell other people what to do.

I'm glad this thread got started, Tom. These religious groups are a problem that needs to be addressed. And they are behind a lot more issues than just gay marriage.
TG