Philosopher and scientist Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919) was once lecturing a group of college students and began to incorrectly address some matters of history.

Recognizing that their teacher was speaking outside of his realm of expertise, a student who was a history major objected, “Professor Haeckel, the facts say otherwise.” But the doctor’s mind was already made up. Shrugging, he said, “So much the worse for the facts!”

Truth is not defined by popular opinion and reality is not changed by mass misconception.

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That appears to be the mindset of many people today regarding a number of issues. Facts, reality, and the committed pursuit of truth seem to be of minimal importance these days. Certainly no issues have become more polarizing in our culture than those of sexual orientation, gender, and of course, gay marriage.

Gay marriage has been celebrated by media figures, mainstreamed into daily conversation, and (as of June 2015) sanctioned by America’s highest court.

Acceptance of gay marriage was insisted upon, and is now legally and tacitly accepted. Because the only thing weaker than the attention span of the American people is their moral awareness and resolve, very soon few will remember that there ever was objection to same-sex marriage.

But do these things make it right? Does popular will make a re-definition of marriage even possible?

I am keenly aware that my answer of “no” to these questions leads some to assume my opposition to a redefinition of marriage is borne out of ignorance and homophobia. Labels like “hater” and “wingnut” are attributed to me on a regular basis because of my belief that there is an objective moral code that we would be unwise to ignore.

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As a scholar who has spent nearly three decades researching spiritual, moral, and cultural issues, I can say that evidence favoring what many call “traditional values” is compelling.

Academically, I am persuaded of the reality of a moral law that transcends time and culture, and I am equally convinced that the Bible is true and trustworthy. As a follower of Christ, I must stand where scripture stands — even though it may not be popular to do so. That is why I must gently remind people that truth is not defined by popular opinion and reality is not changed by mass misconception.

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Repetition and savvy marketing may make gay marriage acceptable in the eyes of the public, but it will never legitimize it in the eyes of the Lord. Even so, here are a few points worth keeping in mind:

  • Everyone is made in God’s image and, therefore, is of incredible value. This includes all people, regardless of where they land on the marriage issue.
  • Everyone should respond to this issue with love and compassion, not hate.
  • The Bible says what it says on the topic; we would be wise to deeply reflect on why it says what it does about moral issues.
  • We need to carefully consider what history, science, and moral law say in regard to the arguments both for and against homosexuality.
  • We must always remember that whatever our Christian views are on this question, they don’t change the heart of the gospel message or the evidence for it: Christ died for each of us and rose again, triumphant. This is good news!

As you consider where you stand on the issue of gay marriage, I want to stress that you keep in mind the overarching principle mentioned in the second point above: compassion.

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Although I espouse a position that is not supportive of the homosexual lifestyle or gay marriage, everyone involved in this debate needs to always exhibit compassion and understanding. The tone of the conversation must not be one of, “Me vs. You,” but more of “Us Together,” on a quest toward the truth.

Dr. Alex McFarland is an author, speaker, religion and culture expert, and an advocate for Christian apologetics. He has written 17 books, including his newest, “Stand Strong America: Courage, Freedom, and Hope for Tomorrow.” He also hosts “Exploring the Word” on American Family Radio.