It is extremely sad how many citizens lack critical thinking skills and the capability of viewing each other as equal human beings and individual persons with equal rights and shared responsibilities.

Once again, citizens are fighting over what originates with the reproductive system: sex, gender, personal preference of sexual orientation, marriage and family matters.

A simple solution to the problem, I suggest, is for same-sex couples to agree that it be legal for a "traditional marriage" to be written as between one male and one female. On the other side, religious groups should be able to compromise and agree to respect same-sex couples and grant them the legal benefits of marriage as long as such unions are recognized as a "non-traditional marriage." In that way, both parties are being responsible and respectful of the beliefs of the other party. Why isn't it possible for a win/win situation to occur?

Christians have a responsibility to teach their children about opposing views in a nondiscriminatory manner — a balanced, two-sided lesson in life. In the process of the discussion, they explain the reasons why they believe the way they do.

Christ left instructions for humans to view each other as equal human beings, unique individuals with diverse life experiences. We are instructed to love all humans, even if we disagree with another's personal life experiences that might oppose our own. No two people are exactly alike.

Pauline M. Bailey, Auburn