Should I Attend This Event At My College?

[tinytherese]

[quote name='eagle_eye222001' post='1675923' date='Oct 12 2008, 10:13 PM']Don't you love those people!



Which is we need people like you and me to learn about our faith and be able to explain and defend it as Christopher West, John Martignoni (Bible Christian Society which is Catholic Apologetics despite its non-Catholic sounding name), Karl Keating of Catholic Answers, and many others who cannot be everywhere for us and we need to pick up the areas they are unable to tend to.

Christopher West is coming to my local Catholic Church in a few weeks and I am looking forward to his presentation as my parents have heard him before and highly recommend him.




Ah, people who use the Bible to defend slavery, sola scriptura, sola fide, sola this, sola that, soley for my FEEL-GOOD personal interpretation, and pretty much anything I can possible warp into my own context. I'm surprised the Bible has not been used to defend terrorism actually. I could see someone trying with parts of the OT where God wipes people out and kills innocent civilians. As an apprentice Apologists, I see a lot of work ahead of me.



That's an accomplishment there! Be proud of that as that there are too many people out there with that view.



Fly on! It's not Eagles but at least they are birds and not a pig with wings! [/quote]


Yes, there's a lot of work out there to be apologist! I took a class on it in high school and the title of it really should have been "introduction to apologetics." Really, it was just the beginning. It was only a semester long and learning about the faith is a continuous education that needs to be ongoing throughout one's entire life and go beyond the classroom.

[SpareTime]

[quote name='tinytherese' post='1675730' date='Oct 12 2008, 05:38 PM']In case you're wondering how it went, not the way that I had hoped. I was surprised that some girls thought that "hate the sin and not the sinner" was offensive, saying that the "sin" was who they were and that by hating the "sin" that they were hating them.[/quote]

that sounds tough. society teaches/brainwashes that people ARE their sexuality, that sex is everything, that sex is recreational, etc.. telling young girls with role models like Britney Spears and other scantily clad women on magazine covers that the more sexual they are, the more well-liked they will be.. it is truly tragic. i think that's why people who struggle with SSA and feel like it is an intrinsic part of them are so offended by people saying it is wrong. they have had it bashed into their head that their sexuality defines them.. in a way..

[tinytherese]

[quote name='Jon' post='1676132' date='Oct 13 2008, 10:44 AM']Hello dear TinyTherese,

I have enjoyed all the post here - sorry I was late joining.

I believe this is a worthy topic and would like to give my two cents...esp. because I have many male and female friends that are gay - even my neighbor of 8 years. They are everywhere.

When Billy Graham was interviewed by 60 Minutes, he was asked why he had not joined the Christian Right group ( Pat Robertson, Jerry F, other evangelicals, etc. ) He said they were too focused on homosexuals. [color="#0000FF"][i]Why? Homosexuality is no more a sin than lust, gluttony or pride[/i].[/color]

That being said...while at an Interfaith function - a Catholic chatted with me and within 1 min he started in about the "gay agenda" and went on about it. I nodded patiently then said,
[i]" When people realize that stealing a paperclip from work is as much a sin as homosexuality, I sure will be happy." [/i] He said, "Yeah..." And that ended that unpleasant conversation.

When one focuses only on the Kingdom of Heaven ( following Jesus' Words to a TEE ) -- these sins of others are of no import. We know not what another's path is ----but what we do know is
God has it all under control and is assuredly drawing each sinner closer to Him in His Way.

What are we here to do? Follow God's instructions.[i] "Love, give, forgive, have faith, be abundant, delight in the Lord, be still, be humble, serve, cast our cares on Him, give Him our burdens, pray without ceasing, understand and know Him"...[/i]you get my point. There is almost not enough time in a day to do all that ... kidding.

All that takes up so much time the gays will be of no concern.
And when a gay person sees that radiating from you -that deep lack of care about their actions because your face is turned directly at the Sun - not turning from side to side or behind you ---that will make a much deeper impression on them and everyone else around... as in, " Who [u]is[/u] that girl? " ( Constantly preach the Gospel and when necessary use words. St Francis )

If you feel you have a "mission" to change them - I say - consider your methods. I'd rather follow someone with a shining face that is not looking at my shortfalls and could care less about my lifestyle ( shoplifter, drunk or gay) ---rather than, say, a person with a pamphlet that purposely attended my meeting with an agenda in mind. For example.

Oh my, I could go on...I'll leave it at that for now.

God Bless you my dear and your sweet heart,
Jon[/quote]

Thanks for the imput. At the end of the discussion one girl who knew where I was from and knew that I had gone to a catholic high school commented that she was surprised that I had even come, thinking that catholic school kids are narrow minded. I listened to the testimonies of those who had same sex attractions, had both same and opposite attractions, the friends of those with same sex attractions, and one woman who talked about her son "coming out." So I have more of an idea of where they are coming from and some of the issues that they are going through.

I really didn't come with a "hidden agenda" though. My friend who started this whole event said that everyone's opinions would be shared and respected. I told the people that in our small group discussion that I wanted to set the record straight about how the church views and approaches those with same sex attractions.

I said that it living out the lifestyle is a sin but that we are still called to love them, listen to them, treat them with dignity, and become their friends. And then through this love that perhaps they may find healing and harken to the news we bear. (I took that part from this song from world youth day 2002 in Toronto soundtrack called "The Light of the World." It's such an awesome song that everyone in the faith should know. I even listened to this song before going to the event and offered it as a prayer for these girls.)

I also told them that Jesus loves them no matter what. He does not accept everything that we [i]do[/i] but He still accepts [i]us[/i]. And that the real question is if we will accept [i]Him[/i], accept His love for us, despite the personal cost. I told them that before Benedict XVI became pope that he wrote a pastoral letter regarding the pastoral care of homosexuals. He said that homosexuals are called to live a chaste life and to unite their sufferings with Christ on the cross and to undergo the paschal mystery of suffering and dying to oneself and then rise again. I even read from my paper about how Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta called homosexuals "friends of Jesus" yet she still called them to conversion. Then gave a quote of hers where she said, "Jesus loves you always, even when you don't feel worthy. When not accepted by others, even by yourself sometimes, he is the one who always accepts you. Only believe--you are precious to him. Bring all you are suffering to his feet--only open your heart to be loved by him as you are. He will do the rest."

It's funny how you mentioned the St. Francis of Assissi quote because I was thinking of it when we had the big group discussion after the documentary. I stayed silent for the most part, taking in what they said, and felt really nervous about speaking up, realizing that some of my points probably wouldn't be welcomed. Even the "hate the sin and not the sinner" point. Then I remembered the saints quote about how we are to only preach with words if necessary and that perhaps if I listen and seek understanding with them that that would have a greater impact on them. Then they might realize that maybe I'm not the stereotypical judgmental catholic. (I'm not the "church lady" from saturday night live. "Could it be...SATAN???")

One time when my dad was attacking me, my beliefs, and my intentded future career plan to become a director of religious education, my mom comforted me by pointing out what she saw on the youtube videos that I had sent her on The Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist and the Nashville Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia. They had this radiance about them. Not superficial simpleton smiles like "oh yea everything is great" but sincere joyfulness that was clearly apparent. No one had to interrogate them on the church's belief in the Immaculate Conception. These sisters revealed their faith to everyone without having to preach or undergo a religious debate, for they showed it with their very [i]lives[/i].

Honestly, I think that anyone who is having a struggle of faith or has turned away from God needs to visit these sisters. Not to interrogate or debate with them but to just observe them and converse in regular conversation with them. They'd probably eventually convert because of their great witness.

I remember now that last year at the end of our english composition class that our final paper was to comment on how much we had grown from our papers (including the one that I had written about homosexuality.) This is what I wrote for my conclusion to that final paper.

[b]In the words of St. Catherine of Sienna, “If you are what you should be, you will set the world on fire” (“Club Guidelines”). Through the composition of my papers I am beginning to light the birthday candles on the cake of a world reborn. One Life on The Rock one guest recounted a story about G.K. Chesterton. The writer was once asked, “What’s wrong with the world?” and he replied, “me.” His unexpected answer reveals that before one begins to change the world one first needs to transform oneself. I have to live up to what I have written and with the help of God I will meet my own challenges. These five essays reveal my desire to live my life on The Rock of The Catholic Church. [/b]

Yep, I've got a lot of work to do-- on me! I have to go see the divine physician.

[tinytherese]

[quote name='alicemary' post='1676173' date='Oct 13 2008, 12:37 PM']The important thing is that you went, you went outside your comfort zone and tried your best. You never, ever know what seed might have been planted. No one likes to be preached at or put down, even in the name of religion. The love of Jesus conquers all. I think you did a great job!![/quote]

Thank you. That means a lot.

[tinytherese]

[quote name='SpareTime' post='1676256' date='Oct 13 2008, 03:16 PM']that sounds tough. society teaches/brainwashes that people ARE their sexuality, that sex is everything, that sex is recreational, etc.. telling young girls with role models like Britney Spears and other scantily clad women on magazine covers that the more sexual they are, the more well-liked they will be.. it is truly tragic. i think that's why people who struggle with SSA and feel like it is an intrinsic part of them are so offended by people saying it is wrong. they have had it bashed into their head that their sexuality defines them.. in a way..[/quote]


Totally agree. I like how on the courage website that they say "persons with same sex attraction" and not "homosexuals." One's sexual orientation is just [i]one part [/i]of who one is.

[Ash Wednesday]

[quote]When Billy Graham was interviewed by 60 Minutes, he was asked why he had not joined the Christian Right group ( Pat Robertson, Jerry F, other evangelicals, etc. ) He said they were too focused on homosexuals. Why? Homosexuality is no more a sin than lust, gluttony or pride.

That being said...while at an Interfaith function - a Catholic chatted with me and within 1 min he started in about the "gay agenda" and went on about it. I nodded patiently then said,
" When people realize that stealing a paperclip from work is as much a sin as homosexuality, I sure will be happy." He said, "Yeah..." And that ended that unpleasant conversation. [/quote]

Hi Jon,
Welcome to Phatmass, by the way.

Now, I agree that Christians need to focus on the Kingdom of heaven and radiate with the love of God when it comes to these issues, and it's a very sensitive issue that should be handled with great compassion and care. But would you mind explaining what you mean by equating the theft of a paperclip with homosexuality?

When you mean "homosexuality" -- do you mean being born with the condition, or do you mean the lifestyle of engaging in sexual acts with the same sex?

No doubt, Christians need to remember the big picture and be positive, but we cannot paint a picture of a God that is completely ambivalent about sin, either. For sin can prevent someone from someone focusing on the kingdom of God -- it can even cut someone off from it completely. There were times when Jesus did not mince words with people, including when he was speaking about the institution of marriage.

The other issue I would ask about is Billy Graham's quote. Things like lust, gluttony and pride are capital sins from a Catholic perspective -- which puts them in their own category as sins that give way to other sins, and some sins are graver than others. Again I wonder if Graham is differentiating between the condition itself, and the lifestyle of someone having gay sex. Many Christians don't really differentiate between the two, but the Church does -- that is that being in the condition of feeling same sex attraction are not the sin, but rather acting on them is.

Basically what I'm getting at is that, from a Catholic viewpoint, having gay sex or cheating on your wife IS more grave than simply having an extra slice of cake out of gluttony, or being too proud to admit you're wrong following an argument with a friend, or yes, stealing a paperclip from work. (Unless said paperclip is paramount in saving the lives of millions of people, or something like that....)

[Lil Red]

[quote name='tinytherese' post='1676297' date='Oct 13 2008, 02:24 PM'][b]One Life on The Rock one guest recounted a story about G.K. Chesterton. The writer was once asked, “What’s wrong with the world?” and he replied, “me.” His unexpected answer reveals that before one begins to change the world one first needs to transform oneself.[/b][/quote]
+J.M.J.+
i love that story! [url="http://theanchoressonline.com/2008/10/08/whats-wrong-with-the-world-ii/"]The Anchoress[/url] talked about it the other day:
[quote]About 100 years ago, a British paper invited many writers to answer the same question, What’s Wrong With the World? They extended the invitation to G. K. Chesterton who wrote back:
Dear Sirs;
I am.
Sincerely,
G.K. Chesterton[/quote]

[Guest Jon]

[color="#000080"]Hi Tinytherese,

What nice replies to everyone - and before you even wrote me I re-read your first post and saw that you didn't have any secret agenda. Sorry, I guess I may be just so use to that in people.
Thank you for being you.

God bless,
Jon[/color]

[tinytherese]

Thank you Jon, no offense taken.

[Justin86]

[quote name='Lil Red' post='1676355' date='Oct 14 2008, 06:59 AM']+J.M.J.+
i love that story! [url="http://theanchoressonline.com/2008/10/08/whats-wrong-with-the-world-ii/"]The Anchoress[/url] talked about it the other day:[/quote]
Didn't he actually write a book called, [i]What Is Wrong With the World[/i], or something like that?

[tinytherese]

Yep, he did.

[Guest Jon]

[color="#0000FF"]Good morning Ash,

I am still learning the ropes here - I didn't find your post for awhile to me - I'm gathering that as posts come they are displayed --not neccessarily "underneath" the person you're posting to -so one has to pretty much read all that is on a topic to find the one directed to [i]you.[/i]
Any tips along the way are welcome, Thank you. I'm playing around with quoting someone on the top of my post. I am an artist and not interested in computers at all - I'm lucky to have gotten this far in what I know. ;)

Btw, I went to your profile and you are very funny. Love it. :)

Well, I believe this could be a "bumpy ride"...and btw, I have a personal story of Ms. Davis - once removed. As in 1 degree of separation !! Someday I can figure out how to Im, Pm you whatever it is called here.

First, if I may, I respect all and any beliefs ---luckly it is not my place to ever judge anyone - I have said before, [i]I don't care if you think God is a blue boy with a flute ( ie, Krishna). I'm just delighted when someone loves and acknowledges a Superior Power.[/i] Whew, what a relief it is that it's not all up to me to figure out. So there will never be a debate or argument out of me. Just a meeting of the minds - on way or another to see another's viewpoint or experience.

I want to tell you how happy I was with your post to me -asking me questions. Wanting to know more is why we are here on this site, I think. It's so great.
________________________________________
_________________________________

You asked about my view on homosex. in ref to - a birth condition or a lifestyle choice to engage in sex with someone of the same sex. This is a paraphrase, I hope I got close.
Again, I'm so lucky that it is not my "job" to know - so I diplomatically have to say - I just don't know ----however, in sitting over coffee with gay friends I have found them all to have such diff. stories - it is quite fascinating!!!

One gay person would be offended or angry to have it even called a "condition". (The "Gay Pride " thing and all.) While another is filled with [u]regret[/u] that they just can NOT open to the other sex. ( And do think of it as a societal, religious type of [i]curse)[/i] They have trust issues from a bad parent, to thinking the genitalia is ugly-- of the opposite sex ---it goes on.

It is so fascinating. Also, I have a dear friend, like a little gay brother, that is a virgin at 43 because of being raised Catholic and all the fears from childhood - even still - it is so engrained in him. So instead he has been a porn nut and dreamer. Never a love relationship with another.
I digress.

RE Jesus [i]not mincing words about the institution of marriage[/i] are you referring to Him saying basically not to divorce and marry another bec that would be adultery? Mark 10:11 and
Mt 5:something? I also do think marriage is between a man and a woman. Now a business contract otherwise known as a civil union - to establish properties and hospital vistits, etc -that's a whole other legal story - I won't get into - it isn't even of interest for me, personally.

What was of interest for me was [i]sin.[/i] That is a biggy and I am not a theological or Biblical scholar. Certainly not for the Catholic Church - which I was at one time part of and personally knew Bishop Sheen when I was 14. ( I still can tell you what his hands felt like :)
I digress...

How about if I shorten my experience as best I can. Sin is sin. Sin is anything that takes you away from God's Immense Love.( capital, venial, mortal, up, down, sideways ) When I harbor anger towards my neighbor there is as much distance between my Lord and me as if I did not give to a hungry person on the street... -which to clarify - there is never any distance - my ignoring Him creates a distance just as ignoring your boyfriend creates a "closing off" - it may still be there but you don't feel it and your boyfriend's love just can't get thru to you - you're ignoring him..... The Lord's Love is not like a human's love ---He IS Love and holds the Universe - seen and unseen together with the glue of His Love.

Did I digress again? :) SIN - what is sin? Is it what a church says - little sin, medium sin, big sin... think what you will ---my thoughts are anything from stealing a paperclip to murder are sin - both make the Lord unhappy because of the separation from Him and His Ways and both can be forgiven in a twinkling of an eye with true repentance - and we can be in the Sunshine of His Love in that moment. Did He ever stop loving me while I was murdering - no.

Do you stop loving your puppy or baby when it does something just terrible?? No. Do you want that baby or puppy to realize their mistake and run back into your arms ?? Yes, achingly so.

Can "sin" cut you off[i] competely[/i] from the Kingdom of God? ( As I believe you said)
I dare say - no - not ever - it is within us. Luke 17:21 Can we ignore it - that is sin. Ignoring is what cuts us off ---cutting ourselves off from recognizing the Lord, Our Father -who sent Himself as His Son to bring us back to Himself

Ash, I have gone on so --that soon a service man is coming. I must stop here and I could go on - sorry. This is enough for now -probably TOO much :). There is no arguing with anyone that holds firm to a church's teaching - this was just to clarify where I am coming from a little- I hope that is ok.

We may disagree on particulars - but I hope we always remember we both love the Lord and both of us want to learn more and more about Him and His many aspects.

God Bless you, In Christ,
Jon [/color]

[prose]

[quote name='tinytherese' post='1675730' date='Oct 12 2008, 04:38 PM']In case you're wondering how it went, not the way that I had hoped. I was surprised that some girls thought that "hate the sin and not the sinner" was offensive, saying that the "sin" was who they were and that by hating the "sin" that they were hating them.[/quote]

I got this constantly when I was working at an HIV/AIDS Centre.

The problem is, when a person sees a part of themselves that they feel is intrinsic, and then someone tells them acting on it is wrong, they are personally offended.

My normal "go to" is that homosexuals are not being called to anything different than heterosexuals. We are all called not to sin.

HOWEVER, I struggle with explaining this because I have a hard time with the fact that people fall in love, and are being called to not act upon it. I don't think that they are "faking" these feelings. It is very hard to explain to someone that, if they are not hetero, they will not be called to life-long partnership. Even if they have feelings for another, they are supposed to suppress them. It is so hard because it is not purely about the sex. As with any relationship, the sex is generally an addition to, and not a centering point. Of course, I am referring to people in the gay community who have committed long-term relationships (yes, it is possible, and happens frequently).

I wish I had better resources about this struggle. The sexual struggle is not difficult. Everyone deals with that, gay or straight. It is the fact that they have to deny any emotional attachments that is difficult to explain. I suppose you could parallel it with the intimate callings of a priest or a nun, but most people in those communities don't grasp the high call of these vocations.

Sigh.

This is so much more than sex that we are dealing with.

[Ash Wednesday]

Hey Jon,
I very much appreciated your well thought out response. Thank you for clarifying those things for me. And to be quite honest, "I don't know" can be a most excellent and wise answer indeed. Maybe people should say that more often. Don't mind my poking and questions. That's just me sometimes..."What do you mean by that?" Poke. Poke. Poke.

I've probably engaged in a longer conversation with you than I have most anyone on this board in months. For the most part my posts lately have consisted of a few wisecracks here and there, maybe a paragraph, but not much else. So bravo!

Perhaps I should clarify when I say that I believe sin can cut people off from God's kingdom -- I was speaking not so much as a permanent condition of someone living on earth but rather that of the freely chosen condition of unrepentant people after they die. But that's a whole different can of worms altogether.

I want to know your Bette Davis story (I'm within the six degrees of Elvis...YES) -- and I also am an artist. So all the more reason to PM you, which I will!

[tinytherese]

In case anyone wants to read the paper that I wrote regarding homosexuality, here it is.




Over the past two decades or so, the gay pride movement is gaining more and more recognition. We see rainbow bumper stickers and ribbons and comedy television series such as “Will and Grace” about homosexual men. People are pushing for tolerance and acceptance, yet if anyone objects to the lifestyle they are automatically labeled as homophobic and suspected for prejudices and even hate crimes against homosexuals. Is this an accurate picture? Are they really just bigots who are afraid and narrow? Real “homophobes” stand for love instead of hatred and fear.

First of all, one must take a look at the possible causes for homosexuality. Some may claim that it is genetic, but so far, scientists are unable to find the gene. “Dr. Dean Hamer (who coined the phrase “gay gene”) said, ‘We have not found the gene- which we don’t think exists- for sexual orientation’ ” (“What causes homosexuality?”). For the sake of argument, let us say that people are born this way. Even if one is biologically prone to a certain behavior, does this determine what is morally acceptable? For example, evidence shows that some people are genetically more prone to alcoholism. Certainly, this would not justify their behavior (“What causes homosexuality?”).

Some psychologists have proposed other reasons for homosexuality. One is that the person was sexually abused by a member of the opposite sex, even a parent (“What causes homosexuality?”). Homosexuality becomes their sanctuary so that they can escape the pain of abuse (“What causes homosexuality?”). “Also, a child who was sexually abused by a member of the same sex can become confused about his or her sexual orientation” (“What causes homosexuality?”). A second possible reason for homosexuality is that a parent of the opposite-sex became too absorbed in the life of the child. A mother and son may rely solely on each other for needs that should be met elsewhere, and this can contribute to gender identity confusion in the son (“What causes homosexuality?”).

A third possible reason is that the same- sex parent is either physically or emotionally absent. For example, a boy in this position may feel inferior and rejected by his peers when it comes to athletic activities with the other boys, causing him the inability to relate to his own sex (“What causes homosexuality?”). He then seeks a young man to identify with, and this desire to identify with one who is particularly masculine may be confused with the onset of homosexuality. Then if he acts on this and begins to explore the orientation, he may come to believe that he is homosexual. The attraction may have been there merely because the other young man possessed a level of masculinity that he admired and feared that he lacked (“What causes homosexuality?”). During adolescence one is in the midst of one’s identity search and many things are explored. One may feel confused in the midst of one’s identity search, so one is more susceptible to starting the gay lifestyle (“What causes homosexuality?”).

Many argue that homosexuality is natural, but first one must properly define what natural means. In the modern era, some define what is natural by whatever they feel. In a nutshell they believe that “If it feels good, do it” (“How can people say that homosexuality isn’t natural?”). The problem is that one could justify all kinds of unsafe and even immoral actions with this reasoning. For example, if I feel like robbing a bank would it be morally acceptable to do it? It’s natural for me to feel that way when I am low on money is it not? Obviously, such an action would be unethical. Let us take a look at what is called natural law, meaning when things are gathered together the way that they are designed to. One example of natural law is that a plant cannot survive without sun, because darkness does not help it grow and therefore stay alive (“How can people say that homosexuality isn’t natural?”). Now, let us move on to the way that people were designed. “First of all, consider that a man’s body really doesn’t make sense without a woman’s body. The same goes for her. The two complement each other. For example, the sperm and the egg serve no purpose in isolation from each other. Yet, everyone on the planet is here because of the union of the two” (“How can people say that homosexuality isn’t natural?”). Children can never result from gay sex.

Health issues reveal that homosexuality is not the way that our bodies were made. For gay men, because sperm are meant to inhibit the immune system their odds of developing anal infections are increased. They are more likely to contract HIV, anal cancer (from HPV,) hepatitis, throat gonorrhea, and ten times as likely as heterosexuals to get syphilis. Many of them also suffer from what is called “gay bowel syndrome” (“How can people say that homosexuality isn’t natural?”). Lesbians are especially at risk because most have slept with other males beforehand, some of whom were bisexual, and they typically have more sexual partners than heterosexual women. They are at a much higher risk for sexually transmitted diseases such as bacterial vaginosis, hepatitis C, and HIV than heterosexual women (“How can people say that homosexuality isn’t natural?”). From this research how can we say that our bodies were made for homosexuality or even bisexuality?

Should gay couples adopt children? Plenty of heterosexual parents are not always fit to raise children properly, so why not let homosexuals adopt them? They may be even better parents. Before one gives a gay couple a form, I would like to ask a question of my own: Do we want what is best for children? I highly doubt that anyone replied no, and of course this is true. Now, here are some facts that one must consider.

Sociological studies agree that children are at risk when a mother or father is absent. Their likelihood of falling into criminal behavior, substance abuse, and psychological problems are increased (“What’s wrong with gay couples adopting kids?”). Both a mother and a father are irreplaceable to an individual. The children of gay parents have the natural desire for them both, but have difficulty expressing this because they may feel ungrateful or guilty for admitting it. Rosie O’Donnell adopted a son, and when he was six, stated that he wanted a daddy. Her reply was, “If you were to have a daddy, you wouldn’t have me as a mommy because I’m the kind of mommy who wants another mommy. This is the way mommy got born.” He answered that he would just keep her. She made her son feel that by wanting a dad that he was rejecting her (“What’s wrong with gay couples adopting kids?”). Children will also not have a healthy understanding of motherhood and fatherhood. New York Times Magazine once did a story on two girls who were raised by a lesbian couple. One of them admitted that, “I cannot understand or relate to men because I am so immersed in gay culture and unfamiliar with what it is to have a straight relationship” (“What’s wrong with gay couples adopting kids?”). This does not sound like a healthy situation for a child to be in.

According to research studies gay men and women have much higher rates of suicide, alcoholism, and depression than heterosexual men and women. Many respond that this is because of prejudice and bigotry; however, in locations where homosexuality is more widely accepted the numbers are even higher. The notion that such problems are caused by society’s condemnation of them is clearly refuted (Pinto 223). International Journal of Epidemiology released findings that, “The life expectancy of homosexual men is 38 years, and only 2% of homosexual men live past the age of 65” (“What’s wrong with gay couples adopting kids?”).
This does not apply to everyone, but homosexuals are often in unstable and promiscuous relationships. Studies on homosexuality have found that homosexuals sleep with many partners, even hundreds. Premarital sex is tied to higher divorce rates, so these studies reveal a troubling trend when one speaks about the possibility of adopting children (“What’s wrong with gay couples adopting kids?”). Research has also done research on “exclusive” relationships:
A study of 156 homosexual men (who were in relationships lasting
between 1 and 37 years) discovered that none of the men who were in
relationships longer than five years had been faithful to each other. Out of
all 156 couples, only seven were monogamous, and the steady couples
were most likely to engage in the most “unsafe” sexual acts. Yet another
researcher found that the average cohabitating homosexual relationship
lasts less than three years. (“What’s wrong with gay couples adopting kids?”)

As one can see, the homosexual lifestyle is an unhealthy environment to raise a child in. The life is not even healthy for homosexuals.

Now let us look at the Christian faith perspective, particularly the Catholic one. Homosexuality in itself is not a sin unless one either acts upon the desires or encourages them by deliberately indulging in fantasies about those of the same sex (“Homosexuality”). Scripture specifically mentions opposition to the lifestyle. In Genesis 19, two angels in disguise visit the city of Sodom and are taken in by Lot. Some men in Sodom demand that the guests be handed over for homosexual intercourse, but Lot refuses. The town is soon consumed by fire, “because of the outcry against its people has become great before the Lord” (Gen. 19:13). Homosexual activists may reject the claim by arguing that the lack of hospitality brought about God’s wrath (“Homosexuality”). True, the inhospitality did help to bring about the town’s destruction but so did the homosexual acts. “Jude 7 records that Sodom and Gomorrah ‘acted immorally and indulged in unnatural lust.’ Ezekiel says that Sodom committed ‘abominal things’ (Ezek. 16:50), which could refer to homosexual and heterosexual acts of sin” (“Homosexuality”).

Another example of condemning homosexuality is also found in the Bible. “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; such a thing is an abomination” (Lev. 18:22). Many homosexual activists argue that moral imperatives from the Old Testament can now be dismissed because there were certain ceremonial requirements at the time such as circumcising male babies and completely abstaining from pork that are no longer binding. Indeed, the ceremonial requirements are no longer binding; however the moral requirements are because they are eternal and apply to all times and cultures (“Homosexuality”). If this moral requirement was no longer binding, then why does Paul in the New Testament speak out against it as well (Rom. 1:26-28, 32, 1 Cor. 6:9-10)?

Some ask why if two people of the same sex love each other and are willing to stay faithful for life cannot get married. Marriage definitely needs both love and faithfulness, but these are not the only ingredients. First of all, one must consider these simple, but often overlooked facts. God made both marriage and sex and created them according to His own design; therefore they are good and holy (“If two people of the same sex really love each other?”). A valid marriage must be free, total, faithful, and designed to give life, yet gay couples cannot give life because they cannot have children together (“If two people of the same sex really love each other?”) . When a man and woman have sex, they say their wedding vows with their bodies, because in intercourse they physically say, “I give my whole self to you” (Pinto 212). Not only is this why sex outside of marriage is a lie, but these vows could never be said in a homosexual “marriage.” In scripture we find that, “a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body” (Gen. 2:24). Two people of the same sex obviously cannot become one body in intercourse, for they were not designed to give themselves completely to each other because God did not make them that way.

A popular argument today is that, “this is the way God made me.” Though this may appear to be a reasonable conclusion to some, when taken at a closer look the claim falls flat. God does not make anyone like this, but permits them to have the orientation. This, however, does not mean that God created them that way or wants them to engage in homosexual acts. For example, God permits people to have physical or even mental disorders, but certainly no one believes that they are good in themselves (Pinto 224). He allows sin and other bad things to happen for a time in order to bring an even greater good from them that we may or may not be aware of or understand at the time (Rom. 5: 20-21). These are used to help us grow in holiness, but again are not good in themselves (2 Cor 12:9; Mt 5: 3-6; Pinto 225). If we all decided to act on harmful impulses using the “God made me this way so I can act this way logic” then anything, no matter how corrupt, could be justified (Rom 6; 1 Pt 5: 8-9; Pinto 225).
Does God accept homosexuals? Yes, but perhaps not in the sense that one may think. “God is love, so in that sense He ‘accepts’ everybody. But He does not accept everything a person does (1 Jn 4:8). The real question is, Will we accept God? Will we accept His love for us, even if that means giving up whatever sinful lifestyle we have chosen (Mt 5:1-12, 6:19-21)” (Pinto 227)? Blessed Mother Teresa called homosexuals “friends of Jesus” but still called them to conversion. She once said, “Jesus loves you always, even when you don’t feel worthy. When not accepted by others, even by yourself sometimes, He is the one who always accepts you. Only believe, you are precious to Him. Bring all you are suffering to His feet, only open your heart to be loved by Him as you are. He will do the rest” (“Considering that a third of all teen suicides are gays”).

What is a homosexual to do when they resolve to follow the Lord? Before Benedict XVI became pope, he wrote a response to the issue. “Fundamentally, they are called to enact the will of God in their life by joining whatever sufferings and difficulties they experience in the virtue of their condition to the sacrifice of the Lord’s Cross. That Cross, for the believer, is a fruitful sacrifice since from that death come life and redemption” (Letter To The Bishops). He continues, saying that this acceptance, no, embrace of The Cross is not a meaningless effort of self-denial, but a denial of self in the service to the will of God who brings life from death and empowers those who trust in Him to practice virtue instead of vice. According to the Catechism, “Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection” (2347). Through embracing one’s cross, prayer, the sacraments, and the virtue of chastity one can overcome such desires. Those who wish to seek further help in discovering heterosexuality are recommended to seek Dr. Nicolosi’s Thomas Aquinas Psychological Clinic in Los Angeles, Fr. John Harvey’s ministry, or couragerc.net. They have had excellent results (Pinto 227; “Homosexuality”).

Homosexual activists may argue that we are judging them, or even go as far as to say that we are justifying prejudice, even hate-crimes, but they are misunderstood. We hate the sin but not the sinner (Pinto 224). Jesus Himself said, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone” (Jn 8:7). We simply call them to repentance with authentic humility (Lk 24:15-17). Hate crimes and all acts of bigotry are clearly condemned:

It is deplorable that homosexual persons have been and are the object of violent malice in speech or in action. Such treatment deserves condemnation from the Church’s pastors wherever it occurs. It reveals a kind of disregard for others which endangers the most fundamental principles of a healthy society. The intrinsic dignity of each person must always be respected in word, in action and in law (Ratzinger).

Everyone is called to treat homosexuals with dignity and respect. There is absolutely no excuse for harassment, prejudice, or hate crimes.

We are called to lead homosexuals on the road to truth and joy by loving them. Nothing evangelizes better than love. Jesus said, “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:34-35). We love them by respecting them, and being kind to them, and showing them compassion. Each individual yearns for love, and homosexuals, like everyone else, are in search of fulfilling love that will last, because no one is complete without it. Let us freely give it to them.
What is true love? True love desires what is best for the other person, no matter what the personal cost, and these facts reveal that the homosexual lifestyle is not what is best for them or society (“If two people of the same sex love each other?”). “Homophobes” are merely fearful for their homosexual brothers and sisters, not of them. Real “homophobes” stand for love instead of hatred and fear.









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