Are "Eunuchs born that way" meant to mean, Homosexuals? MATT 19:12

[maria_teresa]

Recently, a discussion was begun that brought the matter to light about which group of “eunuchs” Our Lord was referring to in the first part of vs.12 in Matthew 19: 12. The consensus was that historically it was known that homosexuals were put in charge of harems guarding the many wives of royalty in those days because they were “safe” to be left in charge. And, straight men were first castrated before being put in that same charge to prevent their involvement with the harem. The castrated men were of the second category of eunuchs to which Jesus referred. And, the third category, were the people called to Religious Life. But, what of the “eunuchs born that way” of the first category? Could that have meant homosexuals? Is there any place this verse is expounded upon in Catholic Teaching that I could refer to, that any of you know of? Thank you…

 

[1ke]

Recently, a discussion was begun that brought the matter to light about which group of “eunuchs” Our Lord was referring to in the first part of vs.12 in Matthew 19: 12. The consensus was that historically it was known that homosexuals were put in charge of harems guarding the many wives of royalty in those days because they were “safe” to be left in charge.

No it is not historically known that “homosexuals” were put in charge of harems unless you are reading PFLAG’s made up history. Castrated males were put in charge of harems. A eunuch is one who has been castrated.

But, what of the “eunuchs born that way” of the first category?

Those born with physical deformities.

7239526Could that have meant homosexuals?

No.

 

[Kolbe300]

A eunuch is one who has been castrated.

It is historically known that not all those considered “eunuchs” were castrated.

 

[m134e5]

It is historically known that not all those considered “eunuchs” were castrated.

The eunuchs referred to in the bible as having been born that way are likely people who were born with some serious deformity of the genitals (including hermaphrodites).

The eunuchs referred to in the bible as having been “made so by man” would be those who were castrated/sexually mutilated in some other way by people (as part of a pagan ritual, a conquest of an enemy, etc.), and possibly those who had chosen to be celibate for reasons other than “for the sake of the Kingdom of God” as well.