Are We Being Forced To Accept Homosexuality?

[Mea_Culpa]

We’re at a critical juncture. While we consider homosexual acts disordered and sinful, for religious reasons, we can no longer count on the cultural discrimination gays experienced as a matter of course throughout Western history. Those days are ending, as they should. Discrimination is wrong. As long as one’s sexuality doesn’t harm others or break the law of the land, I don’t care about it. It’s none of my business. Human sexuality is an extremely complicated and personal matter.

It will become your business if the Church gets sued for not marrying homosexuals and either has to marry them or close down churches. Don’t say it can’t happen - in California the courts are full of activist judges who rule that right is wrong, black is white, up is down, and then that’s the law of the land.

There is another thread on here about firefighters in San Diego, CA, who were forced, under threat of disciplinary action, to participate in a “gay pride” parade while on duty. They sued and the jury was split so there was no decision in the case.

We are past being forced to accept homosexuality- we are now being forced to celebrate it!

I get the feeling that there is a judgment coming, sooner rather than later.

 

[chrisb]

My Catholic Parish, St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church in Glen Allen VA, has a group ‘We Are Family’ which supports Gay and Lesbian Catholics. I’m not sure that the Catholic Church is particularly ‘against’ homosexuality… at least not in any sense that would ask Gay and Lesbians to renounce an identity derived from ‘same-sex attraction’.

I’ve never, personally, been at these ‘We Are Family’ meeting but I wonder if it isn’t a Gay/Lesbian Advocacy Group openly operating at St. Michael’s but it does seem that the parish accepts Homosexuality.

I’ve never seen a Catholic Parish openly preach against Homosexuality, Abortion, or any sin except ‘self-righteousness’… except on Forums like this one. I’m wondering if the views on this forum isn’t only a very very small minority of Catholics who hold these views.

 

[Oscarthecat]

There are lots of phrases that address this kind of thing…
“If you deal with the devil, the devil deals with you.”
“When you dance with the devil, the devil always leads.”
“If you dance with the devil, the devil don’t change, the devil changes you.”

I think that the only way for Catholics to retain their moral identity stop trying to legislate our values, and accept that God has always called His people to live in social and cultural exile.

Secular laws are subject to the constantly swinging pendulum of public approval.

If we force our values on people in the form of laws, then we are just continuing the cycle by giving them cause to inflict their values on us as soon as the opportunity presents itself. The cycle of this is the same now as it was in the Old Testament.

We need to stop participating in any aspect of society that is contrary to our values- even though it is hard to do.

We might be able to learn how to do this by looking at other religious groups that set themselves apart from society- like the Amish or the Hasidic Jews. Religious beliefs aside, these groups have become very adept at maintaining distinct cultural identities which are separate from mainstream society.

I am aware that these groups have their faults, and I am also aware that the Church teaches that we are to be active participants in our society. I am not saying that all catholics should wear distinctive clothing, or live together in communities outside of the city, or become secretive about our beliefs and traditions.

I am simply saying that we should stop trying to change society to fit our values, because it will only end up trying to change us one way or another.

 

[RobbyS]

I think it’s too late for that now. There just isn’t enough Catholic who would be able, or even willing, to fight for change. The homosexual rights movement now have too much power. The only way we can reverse the “progress” they have made is to change the morality of our respective nations - and that is no easy task.

Then we have the problem of our bishops, who seem unable bluntly to say that gay priests are responsible for 80% of the sexual abuses that have discredited the priesthood and bankrupted several dioceses.

 

[Jesus_N_Cherie]

It will become your business if the Church gets sued for not marrying homosexuals and either has to marry them or close down churches. Don’t say it can’t happen - in California the courts are full of activist judges who rule that right is wrong, black is white, up is down, and then that’s the law of the land.

There is another thread on here about firefighters in San Diego, CA, who were forced, under threat of disciplinary action, to participate in a “gay pride” parade while on duty. They sued and the jury was split so there was no decision in the case.

We are past being forced to accept homosexuality- we are now being forced to celebrate it!

I get the feeling that there is a judgment coming, sooner rather than later.

Come soon, Lord Jesus, and set the captives free!!!
Heads up, it is going to get much worse before God’s discipline will make it better. And we need His discipline!!!

 

[dove51]

Yes, it’s obvious that people who support homosexuality are utilizing the media to make their points. But I am at a loss as to how to counter that. If you say anything slightly against homosexuality, you are branded a hate-mongering fringe lunatic. I’ve never been a very diplomatic person, so I have no idea how to circumvent that aspect of the debate.

 

[Jesus_N_Cherie]

They have the power right now because they are LOUDER than we are. We need to demand more of ourselves. The bishops and priests need to preach the TRUTH from the pulpit. How many of us were once blind, but the Truth opened our minds and hearts?

The idea in mainstream liberal Catholic society is that the fullness of TRUTH should not be taught, because it will be hard for some people to handle.

Thank God that St. Paul didn’t think that way. And neither did Christ Jesus.

I don’t go to Church to hear things that will make me “feel” good…although there is nothing more wonderful than hearing the Truth.
And most people want to hear the unadulterated TRUTH. But we have to go in search of it.

In the USA, the Church is more worried about money that they get to keep from not paying taxes than it is about saving souls and lives. They will not stand up and tell us what we are supposed to do and know…because it will take away their tax exemption.

Well, Jesus said to give unto Ceasar what is Ceasar’s, and to give unto God what is God’s.
So, I say that we should pay the taxes…and hear the TRUTH!!!
For what does it profit a man to gain his life, but lose his soul? Nothing except eternal damnation.

The Church has to worry about our eternal souls…not making people who are living immoral lives “feel” good.

 

[chrisb]

They have the power right now because they are LOUDER than we are. We need to demand more of ourselves. The bishops and priests need to preach the TRUTH from the pulpit. How many of us were once blind, but the Truth opened our minds and hearts?

The idea in mainstream liberal Catholic society is that the fullness of TRUTH should not be taught, because it will be hard for some people to handle.

Thank God that St. Paul didn’t think that way. And neither did Christ Jesus.

I don’t go to Church to hear things that will make me “feel” good…although there is nothing more wonderful than hearing the Truth.
And most people want to hear the unadulterated TRUTH. But we have to go in search of it.

In the USA, the Church is more worried about money that they get to keep from not paying taxes than it is about saving souls and lives. They will not stand up and tell us what we are supposed to do and know…because it will take away their tax exemption.

Well, Jesus said to give unto Ceasar what is Ceasar’s, and to give unto God what is God’s.
So, I say that we should pay the taxes…and hear the TRUTH!!!
For what does it profit a man to gain his life, but lose his soul? Nothing except eternal damnation.

The Church has to worry about our eternal souls…not making people who are living immoral lives “feel” good.

With this being true… one must ask if the Catholic Church is actually the True Church of Christ. I mean if the Catholic Church doesn’t preach the Gospel of Christ then we have to ask ‘what Gospel are they preaching’?

 

[LeroyCRHP]

Homosexuality is no different that the other sins. It is wrong and we need to say that, just like adultry, hatred, and other mortal sins. I am deciding on whether to turn off my DirecTV because of the LOGO - gay channel. The rare time I had time to tune there it was revolting.

Same sex marriage is completely foreign to me and I do not understand it.

At the same time I’ll say adulty, commited more often than homosexuality is more serious in my mind. The broadcast coverage/view on moral topics in prime time shows really makes me sad.

 

[coleraine]

we are not being forced to accept it as individuals, but we are being forced to accept it as a community. which is "un"acceptable.

 

[Jesus_N_Cherie]

With this being true… one must ask if the Catholic Church is actually the True Church of Christ. I mean if the Catholic Church doesn’t preach the Gospel of Christ then we have to ask ‘what Gospel are they preaching’?

the geneology of the Roman Catholic Church goes all the way back to Christ Jesus and His apostles. No other Christian church can say this in fact. Christ gave authority to Peter and the other Apostles. And they were sent out by Him to make disciples of all nations. These were the people closest to Him…other than His Mother. It is truth to say that the Roman Catholic Church is actually the true Church of Christ Jesus.

The problem with the preaching the Gospel of Christ Jesus is that they are not preaching at all. They are up on the pulpits, but aren’t saying anything substantial to our morality. The rest of the Mass is totally substantial in It’s Sacrafice.

 

[blessedtoo]

we are not being forced to accept it as individuals, but we are being forced to accept it as a community. which is "un"acceptable.

Exactly. And that’s the rub.

Once a culture normalizes a previously immoral behavior, be it adultery, pre-marital sex, homosexuality, etc., then the individual voices become irrelevant. Just like with abortion, it will take a “movement” before any change can be seen.

To the OP:
Will and Grace are so yesterday! There is hardly a channel available now that doesn’t promote homosexuality in some form. I just wrote a letter to HGTV (yes, that is the home and garden channel) because for three consecutive days they featured gay “couples” selling or renovating their homes.

I’ve written to Food Network because for a brief time they were running an ad for chemistry.com which feature two gay men discussing their “promises” to eachother.

MTV is a virtual wasteland of filth with a program specifically targeted at matching young gay people on blind dates.

BRAVO channel might as well be called “GAY” Channel at this point.

And we won’t even discuss Soap Operas or daytime talk shows.

No, it’s everywhere. Somehow, I think we missed the boat on this one.

And letters mean nothing. I have yet to receive even one reply for all the letters I’ve written. I can only imagine what the recipients think and say when they get a letter complaining about this issue.

They ignore the fact that the majority of Americans still reject the idea of “gay marriage”.

 

[Dale_M]

the geneology of the Roman Catholic Church goes all the way back to Christ Jesus and His apostles. No other Christian church can say this in fact.

Quite a few Churches, besides the Catholic Church (the one based in Vatican City) make this claim. The Anglican Communion, the Orthodox Church(es), the various descendants of the Old Catholic Church… all of them claim apostolic succession.

I can see it easily happening. The law will say that hate speech is a crime and not allowable in the land. It will be persecuted.

I don’t think this is likely. The United States, unlike other nations of the First World, places a very high value on Freedom of Speech. It is, after all, is guaranteed by the US Constitution and many federal court cases have upheld this right, even in odious circumstances.

 

[HappyRevert]

We aren’t being forced to accept homosexuality, but the end of Christendom (a basically Christian society) has happened some time in the past few decades and we haven’t adjusted yet. We used to be able to assume our children would be exposed to basically Christian ideals, but those days are long gone. We are now living in times similar to those for the early church Fathers. Almost everyone around us is not Christian so we are separated from them and have to make it clear to our children, that our values are starkly opposed to everything that they see and hear. My children are teenagers, but if I had a young child, I would not have a television, or rarely turn it on except for educational programs.

I think ultimately this will be good for us. We are forced to make a stand and our children will see exactly what we represent, and what the rest of society represents. They will be forced to choose and be the stronger for it. I think protesting “alternative lifestyles” being thrust upon us is a good thing, and over time may cause some changes, but right now we have to stand and let our children know our opinions and why we hold them.

 

[Newbie2]

Yes, it’s obvious that people who support homosexuality are utilizing the media to make their points. But I am at a loss as to how to counter that. If you say anything slightly against homosexuality, you are branded a hate-mongering fringe lunatic. I’ve never been a very diplomatic person, so I have no idea how to circumvent that aspect of the debate.

You then counter with claims of heterophobia.

I don’t think that one can counter a argument that is advanced by someone who uses name-calling instead of reasonable debate.

 

[Hislittlelady]

While it’s not a sin to be a homosexual, it is most certainly sinful to act upon it in just the same way as it is for people who are not married to engage in sexual conduct outside of marriage.
Homosexuals are called to chastity.

It’s a very curious point as to why they were born with these feelings to begin with, but then who can fully understand God’s plan. He has his reasons, same as when anyone is born with a disability or other personal defect in their human nature.

It’s so beyond what we can understand and I imagine anyone who is homosexual and is a true Christian, must have to accept this as their calling to lead a chaste life. It is no more difficult then for those who remain single for life and must refrain from sexual activity.The clergy is an excellent example of this. It must be extremely difficult and a great sacrifice. Jesus said it will be worth it in he end. For now, I’d call it suffering and a great challenge to anyone who must walk this walk for the rest of their lives.

I myself have not been married for many years, thirty to be exact, and have lead a single life since, most of my youth, and I’ve had to also choose a celibate life, which I will add, I’ve failed many times.

Our children, grandchildren, siblings or anyone we love or know could be homosexual and still we love them and pray for them. I myself cannot even begin to comprehend what they must feel or why they do, but like anything else, just another cross to carry for some.

I will never, ever, agree to homosexual marriage, adoption of children, or anything else that is the right of a heterosexual couple, since the alternative life style is simply that. An alternative, but certainly not a union that could possibly be blessed by God. No offense intended toward anyone, my opinion only, and definitely not a judgement, but it’s what I believe to be fact.

Since God created man and then made woman for his companion to procreate, nowhere have I ever seen that God mentioned a male companion for a male companion or female with female in the same manner. So it’s very logical to see that Man and woman were meant to be together and no alternative is permissible here.

God bless everyone and I pray for God’s children who are homosexual that they will obey their call to chastity which will be so pleasing to the Lord. May the Lord hold you close to His heart. :grouphug:

 

[edwest2]

Homosexuality seems to have been accepted by most people as a normal, alternative lifestyle choice. The media are continually brain-washing people to think that homosexuality is a natural occurance that is no different from heterosexuality.

I have noticed that there are more and more gay related shows on television. In America, you have The Ellen Degeneres Show, in which the host, a well-known lesbian, frequently uses her show as a platform to promote her beliefs concerning gay marriage, gay adoption, and the gay lifestyle in general. The hit show Will and Grace is another example. This show glamourises the homosexual lifestyle and is designed to make people become more accepting of the gay population. Then there are films like A Brokeback Mountain which tells the story of the lifelong romance between two gay men. I am sure you can think of many other examples. It is my belief that the media is responsible for the widespread acceptance of homosexuality.

Yesterday, I watched a show on British television named Gay to Z. The show is about homosexual teenagers and this particular episode presented a day in the life of a proud and openly gay teen. The worst thing about this show is that the topics of conversation were highly explicit; they talked intricately about gay sex and gay relationships. I was absolutely horrified that they would put this show on in the mornings. A show like this would have been unheard of even ten years ago. It was absolutely disgusting! Shows of this nature are responsible for the gay culture that we now have. Homosexuality now has the respectability that it never had in the past.

If the current trend continues, homosexuality will begin to have an equal status with heterosexuality and may even be taught in schools. The morals of our society will decline, and religious people will be accused of hatred for their beliefs regarding homosexuality.

The media is responsible for the widespread acceptance homosexuality now enjoys, and I think Catholics will be persecuted for their beliefs on homosexuality in the future.

Your comments are overblown. A) Most people do not accept homosexual acts as normal. B) The media has been supporting dysfunctional and disordered lifestyles for decades. C) There is no power involved. You can complain, politely, to whatever organization you’d like. Your voice needs to be heard.

Homosexuality is already being taught as normal in schools in the United States. That is one reason parents are removing their children from schools and teaching them at home.

The “widespread acceptance” you mention is unsupported by the facts. There is a widespread media campaign to promote sexually active homosexuals but that is all it is.

If you are Catholic, pray.

God bless,
Ed

 

[Hislittlelady]

I am appalled and horrified by what’s happening in the schools and in our world as well. I agree with most of you here that something has to be done regarding this blatant trumpeting of homosexuality all over the media and now going into the schools. How dare the schools, where God is not even permitted to be mentioned and to have the audacity to even ban anything God-related.

I have already spoken to my grandchildren on this matter, and made sure that they understood they must love the people, but in no way is it acceptable as correct behavior and I also told them it is ‘SIN’. We must call it as we see it and mainly as God sees it. We have to be careful not to make judgments, but neither do we have to have this crammed down our throats. After all, if God isn’t allowed to be mentioned, then how can they possibly bring this matter up for discussion in school?

Where is the sense to all this. There is no more sense. The right has become the wrong, and the wrong has become the right. Exactly what revelation told us it would be. It’s slowly becoming a twisted, perverted world and I for one am frightened to death. This nation, this world, is slowly deteriorating.

I’ve known gay people that are so lovely, both male and female, and they are easy to love because many of them have a rare kindness toward others, and are generally pleasant people, at least the ones I’ve known. I usually don’t touch the topic nor do they.

I know one thing and that’s we better start traveling on our knees from here on and make peace with God, not only for ouselves, but for the sinfulness of this world. I seldom turn the TV on anymore, unless it’s to watch EWTN, or History channel, and the news sickens me, but I do watch just to keep up with the times. But I hate every minute of everything I see. The media brings forth all the filth of the world, and very little goodness.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

God bless you all and let us walk on the path to heaven praying for all the lost and ourselves as well.

 

[Jesus_N_Cherie]

Quite a few Churches, besides the Catholic Church (the one based in Vatican City) make this claim. The Anglican Communion, the Orthodox Church(es), the various descendants of the Old Catholic Church… all of them claim apostolic succession.

It is historical fact that the Anglican Church (Church of England) began because King Henry VIII wanted to divorce his wife…the first one I believe. The Roman Catholic Church would not condone or allow this to happen, on grounds that there were NO grounds for it. Therefore, Henry knew that he could not remarry within the Church. And his country would never accept the new wife as queen. So, Henry “created” a new church with himself as the head of it…and he left the Roman Catholic Church.

***As for your other claim that others claim apostolic succession…all of the 12 apostles spoken of in the Bible as being the ones who were the best friends of Jesus belonged to the Roman Catholic Church. The original 11 and then Matthias who was chosen by God to take the office previously held by Judas Iscariot after he hung himself.

The Roman Catholic Church has all of the geneological records going all the way back to Peter.

Say what you want. If you are not Roman Catholic, you have left the True and factually original Christian Church. Other claims of being apostolic are unfactual, and evidence proves it.***

I don’t think this is likely. The United States, unlike other nations of the First World, places a very high value on Freedom of Speech. It is, after all, is guaranteed by the US Constitution and many federal court cases have upheld this right, even in odious circumstances.

The leftist MSM are crying for Palin to be censured.

 

[Dale_M]

The leftist MSM are crying for Palin to be censured.

Cherie, I don’t understand your comment. We were discussing the likelihood or improbability of hate speech being declared illegal. How is Sarah Palin related to this topic? And who has the authority to censure her?