Civil Unions: Can Catholics Support Them?

[SpiritMeadow]

So, I assume you believe that Elizabeth and Sarah’s pregnancies are myths?

You assume wrong. Check out revelation.

 

[KarenNC]

It’s really doubtful that there is a gay gene. Scientists have not found it, and pretty much all of the homosexuals I know believe themselves to be homosexual because of stuff that occurred to them whenever they were young (er) . It’s not easy.

And those that I know say that they knew from a very young age that they were different. These are folks who had intact families, two parents of opposite sex, no incidences of sexual abuse, siblings who were/are not homosexual, etc.

It’s also possible that no one theory will explain it completely in all cases. Gender and sexuality are very complex phenomena, influenced by biology, culture, environment, etc.

 

[SpiritMeadow]

As I mentioned, the research seems to suggest that the genetic tendancies are ‘spectral’, with most of us at varying places on the scale.

With no disrespect to any group of people, I can’t help but notice a similiarity to my youngest son’s situation. He suffers from the syndrome of autism, which is part of a spectrum of disorders called “PDD” (pervasive developmental disability). His sisters are all academically ‘gifted’, but also all demonstrate some traits listed in the DSM. Similiarly, while he is severely disabled, he has an incredible memory and is a savant with regards to math.

Although the research has not ruled out environmental factors, the statistical evidence suggests a strong connection to multiple genes (combining in different ways, thus producing a ‘range’ or ‘severity’ of symptoms). So, in a sense, none of my children is technically normal, but only is abnormal in the sense that he struggles with meeting the criteria to fit in with society at large.

Because my son is disabled, I’ve spent a lot of time working with the disabled as a volunteer. Interestingly, when it comes to true worth as a human child of God, many of the individuals I have worked with far outpace most ‘normal’ people I know. In other words, following Christ’s message to reach out to the weakest among us has been rewarding in a way I did not expect.

Initially, there was the immediate gratification of helping others. But over time I realized that I was spending time with many people who were simply better Christians than myself. I improve as a person not because of what I give to them, but because of the example they set for me.

I am not saying this is the same as homosexuality, but I do think that it would be more productive to do what the Lord instructed us to do, reach out in love and support, than to risk falling into a trap the Lord warned us against, making moral comparisons between our own sinful lives and the sinful lives of others.

P.S. “NewUlm” reminds me of a nice town in Minn.

You continue to state things better than most of us put together.

 

[SoCalRC]

So you pretend to not understand clear speech. And this is after you invent a system of biology where genetic traits are passed on by those who do not reproduce. Then try to twist what I say implying that I am promoting hate.

You are not responding in good faith. Good day, sir.

I’ve taken the time to write at length so that my position. Again, I can’t help reality. Homosexual acts do not lead to reproduction, that is how natural selection occurs. Suppressing homosexual acts leads (at least in the animal kingdom) to some sexual release via heterosexual acts. This, in turn, can lead to progreny, passing on genes from the homosexually leaning creature.

My faith precludes me from trying to guess on your motives and then judging them, I can only correct seeming mistatements of verifiable fact, and present my own opinions (clearly stated as such). I have no need to twist your words, and assumed you were capable of speaking for yourself.

 

[SpiritMeadow]

And those that I know say that they knew from a very young age that they were different. These are folks who had intact families, two parents of opposite sex, no incidences of sexual abuse, siblings who were/are not homosexual, etc.

It’s also possible that no one theory will explain it completely in all cases. Gender and sexuality are very complex phenomena, influenced by biology, culture, environment, etc.

Yeah, I’ve been going over everyone I knew, and I can’t think of an instance where anyone said they were turned!! That I thought was a very old and long ago discredited belief. Not everyone of course necessarily shares this information anyway. In fact the only times I’ve ever talked to a man about a homosexual experience, it was to a hetero male…lol…Never had a gay woman tell me she was turned either.

 

[SoCalRC]

Saying others are “better” is a very slippery slope.

Agreed. We are all sinners, and all unworthy. I even find it a bit dispiriting how much time we spend being the Pharisee to each other here.

But please note, I am not proclaiming that I am better, but that I can see others as better. Remember, for a disabled individual much of what consumes our day and our self image is off the table. You can encounter a young adult who has never been afforded the opportunity to participate as an equal member of a team (sporting or otherwise before).

The honesty and sincerity with which these people pursue things to which I am jaded, and the honesty and clarity of their relationships to me and each other, is humbling.

Again, it is a long spectrum, few of us sell all our possessions and give them to the poor, or move to Calcuta to care and minister to some of the deepest poverty on earth. But we are called to try to move ever closer to Christ. Arguing that our own point on the scale is superior to anothers misses the point. But I don’t mind tipping my hat to those who can come closer to loving their neighbors as themselves.

Peace

P.S. Nice area, though I haven’t been there for years.