how can homosexuality be a sin when the essence of that orientation can embrace
“Homosexuality,” “essence”, and “oreintation” cannot/do not “embrace.”
The same is true if you substitute the noun “humans,” because humans cannot/do not “embrace” the fruit of the spirit.
When we predicate logically rather than illogically (make sure the noun can, does, and will perform a verb’s action), we then actually discuss a matter at hand.
Precise literal language is best when talking about important things. Makes it so much easier to see things for what they are.
As far as humans demonstrating love, behaving lovingly, or flat-out loving (just one fruit of the spirit), either we do or we do not.
I cannot be said to “love” another if my actions and/or motives do not match Saint Paul’s description in 1 Cor 13.
Mine do not from time to time.
Either we want to worship God or we want to worship man or some idol we’ve created. I’m thinking of Romans 1.
From my view in the cheap seats, the Church’s teaching is clear on homosexuality.
When we respond to all this as if it really does exist as the Church says it exists, the folderol ceases. Or at least much of it.
Most of what I’ve done, had done to me, witnessed 1st hand, and read about or see 2nd hand that others use to evidence “love” is merely self-love. Not all, but most.
It goes something like this, “love me so I can feel good.” Let me love you so I can feel good." Which runs afoul of Commandments, Beatitudes, and Church teachings.
Love is about self-sacrifice and the destruction of self-centeredness. All the fruit is. And it’s not self-aborbed as to if one be “fruitful” spiritually either.
Like the Good Samaritan, Matthew 25 and other examples.
Not only do we get “it” backwards. We’re in the dark as to what “it” is. Saint Paul in Romans, right out of the chute, tells us why. The Psalmists often tell us why. God flat out tells us why in some of the Books of Moses.
Thankfully, the Church tells us the truth. Saints demonstrate and teach. The Holy Spirit leads us away from our selfishness to selflessness: true devotion to God and love of our neighbour.
Sloppy writing, thinking, and concluding make it easier for lies to take on the hue of truth because folks are pitching “what can be sold and what is popular” rather than what is true.
I’m pretty gassed about beginning a study of St. Thomas Aquinas.
See, figurative languge supports well and amongst a friendly audience the unimportant (in the big scheme of things: that the prospect of studying the Divine Doctor thrills little 'ole me.)
For important issues, literal language suits better.