Forgive me if I have been misled in a topic I have studied on my own for years now…but this is what I know about Catholic teachings on homosexuality:
1.) Natural law makes homosexuality pointless. It is a trait that cannot reproduce itself, among other reasons.
2.) There is much scientific evidence that homosexuals brains are truly “wired” that way. There is also scientific evidence that Bulimia and Anorexia are genetically predisposed conditions. This may seem unrelated, but I wanted to point out that I have found many theories that offer explanations for certain behaviours from a genetic standpoint.
3.) This may or may not be true, but this is irrelevant, since it is contrary to natural law. Still, if one is born this way, he/she cannot be held responsible for the way that he/she thinks. Homosexuality, in itself, is blameless.
4.)
Acting on this impulse to engage in homosexual behaviour, and thus directly disobeying natural law, is where a blameless thought process goes over into grave sin.
5.) This is, in every way, comparable to a heterosexual person having sexual thoughts about a member of the opposite sex outside the context of marriage. Of course anyone with hormones is going to have these thoughts, but having thoughts is not the same as
acting on those thoughts through masterbation or pre-marital sex.
6.) Both the homosexual and heterosexual are called, in equal measure, to remain chaste during all stations of life. The heterosexual cannot
act on these impulses until marriage, and maybe never if he/she shooses the religious life. The homosexual is called to life chastely as well, which would be celibacy for life since homosexual marriage is not allowed. Why? Because:
7.) A marriage is only valid if the two people entering into the sacrament intend and desire to produce children. Natural law shows that homosexuals can never produce children, and so this marriage can never be valid. This is not unfair. Two heterosexuals who marry without the intent or desire to have children (indeed, if they
avoid having children) their marriage would be invalid for the exact same reason as homosexual marriage is invalid.
In conclusion:
HOMOSEXUAL THOUGHTS are not the same as HOMOSEXUAL ACTIONS
A homosexual is not evil, flawed, or bad, any more than anyone else with a certain genetic difference.
They are, however, called by natural law to live a
chaste life just like everyone else. Chastity takes tremendous amounts of courage…for EVERYONE, not just homosexuals.
All of this is based on well thought-out logic and reason (as are all things in Catholicism, which is why I converted).
So…now that I have said all of that, let me ask a few questions:
- Was the Bishop in question engaging in homosexual behaviour?
- If yes…then I have no further questions…he is in a state of grave sin and we should all pray for him.
- If no…(and I’m hoping this is the answer since he is a priest, and priests are called to celibacy regardless of their private thoughts) then where is his sin?
- Do you all realize how many Catholics struggle with this hatred and homophobia? I have some friends who are inclined towards homosexuality but have had the courage to follow their personal path of chastity, which is a celibate life. They are some of the most courageous people I have ever met. Do you not agree?
I consider myself a very traditional-minded Catholic, but I also read a lot and study the reasons behind everything (again…leading me to conversion). I have found that the real reasons behind the Church’s teachings on homosexuality are very misunderstood and mis-used by people who spew hatred and feel like anyone who is homosexual cannot be a devout Catholic.
It is not easy to be true to our faith, especially chastity. Let’s try and be supportive of each other!