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JimG
Guest
Merely stating the Church’s teachings with regard to homosexual actions is not un-Christlike. Clear teaching is what is expected of the Church and its members.. I am familiar with the Catechism’s teaching and I’m glad to see that some others on here are, as well. I do not think there are a lot of Catholics who really know about the section of treating homosexuals with dignity and respect.
I, however, take it one step further and to be honest, I do not see homosexuality as a sin. I am a happily married woman with children just so you know this is not a self promoting stance.
I am aware of the teachings in Leviticus regarding homosexuality but also am aware that in Leviticus there are teachings about not eating pork, wearing mixed fabrics together, etc. that clearly do not apply to our modern world.
I love my church but find that it has gotten more and more politically based and that is very difficult for me.
I do think that being allowed to marry the person you love and are dovoted to is an “authentic right” for all human beings.
These are my authentic feelings and beliefs.
On this issue, it is not the Church that has changed. It’s teaching has been constant. Holding fast to the teaching that has been handed down from the beginning does not constitute becoming politcally based.
That marriage involves sexual complementarity has been self-evident not just from the beginnings of Christianity, not just from the beginnings of Judaism, but from the beginnings of human civilization. The words “marital,” “conjugal,” and “marriage” itself all imply sexual complementarity and the ability to consummate the marital act.
Similarly, permanent and antecedent and incurable impotence–i.e., inability to consummate the marital act, are impediments to marriage, while infertility is not.
It goes without saying that same sex couples do not have the capacity to consummate a marriage, because that requires sexual complementarity. Thus, marriage between them is simiply an impossibility.
As to the ability to “marry the person you love,” that has never been applicable to marriage as a universal fact. One is not allowed to marry one’s children. Adults are not allowed to marry minors, no matter how much they love each other. Marriage between close kin is prohibited, no matter who loves whom. Siblings living together are not allowed to marry, even though they love each other.
If “marry the one you love,” is the standard, then all the above should be allowed, and there is no reason why they wouldn’t be.
Homosexuality–simply as an inclination–is certainly no sin. Humans have all sorts of inclinations. Not all are to be acted upon.