S
SAVINGRACE
Guest
I am getting bored with this conversation, I have work to do.
Have a fabulous day.
Have a fabulous day.
That wasnât the question. It was, âDo they inquire about the sex lives of their other ambassadorsâ.Well, as the article says, âFor example, an ambassador to the Holy See cannot be a divorced and civilly remarried personâ so the answer to your question is yes, the Vatican âinquiresâ into everyone the same way, and holds everyone to the same moral standards, exactly as it should be.
Yes it was the question, and yes they do inquire the same of everyone, and have the same requirements for everyone. They are inquiring with each person, as to whether the person has any situation that should prevent them from being an ambassador, just as they should.That wasnât the question. It was, âDo they inquire about the sex lives of their other ambassadorsâ.
Answer. Probably not.
You are right to be suspicious. If someone identifies himself as homosexual that suggests he acts upon his perverse inclination or is content with it. Homosexuality is not simply about sexual attraction to people of the same sex but acting upon it or wanting to. If some one with that inclination does not act upon it and does not want to,then he is not actually homosexual.Iâm very suspicious of someone who identifies themself as openly âgayâ. If the man had a particular attraction that he kept under control and lived a life of celibacy, would there really be a need to proclaim it to the world ? Instead he identifies as âgayâ.
So are you saying that his appointment should be accepted *because *of his sexual attractions?But he would be making more of a point in favour of Catholicism rather than a slap in the face for the Church.
Here is a self proclaimed devout Catholic who is single and also gay in sexual orientation.
So the gay community should be considered primary in this consideration?That is a coup for the Church in my opinion, an example for Catholic gays and the gay community in general
WellâŚnot reallyâŚYou are right to be suspicious. If someone identifies himself as homosexual that suggests he acts upon his perverse inclination or is content with it. Homosexuality is not simply about sexual attraction to people of the same sex but acting upon it or wanting to. If some one with that inclination does not act upon it and does not want to,then he is not actually homosexual.
Iâm sure no one would agree that this makes a great deal of sense; it implies for instance that all members of the clergy and every nun is asexual, which simply isnât the case (statistically or in reality).âIf some one with a heterosexual inclination does not act upon that inclination and does not want to, then he is not actually heterosexual.â
If you donât act upon your sexual inclination in any way and donât entertain sexual thoughts,then you are not homosexual,you are chaste.WellâŚnot reallyâŚ
I am a homosexual woman, which doesnât mean that I act upon my âperverse inclinationâ any more than a single heterosexual man or woman, following what we are taught to be morally appropriate, acts upon their own inclinations. Being âoutâ or âopenâ doesnât mean you act upon what you feel.
Thatâs a perverse way of thinking. Homosexuality is not blessed. It is not created by God,it is an effect of original sin.(Incidentally, a priest I know refers to homosexuality as a âblessed disorderâ which seems to me to be a more positive way of considering the same thing).
No one is born homosexual. Our bodies are created for complimentarily between male and female,and our consciences are created with a sense of natural law. We should not be content with our disordered inclinations.Being content with oneâs homosexuality is the only way that Iâve found to come to terms with what is and is not possible in light of my inclination. For purposes none of us can fathom, some people are simply born this way (some people, though far fewer, are born completely asexual, after all). Iâm open about my own sexuality (if asked) but I donât think itâs the most important marker of my identity (being Roman Catholic and living in a way that is in accordance with what the church teaches, traditional implies and Christ has taught us, is way higher up the list
)
Human sexuality is not just about involuntary attraction,it is also involves willed desire and behavior. So it is an error to think of homosexuality as simply a sexual attraction.I digressâŚHomosexuality IS the sexual attraction to people of the same sex as oneself, and nothing more. Heterosexuality is that same sexual attraction but to people of the opposite sex instead. Letâs rework that final sentenceâŚ
Iâm sure no one would agree that this makes a great deal of sense; it implies for instance that all members of the clergy and every nun is asexual, which simply isnât the case (statistically or in reality).
No,I meant what I said. If someone does not act upon sexual inclinations or play with sexual thoughts,then he is not actually sexual. He does not act sexually with his body or even will to think sexually.Perhaps you meant to say "not actively homosexual?
Anyway, enough of semantics: more importantly I fully support Pope Francisâ right to accept or decline nominees for ambassadors to the state he rules, for any reason, just as any other head of state has that same right.
However I donât know of other countries refusing to accredit an ambassador because of potential moral qualms about some aspect of their personal life which shouldât really impact on their role as a facilitator of communication between two governments.
That is a utilitarian and pragmatic view,not a moral view. A personsâ moral character is always important,even if it does not seem to affect his performance of his duties. Persons who are candidates for authority should be judged not only for their professional competence,but for their moral character. People who are corrupt (and homosexuality is corruption) should not be put in positions of authority. To do so is to give permission to their corruption.The most important question for an ambassador is does he represent his own countryâs interests well, and (almost as important) does he have a good working relationship with the relevant members of the government to which he is a representative (in this case, the Vatican).
Ambassadors to the Vatican represent the governments that sent them. They donât necessarily represent the interests of the Catholics of their nation. The bishops can do that.Could someone who knows perhaps explainâŚdoes a national ambassador to the Vatican just represent Catholics in that country, or like any other ambassador to another country, represent the government which dispatched him? If the former, than the Vatican is clearly right to âvetâ nominees in this way because he/she couldnât justifiably speak for the catholic faithful if he/she lives a gravely immoral life. On the other hand if itâs primarily a political appointment, albeit one usually given to a Catholic, then it seems to me to be a pretty unreasonable violation of diplomatic custom.
I am sorry but this is absolute nonsense. I know many monks. They do not cease to be sexual. They do not cease to have a sexual drive. They do not become âeunuchsâ in any sense of the term. They do not cease to be attracted to those they are normally attracted to.I
Priests and nuns should be eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven,as Jesus said some people are (Matthew 19,12). I know that many are not,but they will be judged for their impurity.
I am sorry but this is absolute nonsense. I know many monks. They do not cease to be sexual. They do not cease to have a sexual drive. They do not become âeunuchsâ in any sense of the term. They do not cease to be attracted to those they are normally attracted to.
What they learn to do is not to suppress their sexuality but rather to channel it into non-sexual creative endeavours. Being continent does not mean being asexual (and being chaste does not mean being sexually inactive; for a married couple, being chaste means engaging in procreative and unitive sex).
In the abbey I am familiar with, some monks channel their sex drive through their music, in particular the two organists. Others through exercise, others through their creative works (one for instance designs vestments and is responsible for the flower arrangements in the sanctuary). Some of the monks are menâs men, virile, others less so.
What they donât do however, is make their sexuality the center of their identity, but they donât deny that it is part of their identity.
Like any discipline, this is one that requires discipline and spiritual exercise.
Not to further derail the thread, but⌠I have (as, presumably, do you and indeed the vast majority of people, whatever their state in life, around the world), sexual thoughts. So does almost everyone. Not to get into scandalous detail but the homosexual ones, is what tells me I am a homosexual.If you donât act upon your sexual inclination in any way and donât entertain sexual thoughts,then you are not homosexual,you are chaste.
Well, Iâd agree in lots of ways of course (though I hope I would not myself come across as perverseâŚ) - what was more meant by that was - if one is able with discipline and excersise and guidance to âmake peaceâ with ones homosexuality, then one is perhaps very much more able to live a productive and Christian life even if marriage (and in my case of course, the priesthood!) were to be out of the question. Itâs something of a burden but Iâve actually found great benefit in learning how to live with it and in a way which is still pleasing to God.Thatâs a perverse way of thinking. Homosexuality is not blessed.
This is just rubbish. While itâs (to quote the CCC) certainly disordered, there is no link between Original Sin and homosexuality. (Since we are all sinners, you would imply that everyone has at least the equal possibility to be homosexual).It is not created by God,it is an effect of original sin.
People are born homosexual (similarly some people are born in the âwrongâ sex - they have the body of a woman but feel and think much more like a man, and vice versa). If you have a glance and the relevent bits of the catechism you will see that even the CCC makes clear that we donât understand the origin or purpose of homosexuality (though what is clear and I and you both accept is that to act upon those feelings would be immoral and sinful).No one is born homosexual. Our bodies are created for complimentarily between male and female,and our consciences are created with a sense of natural law.
I find that a more productive use of my time is to work for the betterment of other people as best I can, rather than worry about a (frankly) less than significant aspect of my identity. Since my inclinations are not going to subside any more than any heterosexualâs âstraightâ inclinations will, surely the thing to do is âmake the most of itâ and live a life most in keeping with tradition and teaching and for the improvement of others.We should not be content with our disordered inclinations.
Couldnât agree more though I hope none of us judges the character of someone for it, particularly when itâs an inherent affliction and not that personâs fault. (I also have (very early stange just now, praise be) relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis, which is also an inherent affliction. You wouldnât of course judge me for that.A personsâ moral character is always important,even if it does not seem to affect his performance of his duties.
In what way are they âsexualâ? What do they do that is sexual? Simply being a man and having sexual impulses is not the same as being âsexualâ in behavior. And what do you mean by saying they have a sexual drive? Are they driven by sexual urges?I am sorry but this is absolute nonsense. I know many monks. They do not cease to be sexual. They do not cease to have a sexual drive. They do not become âeunuchsâ in any sense of the term. They do not cease to be attracted to those they are normally attracted to.
What they learn to do is not to suppress their sexuality but rather to channel it into non-sexual creative endeavours. Being continent does not mean being asexual (and being chaste does not mean being sexually inactive; for a married couple, being chaste means engaging in procreative and unitive sex).
That is not âchannelingâ sexuality,it is turning your interest and energy to other things. Our sexual urges are not the source of our energy and creativity,and they do not have any outlet except sexual behavior. Like causes produce like effects. Sensual impulses can urge a musician to make music,but that is not the same as channeling sexuality.In the abbey I am familiar with, some monks channel their sex drive through their music, in particular the two organists. Others through exercise, others through their creative works (one for instance designs vestments and is responsible for the flower arrangements in the sanctuary). Some of the monks are menâs men, virile, others less so.
What they donât do however, is make their sexuality the center of their identity, but they donât deny that it is part of their identity.
You practically made their sexuality their identity when you said âthey donât cease to be sexualâ,and by saying that they channel their sexuality through creative activities and exercise.Like any discipline, this is one that requires discipline and spiritual exercise.
We all are.In what way are they âsexualâ? What do they do that is sexual? Simply being a man and having sexual impulses is not the same as being âsexualâ in behavior. And what do you mean by saying they have a sexual drive? Are they driven by sexual urges?
You appear to have no understanding of what monastic life is about nor about human sexuality. A âeunuchâ is someone who is physiologically castrated, either surgically, naturally (i.e. disease) or medicinally (i.e. chemical castration). Usually this is as a result medical reasons (examples: prostate or testicular cancer). In antiquity it was often done for the purpose of certain functions of the royal court, such as keeper of the harem or important state functions, or for preservation of a boyâs singing voice.If they are not eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of God then they are not chaste and not living up to their vocation.
Again, the experience of monastics would disprove what you say, as would the medical literature. Try taking away a manâs sex drive, and see what impact it has on his creativity, and his ability to focus. Go on Google, and read the stories of men who have been castrated surgically or medically to control their prostate cancer. It has a devastating effect on all aspects of manhood, not just sexuality. They lose the ability to focus and concentrate, they lose muscle mass, and they lose drive, that urge to create, make an impact, to project themselves into their environment. Read these sad testimonies of the ravages of this particular cancer treatment. Educate yourself.That is not âchannelingâ sexuality,it is turning your interest and energy to other things. Our sexual urges are not the source of our energy and creativity,and they do not have any outlet except sexual behavior. Like causes produce like effects. Sensual impulses can urge a musician to make music,but that is not the same as channeling sexuality.
Their identity is being a man. Being a man implies having a sexuality. Sexual energy requires an outlet. For a married man, it can be expressed genitally in the procreative act. For a monk, it has to find other outlets. Erasing that part of a manâs identity (i.e. becoming a âeunuchâ) makes him no longer fully a man.You practically made their sexuality their identity when you said âthey donât cease to be sexualâ,and by saying that they channel their sexuality through creative activities and exercise.
Not it its not contemptible. It is normal. There are healthy ways of channeling that expression dependent on oneâs condition in life. To a young unmarried man who is not heading to a religious vocation, I would strongly recommend sports and vigorous exercise (cycling, running, competing). To a married man, that expression goes towards the procreative act, but also towards being a husband and father, with the duties that implies. Being a good husband and father also means teaching oneâs family to use oneâs sexuality responsibly. Itâs part of being a man. A good father teaches his son to treat women with dignity and respect, not just as objects of his pleasure. Itâs a responsibility of being a man.If someone goes throughout his life thinking of himself as sexual and needing sexual expression,that is contemptible.
No,not everyone is driven by sexual urges.We all are.
You appear to have no understanding of what monastic life is about nor about human sexuality. A âeunuchâ is someone who is physiologically castrated, either surgically, naturally (i.e. disease) or medicinally (i.e. chemical castration). Usually this is as a result medical reasons (examples: prostate or testicular cancer). In antiquity it was often done for the purpose of certain functions of the royal court, such as keeper of the harem or important state functions, or for preservation of a boyâs singing voice.
I didnât mean eunuch in the literal sense. That should have been obvious. I was referring to what Jesus said in Matthew 19,12,that some people are eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.A monk, is in no sense of the term (medically, surgically or naturally) a âeunuchâ. What they do, however, is renounce genital expression of their sexuality. But they still have a sexuality, sexual thoughts, etc.
I donât. But you should not think that all monks have a tendency to be bothered by sexual urges or that they cannot become chaste in their thoughts. Not everyone plays with sexual thoughts. Not everyone is interested in sex.Monks, especially in their younger years, struggle greatly with surmounting their sexual urges. Thatâs normal. Hormonally, it is when young men are most virile. Donât think for a minute that any notion of monastic perfection (sexual or otherwise), occurs instantly as one walks into the cloister for life.
Not everyone is with sexual attractions and sinful habits. It depends on the individual person. Some people are not interested in sex to begin with. Some people overcome sexual urges and sinful habits.As any reading of the Rule of St. Benedict, and commentaries by monks on the Rule will show, âconversatio morumâ (inner conversion), one of the three things Benedictine monks vow (the others are stability and obedience), is a life-long process. Yes, monks struggle with their attractions, they struggle with masturbation, just like the rest of us.
What you are talking about is not a sexual drive. Sexual urges are not the source of artistic creativity. Some artists may feel that it is,but they are mistaken. Creativity comes from the mind,not from sexual urges.For most young men like myself, we channelled our virility into marriage and procreation. But a man is no less virile for being a monk (Iâm speaking from the POV of a man; nuns may have a different view). Being virile means seeking to project oneâs self, to make an impact. Thatâs how they can channel their sexual drive into a creative drive. Many monks have been superb musicians, I might add. Others have been scientists. Being a man is a package deal and sexuality is part of it, whether one likes it or not.
The offering of oneâs life does not consist of struggling with sexual urges. And passions are not limited to sexual urges.Becoming a âeunuchâ to become a monk would defeat the whole purpose of monasticism, which is to overcome oneâs passions to hand oneâs self over to God. If there is no struggle, there is no oblation (offering) to God. When a monk offers himself to God, he is offering his entire self, not just a shadow of a man.
Which monastics? Do you think that all monks throughout history have been prone to sexual temptations?Again, the experience of monastics would disprove what you say, as would the medical literature.
I can testify to the fact that being free from sexual urges is good for creativity and the ability to focus. I am a musician and writer. The more a person is free from sexual urges the more his creativity is freed up and the more he can focus on work. He is less distracted and bothered and has a cleaner conscience.Try taking away a manâs sex drive, and see what impact it has on his creativity, and his ability to focus.
That has to do with the loss of testosterone and hormones,not with repression of sexual urges.Go on Google, and read the stories of men who have been castrated surgically or medically to control their prostate cancer. It has a devastating effect on all aspects of manhood, not just sexuality. They lose the ability to focus and concentrate, they lose muscle mass, and they lose drive, that urge to create, make an impact, to project themselves into their environment. Read these sad testimonies of the ravages of this particular cancer treatment. Educate yourself.
Simply being male or female is not the same as sexual energy.Their identity is being a man. Being a man implies having a sexuality. Sexual energy requires an outlet. For a married man, it can be expressed genitally in the procreative act. For a monk, it has to find other outlets. Erasing that part of a manâs identity (i.e. becoming a âeunuchâ) makes him no longer fully a man.
That is not channeling sexuality. You are conflating energy and vigor with sexual expression.Not it its not contemptible. It is normal. There are healthy ways of channeling that expression dependent on oneâs condition in life. To a young unmarried man who is not heading to a religious vocation, I would strongly recommend sports and vigorous exercise (cycling, running, competing).
Providing for oneâs family and teaching children are not expressions of sexuality.To a married man, that expression goes towards the procreative act, but also towards being a husband and father, with the duties that implies. Being a good husband and father also means teaching oneâs family to use oneâs sexuality responsibly. Itâs part of being a man. A good father teaches his son to treat women with dignity and respect, not just as objects of his pleasure. Itâs a responsibility of being a man.
It depends on what you mean by sexuality. It doesnât always mean simply having a gender.You canât carve sexuality out of a man (or a woman) and still call that person a âmanâ or âwomanâ.
Iâm not about to continue discussing with someone making these kinds of condescending remarks.Where did you get this sexualized view of human persons and activities? from Christopher West?
So are you saying that his appointment should be accepted *because *of his sexual attractions?
I was responding to someone elseâs post. Read the post I responded to and all my posts, that will tell you exactly where I stand.