For future reference if you need time to find and vet a source please feel free to say, I’d be happy to wait and wouldn’t think less of you. I often post from my phone and can’t really do links, so I know how it can be.In fairness I didn’t vet the source before posting as I tend to do research outside the internet so when I feel I am pressed to present evidence it can be difficult. I really do need to start keeping better track.
Thanks for pointing that out.
I doubt that most gay men think that they’re having “sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman.” Instead, they probably feel that they’re having sexual relations with a man as one does with a man.I’m confused with how you interpret this verse:
"'Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.“ Leviticus 18:22
Or perhaps Leviticus 18:22 has been taken out of context. Since we don’t know exactly what the original context of this verse is in a text that is over 2000 years old, we should be a little cautious in interpreting it. As some commentators have pointed out, the preceding verse say, “You shall not give any of your offspring to sacrifice them to Molech, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.” So perhaps the following verse is about some sort of activity that took place in a pagan temple and doesn’t apply to other contexts.It sounds like twisting Scripture to excuse sin. Which is something mankind has been doing for a very, very long time.
If this was true, that means that most gay men can’t ever be what they were intended for since they’re not attracted to the opposite sex and can’t be in a “fruitful” sexual relationship.we see that by their very nature these fruitless sexual relationships are disordered and not what we were intended for.
First of all, gay men don’t just use each other as “sex toys”. They can love each other, care for each other, depend on each other, and be as deeply and emotionally bonded with each other as any straight couple. Their relationships are not just about “sexual pleasure.”Do you think sexual and/or romantic relationships are all that we were created for? Because I don’t. Even within marriage couples should never use each other only for sexual pleasure as that is also disordered. Using another human as a sex toy = not good either.
When someone tries to have sexual relations with someone else and the other person doesn’t consent, it’s called “rape.” So, I agree, we shouldn’t act on impulses to have sexual relations with anyone we want regardless of what the other person wants.What I don’t understand is why having a desire means we MUST act on it. Just because I’m attracted to Jensen Ackles doesn’t mean it would be right for me to have sexual relations with him. Just because someone is sexually attracted to me doesn’t mean they have some right to have sexual relations with me. Attraction, to me, is not a good indicator of how we should act.
Well said!!But I know a few lesbians who chose to live their Catholic faith and married men and are very, very happy in those relationships because for them what they’re attracted to doesn’t dictate how they live their lives.
What I don’t understand is why having a desire means we MUST act on it. Just because I’m attracted to Jensen Ackles doesn’t mean it would be right for me to have sexual relations with him. Just because someone is sexually attracted to me doesn’t mean they have some right to have sexual relations with me. Attraction, to me, is not a good indicator of how we should act.
You can have a deep relationship with someone and love another person without it being sexual or romantic. That is one good thing about any relationship. However, being in a relationship with someone of the same sex that is a romantic/sexual relationship is not okay. You may have a great friendship and love for that person, but that doesn’t make the sin any less sinful.First of all, gay men don’t just use each other as “sex toys”. They can love each other, care for each other, depend on each other, and be as deeply and emotionally bonded with each other as any straight couple. Their relationships are not just about “sexual pleasure.”
It might be easier for a lesbian since she can, to paraphrase Lady Hillingdon, “close her eyes and think of England.” A man, on the other hand, has to be able to get an erection which would be difficult if there is no sexual attraction. And from what I’ve read, even with Viagra, there has to be some sexual attraction for it to work. Of course, I suppose that a gay man could also think of something else more arousing if he had to have sex with a woman.But I know a few lesbians who chose to live their Catholic faith and married men and are very, very happy in those relationships because for them what they’re attracted to doesn’t dictate how they live their lives.
So lesbians are fine. Cool. Also, I believe Christ fulfilled the laws of Leviticus. I eat shellfish, wear clothes if two fabrics, and many other things that book decries.I’m confused with how you interpret this verse:
"'Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.“ Leviticus 18:22
@Alex337I have to apologize. I approached this conversation presuming you were already Catholic and already had the same beliefs.
I’m just now realizing this forum is not just full of Catholics but a variety of beliefs. I would have approached the conversation differently if I had been thinking: Hey, I’m speaking to a non-Catholic who isn’t starting from the same basic understanding of things.
I would start from the start and gradually build up to a place where we could discuss the issue on the same level but honestly I’m just worn out. Been a bit sick lately and am not really in a place to handle the deeper discussions.
God bless. I wish you the best but I’m bowing out at this point.