Why is the US Catholic church so obsessed with the gay issue?

[Operalan]

I think the entire premise of this thread is in error is suffers from a misconception. Although there has been a possible uptick in the amount of episodes that have dealt with the subject of Same Sex Marriage as of late, a quick look at the past month shows that MANY other topics have been covered and discussed. Recent weeks have brought episodes on the “Protestant Revolution”, The Culture of Life in Africa, The Spirit of Vatican II, The Sacred Heart of Jesus, Wy are you a Protestant?, “Behind the Headlines”. There have also been many “Open Forum” programs where a set topic is not prescribed. In these shows, people call in with whatever questions they have. It is they who may be bringing up more topics regarding sexual issues. Don’t blame that on the Catholic Answers Program.

 

[Personanongrata]

When I wrote “publically, they act like immature children,” I used “publically” with Pride Events in mind.

Christi pax,

Lucetius

Yeah, that’s why we don’t want “them” in our St. Patricks Day stuff.

 

[mommy_k]

You can also ask–why are homosexuals obsessed with Catholic teaching? These teachings are not changeable. The behavior of gay people is…they can be peaceful and live quiet lives,and not seek approval from people who do not believe iin this lifestyle.

Gay people have forced the church to defend the faith on this topic.

.

 

[Neofight]

The gay community could have worked to pass laws that would have granted them every right and benefit afforded to straight couples and call the relationship something other than marriage. But no…they had to have it called a marriage.

And, that may offend you and me, but its still a stretch to claim that their rationale was to make a mockery of marriage or Catholic teaching.

 

[Faxero]

Practicing homosexuals are enemies of God. We must be willing to accept Paul’s words regarding the pagan peoples. “God gave them up to their disordered passions.” One listed passion is homosexuality.

The Church recognizes that homosexuals may be true followers of the Lord. It also recognizes that practicing a homosexual lifestyle, or supporting it, is objectively sinful, and thus, leads into Hell.

A homosexual can suppress his desire to sin, just like heterosexuals. If he gives into his disordered passion, he will be judged accordingly, just like heterosexuals.

Wicked Men and Women of modern day times don’t understand God’s supreme authority. They are of the notion that human persons may do whatever they wish, as long as it pleases them.

We are allowed to do whatever we wish, out of the goodness of free will, but we are supposed to restrain ourselves and obey God and his Church.

 

[sarah_j]

The Church needs to speak out against it because once the gates are opened (which unfortunately they have been in the U.S.) the real agenda of criminalising the Christian viewpoint will gradually become established… Homosexuals area tiny minority in the grand scheme of things, but with the recognition of gay ‘marriage’, we will soon see priests being sued or jailed for discriminating against those who demand a Church wedding and don’t get one.
Make no mistake, this is a co-ordinated attack against Christianity, and this is just the beginning. Already the pedophiles are claiming that their attraction to children is natural and being descriminated against. Sodom and Gomorrah didn’t become the way they were overnight, and that is the way we are heading.

The gays are merely a pawn in the game.

I fear most for our young people who have been so indoctrinated by our culture
that they see nothing wrong with supporting gay marriage.
My daughter, who was raised in the Church, has friends who are gay and she
supports the Court’s decision because she wants her friends to be happy.

Please pray for her and for all the young people who are being so corrupted.

 

[Adonia]

Several Catholic organizations in the US seem to be uncomfortably and awkwardly preoccupied with gay issues. Catholic Answers Live, a radio show I love, sometimes has specific shows dedicated to same-sex marriage or homosexuality. I just switched on EWTN on my TV and the show was talking about the “militant homosexual agenda.” Catholic bloggers and articles are always dedicating topics on this issue; everytime I go to NewAdvent.org, there is a good chance I’ll see a highlighted article casting the issue in a severe light.

My question is, what is this emphasis on this issue meant to achieve? Is it supposed to help those gay persons who are already struggling to find a place in the Church? Is it supposed to convince the “militant homosexual” activists? Is it supposed to reach out to those in the Church and the world who disagree with church teaching and accept homosexual relationships? Or is it supposed to comfort those who already agree with church teaching?

Maybe I am just sensitive. But I do not see the point with this over-emphasis. I could see how such a preoccupation would turn away those from the Church, as it is making me really disappointed with the USA church’s outreach to those on the fringes.

I don’t believe this is an overemphasis on the issue. You cannot sweep the reality of the militant homosexual and secular humanist lobbies under the rug. Just look at what they have achieved in so short a time.

They have succeeded in get their way in the schools and the courts and this country is no longer as it was just 5-10 short years ago. Of course they will not listen to the Church any more today than they did in the past, but the fight must be waged and our position made clear or God will only be allowed inside the doors of our churches. We have the right to express our faith everywhere in this country and we must stand against the evil that is upon us or we will lose.

 

[estesbob]

I am somewhat amused by threads like this. People come to a Catholic form and post about homosexuality . Members reply and then we hear " why are Catholics obsessed with homosexuality".

The short answer is that, in United States at least, so-called homosexual rights are increasingly used to persecute the Catholic Church . We also have the problem of our youth being misled by a culture that tells in grevious sin is really love.

 

[Kal2012]

Honestly, if gay marriage activists weren’t so intent on shoving their worldview on the rest of us, then the church wouldn’t care that much.

Dissent is not tolerated on this issue and that’s a huge problem for millions of Americans - including Catholics and conservative Christians.

Americans are taught from a young age that they are free to believe whatever they want and that they are free to dissent when they don’t agree with something.

The gay movement is very authoritarian. You will comply and be assimilated or your livelihood will be destroyed. That’s not an American value.

I really don’t care if someone is gay or not. What bothers me is that anytime you point out that homosexuality is a sin, then somehow you aren’t interpreting the bible correctly or you are simply homophobic.

I really don’t buy the arguments that Christians make in favor of same sex relationships. It really comes off as people trying to justify sin, rather than accepting what Christianity has traditionally taught.

 

[estesbob]

Honestly, if gay marriage activists weren’t so intent on shoving their worldview on the rest of us, then the church wouldn’t care that much.

Dissent is not tolerated on this issue and that’s a huge problem for millions of Americans - including Catholics and conservative Christians.

Americans are taught from a young age that they are free to believe whatever they want and that they are free to dissent when they don’t agree with something.

The gay movement is very authoritarian. You will comply and be assimilated or your livelihood will be destroyed. That’s not an American value.

I really don’t care if someone is gay or not. What bothers me is that anytime you point out that homosexuality is a sin, then somehow you aren’t interpreting the bible correctly or you are simply homophobic.

I really don’t buy the arguments that Christians make in favor of same sex relationships. It really comes off as people trying to justify sin, rather than accepting what Christianity has traditionally taught.

For Christians to favor same-sex marriage they have to believe that God allowed his people to be in grievous error for over 2000 years . Why would someone worship such inept GOd?

 

[Lucretius]

No one can deny this?
Really?
I’m a person, and I’m denying it.

They don’t have a hatred for Christians, but of people who treat them and others badly and unfairly.

.

“many”=/= “all.” Why do people make this mistake?

Christi pax,

Lucretius

 

[Lucretius]

Maybe He didn’t force them to carry heavy crosses…maybe they chose their way and rejected His.

A loving and just God would not allow some people to turn out gay…and then condemn their behavior. It just does not male sense.

There’s also the fact that our culture thinks that sex is necessary for a fulfilling life, which is just delusional. This is also why they attack priest celibacy, BTW.

I’m a young man, raised in 21st century America, but in my saner moments I completely understand why the Church Fathers thought sex is not necessary, and why celibacy is a higher calling. Of course, my saner moments are rare

Christi pax,

Lucretius

 

[Lucretius]

There are several quotes attributed to Jesus in the bible that are suspect in question by biblical scholars and early Christianity historians, and this one is at the top of the list.

And I think those scholars are wrong. I also doubt that even modern people doubt the message of the story anyway. And then we can point out Jesus condemning sin in other places as well, and even mentioning Sodom at one point The passage is definitely written with the mind of the Spirit.

As you know, the quote was not found in any early manuscripts of John’s gospel that we have, so is not considered by many as part of the original text, but added centuries later by a scribe.

Actually, they have been found in Luke’s Gospel, which might mean that it was originally written in his.

Christi pax,

Lucretius

 

[catholic1seeks]

I am extremely disappointed in that this thread consists of a great many posts lacking sensitivity and understanding. Instead, many seem to further express this ingrained preoccupation and doomsday-like obsession of gay marriage and homosexuality.

May our church find better ways to help those on the fringes.

 

[Operalan]

Please be specific as to which posts lack “understanding and sensitivity”. After all, that’s a very judgemental statement (not to mention, an opinion).

 

[estesbob]

I am extremely disappointed in that this thread consists of a great many posts lacking sensitivity and understanding. Instead, many seem to further express this ingrained preoccupation and doomsday-like obsession of gay marriage and homosexuality.

May our church find better ways to help those on the fringes.

Which posts?

 

[Lucretius]

I am extremely disappointed in that this thread consists of a great many posts lacking sensitivity and understanding. Instead, many seem to further express this ingrained preoccupation and doomsday-like obsession of gay marriage and homosexuality.

May our church find better ways to help those on the fringes.

First of all, I like how you said “our” Church

I find that many here have worked hard here to make distinction. I know that I very carfully choose my language when I condemn homosexual acts but accept homosexuals. I hate homosexual behavior, but I love homosexuals (or try to, anyway. Love your neighbor is a hard commandment). Most here have made this distinction. There’s no reason for a homosexual lurker to get the idea God hates him because of a mere feeling!

During Mass today I thought of another analogy to your argument regarding St. Paul and homosexuality.

You argue that St. Paul condemned homosexuality that included other dimensions such as infidelity, pedophilia, and prostitution. You then claim that a “loving, faithful, monogamous relationship” between two homosexuals is none of those things, and that St. Paul didn’t have this type of relationship in mind in the first chapter of his letter to the Romans.

I argue that, the Church condemns pornography because it involves prostitution, infidelity, fornication, and often violence. However, according to your logic, pornagraphy of a “faithful, loving, gentile, and monogamous” husband and wife shouldn’t be condemned.

Does that make more sense?

Christi pax,

Lucretius

 

[catholic1seeks]

-]/-]

Please be specific as to which posts lack “understanding and sensitivity”. After all, that’s a very judgemental statement (not to mention, an opinion).

I made a judgement, but I am not judging persons or the like. Simply recognizing the trends that also relate to my initial question at hand.

 

[Lucretius]

-]/-]

I made a judgement, but I am not judging persons or the like. Simply recognizing the trends that also relate to my initial question at hand.

You’re just judging some of our actions, but not us as people, just like we judge homosexual behaviors, but not homosexual persons

Love the sinner hate the sin.

Chrisit pax,

Lucretius

 

[Corki]

I am somewhat amused by threads like this.** People come to a Catholic form and post about homosexuality . Members reply and then we hear " why are Catholics obsessed with homosexuality".**

The short answer is that, in United States at least, so-called homosexual rights are increasingly used to persecute the Catholic Church . We also have the problem of our youth being misled by a culture that tells in grevious sin is really love.

I heard an interview with Cardinal Dolan a few weeks ago (before the SCOTUS ruling). He was relating how he was giving a talk that had a Q&A afterward. The very first question was “Why is the Catholic Church so obsessed with sexual issues?” He pointed out that there had been absolutely nothing in his talk about sexuality and that it was the questioner who was now forcing him to talk about sex.

These kinds of questions are usually just intended to try to shut up the Church and her faithful by making them self-conscious about speaking the truth.