I Have A Question

[PhuturePriest]

I was reading the life and times of Blessed John Paul the Great on Wikipedia (Great source, I know), and it said he said that those with "deep-seated homosexual tendencies" are not allowed to be seminarians. What exactly are "deep-seated" homosexual tendencies? I've looked but nothing really explains it.

[Not The Philosopher]

I'd imagine that this would have to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. My guess is that if it would make marriage problematic for you, then that would qualify.

[Talithacum]

http://www.ewtn.com/.../zpsychhomo.HTM

 

"Those with deep-seated homosexual tendencies identify themselves as homosexual persons and are usually unwilling to examine their emotional conflicts that caused this tendency. Strong physical attraction is present to other men's bodies and to the masculinity of others due to profound weakness in male confidence."

 

It is also by a case by case basis.

 

[AnneLine]

These seem to be good responses, but you'd probably get a more definitive response on the 'Ask an Expert' thread.

 

 

(edited to fix an edit that shouldn't have happened.   Grumpy at software!)

Edited November 14, 2013 by AnneLine

[Freedom]

I was reading the life and times of Blessed John Paul the Great on Wikipedia (Great source, I know), and it said he said that those with "deep-seated homosexual tendencies" are not allowed to be seminarians. 

Is someone afraid of being rejected or something?

[Gabriela]

I second Freedom's post. Are you worried, FP? You are kind of just a little bit too fabulous.  :hehe2:

[HisChildForever]

I think it means that persons (well, men) who are very preoccupied with their same-sex attraction or struggle with it immensely aren't encouraged to join seminary. I bet the same rule of thumb would apply to heterosexual men who battle against their sexuality daily.

 

Is someone afraid of being rejected or something?

 

This was rude.

[Basilisa Marie]

Seminary is hard enough without being sexually attracted to your peers, especially when you're encouraged to form strong brotherly relationships with them. "Deep seated homosexual tendencies" is probably purposefully vague, because when it comes to human feelings you can't use empirical analysis.  

 

Lots of people who study human behavior and sexuality embrace the theory that human sexuality exists on a spectrum, instead of purely black and white (homosexual/heterosexual). This idea allows for people to have different "degrees" of sexual inclinations. So some people who identify as homosexual may have an easier time resisting temptation than others (just as some heterosexuals have a harder time resisting temptation and having friendships with the opposite sex than others do). I know some seminarians who were accepted into seminary and either already had or later developed problems with sexuality (porn addictions, girlfriends on the side, inappropriate behavior toward females, etc). Most of them ended up leaving the seminary. 

Some theologians (I forget who precisely) also like to talk about how being a heterosexual man is a mandatory part of forming a proper relationship to the Church and ministering to others. So there's some variation on all sides of how to interpret the "deep seated" term.  Though ultimately it comes down to a case by case basis, involving the seminarian, the seminary, and the bishop. 

Edited November 14, 2013 by Basilisa Marie

[Gabriela]

I think it means that persons (well, men) who are very preoccupied with their same-sex attraction or struggle with it immensely aren't encouraged to join seminary. I bet the same rule of thumb would apply to heterosexual men who battle against their sexuality daily.

 

 

This was rude.

 

I think she was just kidding. I mean, FP is always talking about that girl he obviously has a major crush on. ;-)

[Freedom]

I think it means that persons (well, men) who are very preoccupied with their same-sex attraction or struggle with it immensely aren't encouraged to join seminary. I bet the same rule of thumb would apply to heterosexual men who battle against their sexuality daily.

 

 

This was rude.

Um... not really

[Freedom]

I think she was just kidding. I mean, FP is always talking about that girl he obviously has a major crush on. ;-)

Thank you!  Apparently I have to add "JK" after my post... sheesh!

 

FP totally left himself open for that one!  If it wasn't me, it would have been someone else, I can assure.

[HisChildForever]

I'm sorry to misread the tone, but I do know Miles has asked people not to poke fun at his sexuality so that's what I was going on.

[FutureCarmeliteClaire]

I'm sorry to misread the tone, but I do know Miles has asked people not to poke fun at his sexuality so that's what I was going on.

Multiple times, at that.

[PhuturePriest]

Seminary is hard enough without being sexually attracted to your peers, especially when you're encouraged to form strong brotherly relationships with them. "Deep seated homosexual tendencies" is probably purposefully vague, because when it comes to human feelings you can't use empirical analysis.  

 

Lots of people who study human behavior and sexuality embrace the theory that human sexuality exists on a spectrum, instead of purely black and white (homosexual/heterosexual). This idea allows for people to have different "degrees" of sexual inclinations. So some people who identify as homosexual may have an easier time resisting temptation than others (just as some heterosexuals have a harder time resisting temptation and having friendships with the opposite sex than others do). I know some seminarians who were accepted into seminary and either already had or later developed problems with sexuality (porn addictions, girlfriends on the side, inappropriate behavior toward females, etc). Most of them ended up leaving the seminary. 

Some theologians (I forget who precisely) also like to talk about how being a heterosexual man is a mandatory part of forming a proper relationship to the Church and ministering to others. So there's some variation on all sides of how to interpret the "deep seated" term.  Though ultimately it comes down to a case by case basis, involving the seminarian, the seminary, and the bishop. 

 

I can definitely see your points. When I visited the seminary and visited the dorms in particular, there was a really intimate brotherly atmosphere there. I can imagine it would be very difficult if you struggled with homosexuality to be in such a setting without feeling temptations.

 

But still, I met a seminarian or two that struck me as possibly homosexual, so as you say, it is most likely a case-by-case basis.

[Gabriela]

I'm sorry to misread the tone, but I do know Miles has asked people not to poke fun at his sexuality so that's what I was going on.

 

Uh oh... I did not know that. My apologies, FP!