I Don't Know Where To Begin

[StColette]

[quote name='Groo the Wanderer' post='1842402' date='Apr 21 2009, 10:52 AM']"You shall not wear a mingled stuff, wool and linen together." Dt 22:11.


but..polyester is a synthetic. it's plastic! I relly do not see how one gets from wool+linen to polyester.


Am I just too old? [/quote]

"You shall not wear cloth of two different kinds of thread, wool and linen, woven together."

polyester is still considered a combination of two or more different materials, I guess.

[tinytherese]

I wrote an essay on homosexuality for my english composition one class last year. I know that Courage probably addresses these issues better than I could though. I attend a school with a gay pride alliance club and have befriended people with SSA as well as both bisexual attraction as well.


Love Instead of Hatred and Fear

Over the past two decades or so, the gay pride movement is gaining more and more recognition. We see rainbow bumper stickers and ribbons and comedy television series such as “Will and Grace” about homosexual men. People are pushing for tolerance and acceptance, yet if anyone objects to the lifestyle they are automatically labeled as homophobic and suspected for prejudices and even hate crimes against homosexuals. Is this an accurate picture? Are they really just bigots who are afraid and narrow? Real “homophobes” stand for love instead of hatred and fear.

First of all, one must take a look at the possible causes for homosexuality. Some may claim that it is genetic, but so far, scientists are unable to find the gene. “Dr. Dean Hamer (who coined the phrase “gay gene”) said, ‘We have not found the gene- which we don’t think exists- for sexual orientation’ ” (“What causes homosexuality?”). For the sake of argument, let us say that people are born this way. Even if one is biologically prone to a certain behavior, does this determine what is morally acceptable? For example, evidence shows that some people are genetically more prone to alcoholism. Certainly, this would not justify their behavior (“What causes homosexuality?”).

Some psychologists have proposed other reasons for homosexuality. One is that the person was sexually abused by a member of the opposite sex, even a parent (“What causes homosexuality?”). Homosexuality becomes their sanctuary so that they can escape the pain of abuse (“What causes homosexuality?”). “Also, a child who was sexually abused by a member of the same sex can become confused about his or her sexual orientation” (“What causes homosexuality?”). A second possible reason for homosexuality is that a parent of the opposite-sex became too absorbed in the life of the child. A mother and son may rely solely on each other for needs that should be met elsewhere, and this can contribute to gender identity confusion in the son (“What causes homosexuality?”).

A third possible reason is that the same- sex parent is either physically or emotionally absent. For example, a boy in this position may feel inferior and rejected by his peers when it comes to athletic activities with the other boys, causing him the inability to relate to his own sex (“What causes homosexuality?”). He then seeks a young man to identify with, and this desire to identify with one who is particularly masculine may be confused with the onset of homosexuality. Then if he acts on this and begins to explore the orientation, he may come to believe that he is homosexual. The attraction may have been there merely because the other young man possessed a level of masculinity that he admired and feared that he lacked (“What causes homosexuality?”). During adolescence one is in the midst of one’s identity search and many things are explored. One may feel confused in the midst of one’s identity search, so one is more susceptible to starting the gay lifestyle (“What causes homosexuality?”).

Many argue that homosexuality is natural, but first one must properly define what natural means. In the modern era, some define what is natural by whatever they feel. In a nutshell they believe that “If it feels good, do it” (“How can people say that homosexuality isn’t natural?”). The problem is that one could justify all kinds of unsafe and even immoral actions with this reasoning. For example, if I feel like robbing a bank would it be morally acceptable to do it? It’s natural for me to feel that way when I am low on money is it not? Obviously, such an action would be unethical. Let us take a look at what is called natural law, meaning when things are gathered together the way that they are designed to. One example of natural law is that a plant cannot survive without sun, because darkness does not help it grow and therefore stay alive (“How can people say that homosexuality isn’t natural?”). Now, let us move on to the way that people were designed. “First of all, consider that a man’s body really doesn’t make sense without a woman’s body. The same goes for her. The two complement each other. For example, the sperm and the egg serve no purpose in isolation from each other. Yet, everyone on the planet is here because of the union of the two” (“How can people say that homosexuality isn’t natural?”). Children can never result from gay sex.

Health issues reveal that homosexuality is not the way that our bodies were made. For gay men, because sperm are meant to inhibit the immune system their odds of developing anal infections are increased. They are more likely to contract HIV, anal cancer (from HPV,) hepatitis, throat gonorrhea, and ten times as likely as heterosexuals to get syphilis. Many of them also suffer from what is called “gay bowel syndrome” (“How can people say that homosexuality isn’t natural?”). Lesbians are especially at risk because most have slept with other males beforehand, some of whom were bisexual, and they typically have more sexual partners than heterosexual women. They are at a much higher risk for sexually transmitted diseases such as bacterial vaginosis, hepatitis C, and HIV than heterosexual women (“How can people say that homosexuality isn’t natural?”). From this research how can we say that our bodies were made for homosexuality or even bisexuality?

Should gay couples adopt children? Plenty of heterosexual parents are not always fit to raise children properly, so why not let homosexuals adopt them? They may be even better parents. Before one gives a gay couple a form, I would like to ask a question of my own: Do we want what is best for children? I highly doubt that anyone replied no, and of course this is true. Now, here are some facts that one must consider.

Sociological studies agree that children are at risk when a mother or father is absent. Their likelihood of falling into criminal behavior, substance abuse, and psychological problems are increased (“What’s wrong with gay couples adopting kids?”). Both a mother and a father are irreplaceable to an individual. The children of gay parents have the natural desire for them both, but have difficulty expressing this because they may feel ungrateful or guilty for admitting it. Rosie O’Donnell adopted a son, and when he was six, stated that he wanted a daddy. Her reply was, “If you were to have a daddy, you wouldn’t have me as a mommy because I’m the kind of mommy who wants another mommy. This is the way mommy got born.” He answered that he would just keep her. She made her son feel that by wanting a dad that he was rejecting her (“What’s wrong with gay couples adopting kids?”). Children will also not have a healthy understanding of motherhood and fatherhood. New York Times Magazine once did a story on two girls who were raised by a lesbian couple. One of them admitted that, “I cannot understand or relate to men because I am so immersed in gay culture and unfamiliar with what it is to have a straight relationship” (“What’s wrong with gay couples adopting kids?”). This does not sound like a healthy situation for a child to be in.
According to research studies gay men and women have much higher rates of suicide, alcoholism, and depression than heterosexual men and women. Many respond that this is because of prejudice and bigotry; however, in locations where homosexuality is more widely accepted the numbers are even higher. The notion that such problems are caused by society’s condemnation of them is clearly refuted (Pinto 223). International Journal of Epidemiology released findings that, “The life expectancy of homosexual men is 38 years, and only 2% of homosexual men live past the age of 65” (“What’s wrong with gay couples adopting kids?”).

This does not apply to everyone, but homosexuals are often in unstable and promiscuous relationships. Studies on homosexuality have found that homosexuals sleep with many partners, even hundreds. Premarital sex is tied to higher divorce rates, so these studies reveal a troubling trend when one speaks about the possibility of adopting children (“What’s wrong with gay couples adopting kids?”). Research has also done research on “exclusive” relationships:

A study of 156 homosexual men (who were in relationships lasting
between 1 and 37 years) discovered that none of the men who were in
relationships longer than five years had been faithful to each other. Out of
all 156 couples, only seven were monogamous, and the steady couples
were most likely to engage in the most “unsafe” sexual acts. Yet another
researcher found that the average cohabitating homosexual relationship
lasts less than three years. (“What’s wrong with gay couples adopting kids?”)

As one can see, the homosexual lifestyle is an unhealthy environment to raise a child in. The life is not even healthy for homosexuals.

Now let us look at the Christian faith perspective, particularly the Catholic one. Homosexuality in itself is not a sin unless one either acts upon the desires or encourages them by deliberately indulging in fantasies about those of the same sex (“Homosexuality”). Scripture specifically mentions opposition to the lifestyle. In Genesis 19, two angels in disguise visit the city of Sodom and are taken in by Lot. Some men in Sodom demand that the guests be handed over for homosexual intercourse, but Lot refuses. The town is soon consumed by fire, “because of the outcry against its people has become great before the Lord” (Gen. 19:13). Homosexual activists may reject the claim by arguing that the lack of hospitality brought about God’s wrath (“Homosexuality”). True, the inhospitality did help to bring about the town’s destruction but so did the homosexual acts. “Jude 7 records that Sodom and Gomorrah ‘acted immorally and indulged in unnatural lust.’ Ezekiel says that Sodom committed ‘abominal things’ (Ezek. 16:50), which could refer to homosexual and heterosexual acts of sin” (“Homosexuality”).

Another example of condemning homosexuality is also found in the Bible. “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; such a thing is an abomination” (Lev. 18:22). Many homosexual activists argue that moral imperatives from the Old Testament can now be dismissed because there were certain ceremonial requirements at the time such as circumcising male babies and completely abstaining from pork that are no longer binding. Indeed, the ceremonial requirements are no longer binding; however the moral requirements are because they are eternal and apply to all times and cultures (“Homosexuality”). If this moral requirement was no longer binding, then why does Paul in the New Testament speak out against it as well (Rom. 1:26-28, 32, 1 Cor. 6:9-10)?
Some ask why if two people of the same sex love each other and are willing to stay faithful for life cannot get married. Marriage definitely needs both love and faithfulness, but these are not the only ingredients. First of all, one must consider these simple, but often overlooked facts. God made both marriage and sex and created them according to His own design; therefore they are good and holy (“If two people of the same sex really love each other?”). A valid marriage must be free, total, faithful, and designed to give life, yet gay couples cannot give life because they cannot have children together (“If two people of the same sex really love each other?”) . When a man and woman have sex, they say their wedding vows with their bodies, because in intercourse they physically say, “I give my whole self to you” (Pinto 212). Not only is this why sex outside of marriage is a lie, but these vows could never be said in a homosexual “marriage.” In scripture we find that, “a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body” (Gen. 2:24). Two people of the same sex obviously cannot become one body in intercourse, for they were not designed to give themselves completely to each other because God did not make them that way.

A popular argument today is that, “this is the way God made me.” Though this may appear to be a reasonable conclusion to some, when taken at a closer look the claim falls flat. God does not make anyone like this, but permits them to have the orientation. This, however, does not mean that God created them that way or wants them to engage in homosexual acts. For example, God permits people to have physical or even mental disorders, but certainly no one believes that they are good in themselves (Pinto 224). He allows sin and other bad things to happen for a time in order to bring an even greater good from them that we may or may not be aware of or understand at the time (Rom. 5: 20-21). These are used to help us grow in holiness, but again are not good in themselves (2 Cor 12:9; Mt 5: 3-6; Pinto 225). If we all decided to act on harmful impulses using the “God made me this way so I can act this way logic” then anything, no matter how corrupt, could be justified (Rom 6; 1 Pt 5: 8-9; Pinto 225).

Does God accept homosexuals? Yes, but perhaps not in the sense that one may think. “God is love, so in that sense He ‘accepts’ everybody. But He does not accept everything a person does (1 Jn 4:8). The real question is, Will we accept God? Will we accept His love for us, even if that means giving up whatever sinful lifestyle we have chosen (Mt 5:1-12, 6:19-21)” (Pinto 227)? Blessed Mother Teresa called homosexuals “friends of Jesus” but still called them to conversion. She once said, “Jesus loves you always, even when you don’t feel worthy. When not accepted by others, even by yourself sometimes, He is the one who always accepts you. Only believe, you are precious to Him. Bring all you are suffering to His feet, only open your heart to be loved by Him as you are. He will do the rest” (“Considering that a third of all teen suicides are gays”).

What is a homosexual to do when they resolve to follow the Lord? Before Benedict XVI became pope, he wrote a response to the issue. “Fundamentally, they are called to enact the will of God in their life by joining whatever sufferings and difficulties they experience in the virtue of their condition to the sacrifice of the Lord’s Cross. That Cross, for the believer, is a fruitful sacrifice since from that death come life and redemption” (Letter To The Bishops). He continues, saying that this acceptance, no, embrace of The Cross is not a meaningless effort of self-denial, but a denial of self in the service to the will of God who brings life from death and empowers those who trust in Him to practice virtue instead of vice. According to the Catechism, “Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection” (2347). Through embracing one’s cross, prayer, the sacraments, and the virtue of chastity one can overcome such desires. Those who wish to seek further help in discovering heterosexuality are recommended to seek Dr. Nicolosi’s Thomas Aquinas Psychological Clinic in Los Angeles, Fr. John Harvey’s ministry, or couragerc.net. They have had excellent results (Pinto 227; “Homosexuality”).

Homosexual activists may argue that we are judging them, or even go as far as to say that we are justifying prejudice, even hate-crimes, but they are misunderstood. We hate the sin but not the sinner (Pinto 224). Jesus Himself said, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone” (Jn 8:7). We simply call them to repentance with authentic humility (Lk 24:15-17). Hate crimes and all acts of bigotry are clearly condemned:
It is deplorable that homosexual persons have been and are the object of violent malice in speech or in action. Such treatment deserves condemnation from the Church’s pastors wherever it occurs. It reveals a kind of disregard for others which endangers the most fundamental principles of a healthy society. The intrinsic dignity of each person must always be respected in word, in action and in law (Ratzinger).

Everyone is called to treat homosexuals with dignity and respect. There is absolutely no excuse for harassment, prejudice, or hate crimes.

We are called to lead homosexuals on the road to truth and joy by loving them. Nothing evangelizes better than love. Jesus said, “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:34-35). We love them by respecting them, and being kind to them, and showing them compassion. Each individual yearns for love, and homosexuals, like everyone else, are in search of fulfilling love that will last, because no one is complete without it. Let us freely give it to them.

What is true love? True love desires what is best for the other person, no matter what the personal cost, and these facts reveal that the homosexual lifestyle is not what is best for them or society (“If two people of the same sex love each other?”). “Homophobes” are merely fearful for their homosexual brothers and sisters, not of them. Real “homophobes” stand for love instead of hatred and fear.









Works Cited

Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2nd ed. The Holy See. Rome: Libreria Editrice
Vaticana, 1997.

“Considering that a third of all teen suicides are gays, why can’t people just accept them
for who they are?” Pureloveclub.com. Electric Pulp. 2007. 14 November 2007.
<http://www.pureloveclub.com/chastity/index.php?id=7&entryid=239>.

“Homosexuality.” Catholic.com. 10 Aug. 2004. 14 Nov. 2007 <http://catholic.com/
library/Homosexuality.asp>.

“How can people say that homosexuality isn’t natural?” Pureloveclub.com. Electric Pulp.
2007. 14 November 2007. <http://www.pureloveclub.com/chastity/index.php?id
=7&entryid=249>.

“If two people of the same sex really love each other and are willing to stay faithful for
life, why can’t they get married?” Pureloveclub.com. Electric Pulp. 2007. 14
November 2007. <http:www.pureloveclub.com/chastity/index.php?id=7&entryid
=254>.

The New American Bible. Ed. Hartman, Canada: World Bible Inc., 1987.

Pinto, Matthew J. Did Adam & Eve Have Belly Buttons? 2003. West Chester: Ascension
Press, 1998.

Ratzinger, Joseph Cardinal. Letter To The Bishops of the Catholic Church On The
Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons. Letter, Congregation of The
Doctrine of The Faith. 1 Oct. 1986. Vatican.va. 15 Nov. 2007 <http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_
cfaith_doc_19861001_homosexual-persons_en.html>.

“What causes homosexuality? If it’s genetic, is it okay to be gay if you’re born that
way?” Pureloveclub.com. Electric Pulp. 2007. 29 November 2007. <http://pure
loveclub.com/chastity/index.php?id=7&entryid=74>.

“What’s wrong with gay couples adopting kids?” Pureloveclub.com. Electric Pulp.2007.
16 November 2007. <http://pureloveclub.com/chastity/index.php?id=7&entryid=
254>.

[Guest]

[quote name='T-Bone _' post='1842349' date='Apr 21 2009, 05:33 AM']This is true.

I seldom hear whining about this teaching, though.


[font="Arial Black"]Ahh well played. I have done more then my fair share of [mod]complaining (language---IP)[/mod]about this.[/font]

DB - please don't say a person wasn't born that way. We really do not know what causes SSA. The most likely scenario is that some people are born with a predilection toward it, but are then pushed into it by societal pressures. You are right though that God can deliver from SSA. But remember also that He may wish instead for a person with SSA to carry that cross in chastity for His glory. He refused to remove the thorn in Paul's side, remember?

[font="Arial Black"]Yep you're right. Peace.[/font][/quote]

[tinytherese]

What scripture verse says that all sins are equal before God? I'm not familiar with it.

Surely, stealing a pack of gum from a gas station isn't on the same level as committing murder.