Okay, just because it drives me crazy that people assume that people who are not avidly pro homosexuality are bigoted, closed-minded individuals, I have the actual teaching of the Catholic Church from the catechism. This is what I believe. Not that gays are going to hell. Not that gays are bad. Not that gays are less than human. I'm not a bigot, I'm not a "homophobe".
The link above leads to the Catechism's teaching on sexuality as a whole, and I'd suggest that, if you want to argue, you read that before you do. It explains everything on sexuality, which may help clarify any questions about the nature of this teaching.
Anyway, here's the teaching on homosexuality.
Chastity and homosexuality
2357 Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex. It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained. Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity,141 tradition has always declared that "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered."142 They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved.
2358 The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.
2359 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.
It makes sure to explicitly state that homosexuals are not to be treated as less than anyone else. Because they're humans too.
Just thought I should clear that up. I'm no theologian, but I decided to find the actual teaching, and thought that I should share it.
Because contrary to popular belief, the Catholic teaching is not one of bigotry towards homosexuals. It's one of love. Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves.
There's a funny picture on Facebook. It has Jesus sitting on a rock, surrounded by his disciples, and he says to them "Here's a thought. Why don't you all love your neighbors as yourselves?" A disciple asks "But what if they're gay or worship other gods?" To which Jesus replies "Did I f*&$ing stutter?"
Yes, not the most reverent or biblically accurate, but it puts a good point across. Jesus said "Love your neighbor." That means everyone. Including people who are gay, including people who are bisexual, including people who partake in anything that God consider sinful.
"Love your neighbor as yourself." Mark, 12:31.
Too many people see the calling a Christian as one of hardship and sacrifice alone. Yes, there is hardship and sacrifice, but there's more to it than that. There's a great security in God, a great peace, a great happiness, a great love. And I wouldn't be saying this if I hadn't felt it for myself. Yes, it can be hard, but when it comes down to it, God will make you happy. Honestly, if you just let Him into your life, He works wonders. Trust me. I know.
But delving deeply into my christian faith is a topic for another post, perhaps on my other blog. I'm not sure whether that would count as a BFUO. Probably not.
Anyway, it's getting late and I've got class tomorrow. Yay....
Thanks for listening, blog. And thank you for reading, whomever may see this. It makes me happy that someone can hear me screaming.
Until next time,
T-WAC
