Homosexualiy and the Catholic Church Essay

The way people ultimately view homosexuality, whether in religion, politics or modern popular culture, is all determined by traditional or changing points of view. This essay will discuss mainly liberal and conservative Christian interpretations of the Bible, including many verses that may support or condemn homosexuality. It will also discuss the political views and laws against same-sex marriage and the social activism in the homosexual community. This is all about view points and it has many conflicting views and arguments.

In today’s Christian churches there has come about a very controversial subject, one that has been developing for many years, and is now at the fore front of controversial issues dealing with the church. The issue at hand is homosexuality and the Christian church. This controversy has caused there to be a split between the church into two different beliefs, liberal and evangelical, which one is right and which and which one is wrong? Issues such as should homosexuals be aloud in the church? If so how involved should they be? And most importantly what does God have to say about homosexuality? These are tough question brought about by a tough issue and the only way these questions can be

Just like racial relations in the United States and in the world today, homosexuality is a big issue today too, and only recently

The topic of homosexuality in religion has many sides. There are those who believe that it is a sin in God’s eyes and according to the Bible, and there are those who believe the God and the Bible are not specific to homosexuals. It is a tough debate based on whether you are a religious person, how you were raised, and where your morals and ethics stand. You cannot truly believe one way without taking into account the other side and have valid proof to back it up.

First and foremost, homosexuals are human just like us. They are people who have a calling in life; God put them on Earth with a mission just like he does with everyone else. The Church welcomes homosexuals to the Church as long as they do not act upon their desires. What does this mean? Well we have passing thoughts about actions that are would not be morally right; whether they be heterosexual desires, or wanting to hurt someone. We, for the most part, do not act on these thoughts and they quickly leave our mind. The same thing goes for homosexuals; they are allowed into the Church as long as they live a life of chastity. “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,” (CCC 2357-2359). The Church teaches that homosexuals should be accepted with respect and compassion, which is where many Catholics go wrong. “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 that they may encounter from their condition.” The Church does not teach us to go around hating on

The most controversial questions that arise in relation to sexual orientation are targeted towards how one’s sexual orientation forms, what factors go into it and most importantly whether individuals have a choice in this process. According to the American Psychology Association, one’s sexual orientation is not adopted via an individual’s choice, but rather develops as a result of “cognitive and biological factors” and as well as by interacting with the surrounding environment. In simpler terms, there is a possibility in everybody even you and me being a homosexual.

Now, when is talk about that there is ignorance in this type of situation, it is necessary to take into account that this ignorance came from the type of action that many usually takes when the they know about this issue in certain individuals who are facing this issue, and sadly the first action taken is to judge them, and discriminating against others. However, what is most unfortunately is when this comes directly from the church, which often does not give them any hope of restoration to their issue of same-sexual attraction.

The church does not discriminate against homosexuals, even though the definition of 'discriminate ' is: "to make a distinction in the treatment of different groups, especially of race, sex, or orientation." and that is what is being done. Regardless, the church does not agree with homosexuality, and homosexual acts. These are the main reasons why this is so; and why they make no sense. The reasons have all been compiled from official Christian clergies, websites, and videos.

My thoughts on this event are that when the Pope’s final decision comes out to the public, there will be a lot of controversy and debate. If I had to make a decision, I would chose to allow divorced Catholics to receive Communion, but however, not allow gay marriage or them having Communion. On the other hand, I would allow gay people and couples to attend church because I think listening to the teachings/sayings in the Bible is the right and privilege that everyone should have. Even though my stringent decision excludes some families, I think it supports the welfare of the majority. There are still approximately 79 countries where homosexuality is illegal. In addition, even though homosexuality was legalized this June in the USA, it doesn’t

Sullivan just wishes for the general public to accept homosexual marriages and the fact that they will not be the turning point for the downfall of all society.

There are multiple theories people hold on how they believe homosexuality started or is generally caused. However, after multiple studies and ongoing research the likelihood that it is nature, rather than nurture, based is going strong. Although, as of now, there has been no exact consensus among researchers, after examining possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and/or cultural influences, to prove that homosexuality is completely one or the other, but it is usually found that people cannot choose their sexual orientation, but rather only

“All men are created equal, No matter how hard you try, you can never erase those words,” Harvey Milk. A homosexual, as defined by the dictionary, is someone of, relating to, or characterized by a tendency to direct sexual desire toward another of the same sex. Homosexuality is ethical, and I will provide rational arguments for, and irrational arguments against the topic. A few objections are as follows: It is forbidden in the Bible and frowned upon by God; It is unnatural; Men and women are needed to reproduce; There are no known examples in nature; and the most common argument that concerns homosexuality is whether it is a choice or human biology.

Opposition to gay marriage has increased since the summer and a narrow majority of Americans also oppose allowing gays and lesbians to enter legal agreements that fall short of marriage. Moreover, despite the overall rise in tolerance toward gays since the 1980s, many Americans remain highly critical of homosexuals ­ and religious belief is a major factor in these attitudes.

The world has more than one billion Catholics and with the ever growing population, it will only get larger in number. To be a Catholic means to have complete faith in God and his divine grace. Having God's divine grace means to obey it and keep it holy as it was created by God and given to his people. The religion itself is based on this and the people take it very seriously. Catholics believe that all people are of good nature but when one commits a sin it not only hurts that one person but the people and the Church.

According to studies done by Simon LeVey, being gay is a biological cause, not a choice made when one is very young. It is also an accepted