www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Orthodox Statement on Homosexuality

Just to temper my remarks a bit, I do recall a quote from Catherine Dougherty that I am fond of:

Also, Jesus seemed to have a softer spot in his heart for those who struggled with sins of passion than for the religious hypocrites. And while purity is an essential virtue to the Christian life, it is certainly not the most important one.

I say this only because I realized after rereading my post that my use of the term "abomination" didn't characterize the sense of compassion and respect for humanity that I honestly feel for those who struggle with SSAD. I did not intend to label a particular group of people as such, so much as to characterize the nature of the vice. So my apologies if there were those of you here who might be offended by my choice of words. Sometimes the choice of words can get the better of us in argument or discussion.

Gordo

Gordo, I am not offended. In fact, I think that it is good that we have these discussions in order to work out how it is that we are supposed to address these issues. That is what forums are for . I also don't deny that some sins are more abominable to God than others; especially those that are done in cold blood (defrauding the laborer his wages, etc.). I think that homosexuality is symbolically portrayed as an abomination because it is symbolic of the very disorder of nature introduced with the fall. The sexual instinct was given, and has its natural purpose, in procreation. So, sexual desire and activity that is intrinsically contrary to that natural purpose (such as same-sex activity) stands as a symbol of what is wrong with human nature since the Fall.

I do think, though, that we have to understand the context for this and for other sins. And, at least I'll speak for myself, I can say that when I look into my own heart, I see deeply disordered passions and desires for wickedness; sometimes things that are unspeakable. I think about this and say that I must consider myself the chief of all sinners. I'm not approving of homosexual sex. But, I can easily see how someone subject to such intense desires could easily give in and not feel too guilty in conscience while they genuinely strive to be good human beings. All this says to me is that I do not lose hope of salvation even for the practicing homosexual. And I certainly do not think that I have mastered charity and chastity to such an extent that I, personally, can say, "Oh, I'm glad that I'm not like that sodomite over there...." In any case, this is a difficult issue for all of us to come to terms with because sooner or later, we will encounter a friend or a family member who is homosexual. God bless you. Peace in Christ,

Joe

Joe and Gordo,

those were very good and understanding posts and reflective of true Christianity.
Gordo, I love that quote of Catherine Dougherty and could also hear the venerable Dorothy Day saying the same thing. God Bless her!!!

Gordo, that is actually a very good point. I have been making that assumption, and I will need to reflect on that. Thank you !

-- John

Brian,

Thanks for your note.

Yes - I love Catherine and Dorothy as well. To me they represent the strength of an authentic Catholic feminism and social worldview. They also challenge conservatives like me NOT to neglect what is REALLY needful!

Gordo

Exactly! As I said on a similar thread some months ago, why is it that the same people who so harshly condemn individuals who suffer from same sex attraction (whether they act on it or not) are strangely silent, even seemingly tolerant, in regards to a man and woman shacking up? Why the silence on divorce, which is also a sin? (I see few people trying to pass a Constitutional Amendment to limit the number of divorces and remarriages a person should have, but there are plenty of Christians who could rival Hollywood celebs in this matter, although I by no means wish to pass judgment on them anymore than on a practicing gay).

Also, if I may add my 2 cents regarding "medical" or "psychological" solutions to SSA, speaking for what I understand to be the Orthodox position: the emphasis is not on changing sexual orientation, but on becoming passionless and deified through a Christian life, like those who struggle with any sin.