Homosexuality and Same-Sex "Marriage"
Q - At the moment of their creation, did God give some people a homosexual orientation?
A - God created all people! But, at the moment of their creation, did God give some people a homosexual orientation? This is an important question to considering since some are arguing that God has made them with their homosexual orientation. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church par. 2357-2359 we read:
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.
God made people male and female. God is a God of order and harmony. There is a clear order inherent to the design of the male and female body. God did not create people with a homosexual orientation. If God created people with a homosexual orientation, then God would be quite cruel. God is perfect love and he would never intentionally divide his children's psychology from their biology. As the Catechism mentions -- this is a trial and difficulty. Homosexual inclinations are objectively disordered because their put a persons psychology at odds with their reproductive biology. God does not desire to see people suffer any disorder. God did not create suffering and death. Disorders, suffering as we know it today, and death were introduced tragically into the human race through evil and sin-- original sin. To make normalize disorder is to neutralize one’s need to be saved. Christ didn't come to condemn, but to save us!
A - God created all people! But, at the moment of their creation, did God give some people a homosexual orientation? This is an important question to considering since some are arguing that God has made them with their homosexual orientation. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church par. 2357-2359 we read:
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.
God made people male and female. God is a God of order and harmony. There is a clear order inherent to the design of the male and female body. God did not create people with a homosexual orientation. If God created people with a homosexual orientation, then God would be quite cruel. God is perfect love and he would never intentionally divide his children's psychology from their biology. As the Catechism mentions -- this is a trial and difficulty. Homosexual inclinations are objectively disordered because their put a persons psychology at odds with their reproductive biology. God does not desire to see people suffer any disorder. God did not create suffering and death. Disorders, suffering as we know it today, and death were introduced tragically into the human race through evil and sin-- original sin. To make normalize disorder is to neutralize one’s need to be saved. Christ didn't come to condemn, but to save us!
Q- If God did not give people a homosexual orientation, then where did it come from?
A - We live in a fallen world… a world affect by original sin… disease, addiction, depression, anxiety, fear, hate, unforgivness, bitterness….. Original Sin introduced disorder into human nature and this is what we experience. There are many disorders, including homosexual orientation, that world can try to normalize (like the latest T.V. series 'The New Normal.'" Yes, some people may be born with a greater propensity toward certain illnesses or disorders, but doesn't make these people bad or mistakes! With the help of God's grace and community, we work together on healing and wholeness (holiness of life).
The Judaeo-Christian understanding of reality sheds tremendous light and understanding on the origin of these disorders which humanity suffers from. The Jewish and Christian faith would argue that the tragic entrance of sin into humanity has effected and wounded human nature as well as introduced death (as well as all the many diseases and disorders) into the human experience. We do not believe that suffering, as we know it today, or death were a part of God original plan. God is life! God hates death! God hates seeing us suffer and die! In fact, prior to humanities fall into that original sin, death was not even a part of the human experience.
As Christians, we believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior. He saves us from sin and death through his entering into death. Christ has died and Christ is Risen! As St. Paul says, “without the resurrection our faith is in vain.” If Resurrection didn’t happen, then we don’t have a answer or solution to the unanswerable problem which we face, namely, disease...disorder....death. This is precisely why we call Christ our Savior! If we allow him, he will save us from what we cannot save ourselves from.
This is how we, as Christians, explain the variety of crosses/sufferings, abnormalities, diseases, and disorders which plague our world. These sufferings have been introduced into the created world through original sin (such as birth defects, greater propensity toward substance abuse, varying degrees of physiological gender ambiguity, homosexual orientation etc...). To deny original sin and it’s effects would be to agree that God made us and our world disordered. This is unacceptable if God is perfect love!
VERY IMPORTANTLY -- the Church is NOT saying that these defects, disorders, or abnormalities define or makes people bad or evil. THE CHURCH DOES NOT CONDEMN PEOPLE WITH HOMOSEXUAL ORIENTATION. Homosexual orientation, in itself, is NOT a personal sin, but it is an effect of original sin which people suffer from. Personal sin is born when a persons chooses to act/behave contrary to God's plan -- homosexuality is a sin -- that is -- a living a homosexual lifestyle. The Church teaches that original sin is evident in our lack of self-control and our experience of the disordering of our desires (concupiscence). For example, we can compulsively take more than we should eat when others haven't eaten. This is an first hand experience of original sin at work. We are all tempted daily to act or behave in a selfish manner. AGAIN, this does not mean we are bad or evil, but it does mean we are wounded and that we’ve been affected by original sin. We need grace and shouldn’t be ashamed of it. We Jesus to save us! Let us never fear admitting that we are sinners. To make normal what not normal is to neutralize one’s need to be saved.
A - We live in a fallen world… a world affect by original sin… disease, addiction, depression, anxiety, fear, hate, unforgivness, bitterness….. Original Sin introduced disorder into human nature and this is what we experience. There are many disorders, including homosexual orientation, that world can try to normalize (like the latest T.V. series 'The New Normal.'" Yes, some people may be born with a greater propensity toward certain illnesses or disorders, but doesn't make these people bad or mistakes! With the help of God's grace and community, we work together on healing and wholeness (holiness of life).
The Judaeo-Christian understanding of reality sheds tremendous light and understanding on the origin of these disorders which humanity suffers from. The Jewish and Christian faith would argue that the tragic entrance of sin into humanity has effected and wounded human nature as well as introduced death (as well as all the many diseases and disorders) into the human experience. We do not believe that suffering, as we know it today, or death were a part of God original plan. God is life! God hates death! God hates seeing us suffer and die! In fact, prior to humanities fall into that original sin, death was not even a part of the human experience.
As Christians, we believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior. He saves us from sin and death through his entering into death. Christ has died and Christ is Risen! As St. Paul says, “without the resurrection our faith is in vain.” If Resurrection didn’t happen, then we don’t have a answer or solution to the unanswerable problem which we face, namely, disease...disorder....death. This is precisely why we call Christ our Savior! If we allow him, he will save us from what we cannot save ourselves from.
This is how we, as Christians, explain the variety of crosses/sufferings, abnormalities, diseases, and disorders which plague our world. These sufferings have been introduced into the created world through original sin (such as birth defects, greater propensity toward substance abuse, varying degrees of physiological gender ambiguity, homosexual orientation etc...). To deny original sin and it’s effects would be to agree that God made us and our world disordered. This is unacceptable if God is perfect love!
VERY IMPORTANTLY -- the Church is NOT saying that these defects, disorders, or abnormalities define or makes people bad or evil. THE CHURCH DOES NOT CONDEMN PEOPLE WITH HOMOSEXUAL ORIENTATION. Homosexual orientation, in itself, is NOT a personal sin, but it is an effect of original sin which people suffer from. Personal sin is born when a persons chooses to act/behave contrary to God's plan -- homosexuality is a sin -- that is -- a living a homosexual lifestyle. The Church teaches that original sin is evident in our lack of self-control and our experience of the disordering of our desires (concupiscence). For example, we can compulsively take more than we should eat when others haven't eaten. This is an first hand experience of original sin at work. We are all tempted daily to act or behave in a selfish manner. AGAIN, this does not mean we are bad or evil, but it does mean we are wounded and that we’ve been affected by original sin. We need grace and shouldn’t be ashamed of it. We Jesus to save us! Let us never fear admitting that we are sinners. To make normal what not normal is to neutralize one’s need to be saved.
Q- Will those in Heaven still suffer from homosexual orientation?
A- IN HEAVEN, EVERY ONE OF OUR DISORDERS WILL BE HEALED. In heaven, those who suffer from homosexual orientation will be healed…made whole! Why? Because heaven is perfect order and it wouldn't make any sense if people in heaven were struggling to reconcile their psychology and biology. In heaven, the mind and body of a person will be in perfect unity and harmony. There is peace. No more unruly desires or fear or anxiety. The body, mind, and soul of every man and woman in heaven is in perfect harmony and order.
The Catholic Church's teaching on marriage and sexuality cannot change because the nature of the human person cannot change. Regardless of one's orientation, we are male and female. This complimentarity of the sexes is ordered toward spousal love and communion for the perpetuation and stabilization of society. This one flesh union is someone unique to a man and woman. Therefore, this unique communion is the very cause of the rise of the sacred institution of marriage. The institution of marriage provides a needed stability for the children which often from comes marital union. The stability of marriage is also important for the maturation of the man and woman as husband and wife. This unique union between a man and a woman, namely marriage, is NOT meant to be a form of discrimination or bigotry toward those with a homosexual orientation. But, it cannot be changed simply because nature and nature's God has ordained such an order.
My fear is that today many are giving in to normalizing homosexuality as something natural. The danger is sin. The make what's disordered normal is to deny the need for a Savior. The more souls buy into normalizing sin, the more these souls are in danger of falling into the darkness… losing a sense of sin…We must take up our cross and follow Christ. To eliminate sin is to eliminate the cross and to eliminate the cross is to indulge in sinful behavior. Such a soul cannot be saved. We must Pray and Fast for the salvation of our souls!
A- IN HEAVEN, EVERY ONE OF OUR DISORDERS WILL BE HEALED. In heaven, those who suffer from homosexual orientation will be healed…made whole! Why? Because heaven is perfect order and it wouldn't make any sense if people in heaven were struggling to reconcile their psychology and biology. In heaven, the mind and body of a person will be in perfect unity and harmony. There is peace. No more unruly desires or fear or anxiety. The body, mind, and soul of every man and woman in heaven is in perfect harmony and order.
The Catholic Church's teaching on marriage and sexuality cannot change because the nature of the human person cannot change. Regardless of one's orientation, we are male and female. This complimentarity of the sexes is ordered toward spousal love and communion for the perpetuation and stabilization of society. This one flesh union is someone unique to a man and woman. Therefore, this unique communion is the very cause of the rise of the sacred institution of marriage. The institution of marriage provides a needed stability for the children which often from comes marital union. The stability of marriage is also important for the maturation of the man and woman as husband and wife. This unique union between a man and a woman, namely marriage, is NOT meant to be a form of discrimination or bigotry toward those with a homosexual orientation. But, it cannot be changed simply because nature and nature's God has ordained such an order.
My fear is that today many are giving in to normalizing homosexuality as something natural. The danger is sin. The make what's disordered normal is to deny the need for a Savior. The more souls buy into normalizing sin, the more these souls are in danger of falling into the darkness… losing a sense of sin…We must take up our cross and follow Christ. To eliminate sin is to eliminate the cross and to eliminate the cross is to indulge in sinful behavior. Such a soul cannot be saved. We must Pray and Fast for the salvation of our souls!
Moral Relativism & Homosexuality: Why there's an NCAA, NFL, NBA...
We didn't design the human body, nor did we ask to be a man or a woman… Every person is given their sex by God himself. If we truly understand the meaning of our sexuality, then we would bow in wonder, awe, and thanks to God for the sexual design he has entrusted to us. Our sexual design, as male and female, is invested with a most glorious plan and purpose. When a woman or a man allows the grace of God to inhabit their souls, this grace is expressed through their bodies....through their masculinity and femininity….AND, they make God's glorious image visible by becoming a communion of persons. By the very complimentarity of the sexes, man and woman are called to communion. This communion gives rises to the very institution of marriage itself. Therefore, in order for their to be marriage, there must be this complimentarity which makes communion possible. Every man and woman, by God's design, are created to be windows to heaven. What do I mean? Man and woman, jn their communion, are designed by God to make the Holy Trinity (A Communion of Persons) visible on Earth! Is it any wonder why Satan wants to eliminate the importance of sexual complementarity? God stamped this divine call right into our very bodies as male and female.
Everything is ultimately designed with a purpose. The purpose of any given design can be unlocked through the use of our intellects. Think about it! From our observation of the design of a car, we can come to certain obvious conclusions... a plane....an apple.... a football game...the letter A, the letter S, a woman... a man.... See! Life only makes sense when we, through the use of our intellect, recognize the different purposes of the many different objects in creation. What about the human body? To dismiss the design of the human body doesn't make any sense. Or, what if we we're to impose an interpretation on the given design, such as the human body. Also, when something is misinterpreted it often leads to the misuse and abuse of whatever it is that's been misinterpreted. Think about it? If an apples misinterpreted to simply be something you throw, then it becomes a waste of food.... If you misinterpret a road sign it could mean death... If you misinterpret a letter, then you misspell a word... Design matters! And, the proper interpretation of given design matters. We were given our bodily designs. What do they mean? And why? As mentioned above -- there's the obvious call to communion and marriage.
On another note, let's talk about the rules which design the game of football. Let's just say that a few people disagree with the rules of football. Can we change the rules? We could…. BUT, can we change some of the most fundamental rules of the game without changing the game itself? Can we still call it football? No! When you change the rules so significantly, you actually redesign the game so as to redefine it. It becomes something other than football. Football is still football, but this "new version of the game" was born out of some disagreement with the original game of football. What might the disagreement have been? Lets say, the inventors of this "new version of the game" demand that it still be called football and those who disagree with the "new version of the game" are considered to be simply wrong, outdated, and even anti-progressive of what football could become!!! Wow? What does one say to such an argument? How does one respond? Especially when the "new version of the game" has become easier…. There are many more permissions or allowances which eliminate certain challenges which actually kept game alive in the past. Rules protect the life of the game. This is why theres an NCAA, NFL, NBA... they guard the life of the game. The "new game" may sounds really great and many may jump on board because it appeals to our wanting everything to be easier and less challenging. Also, this new version of the game of football seem to allow more people to play who once couldn't. Eventually, the game of football become more and more relaxed and lifeless. It's no longer football. The new rules ignore the beauty which the ancient rules of the game preserved. The game is eventually lost!
Now, in a similar fashion, let's say that a woman disagrees with the design of her body and imposes an interpretation on her body that isn't found in the design (embracing a homosexual lifestyle). Or, perhaps lets say that a man decides that it doesn't really matter that his body is designed to compliment a woman's body. And, Let say he decides to just dismiss the significance and purpose of his bodily design.
Then, lets say that these few people start wanting everyone to accept their new version of love...or marriage... Their interpretation of sexuality... of the body… There's a push to ignore the significance of the complimentarity of the sexes… And, those who disagree are considered to be holding up the train... Out of date... Anti-progressive of what marriage and love could become…. Does the original purpose and design of the body change? No! Does this new misinterpretation of the body and marriage replace the original design and purpose? No! Why? Because the design is given and must be received as is. Nature and Nature's God has pass onto us this holy order. We don't decide our sex. Our sex is given to us and we must decide whether to cooperate with the design or not. We either choose to cooperate with the design or we fight against nature. Nature and nature's God,in the end, will always win.
Another thought might be-- why would you want to change the purpose of the design or disregard the purpose of the design? Well, it's simply because the design challenges us and calls us to true love and true love calls us to sacrifice (to the cross) and the cross is hard. Bottom line -- our wounded nature wants everything easy, pleasurable and comfortable. This is precisely why we need authority in our life. This is why there are coaches. This is why there are teachers... This is why there are bishops... This is why there are police officers. This is why there's an NCAA, NFL, NBA... they guard the life of the game or institution or classroom or society.... We are always going to be tempted to cut corners and we need some authority to hold us accountable. Thank you Lord for the Church!!!
We didn't design the human body, nor did we ask to be a man or a woman… Every person is given their sex by God himself. If we truly understand the meaning of our sexuality, then we would bow in wonder, awe, and thanks to God for the sexual design he has entrusted to us. Our sexual design, as male and female, is invested with a most glorious plan and purpose. When a woman or a man allows the grace of God to inhabit their souls, this grace is expressed through their bodies....through their masculinity and femininity….AND, they make God's glorious image visible by becoming a communion of persons. By the very complimentarity of the sexes, man and woman are called to communion. This communion gives rises to the very institution of marriage itself. Therefore, in order for their to be marriage, there must be this complimentarity which makes communion possible. Every man and woman, by God's design, are created to be windows to heaven. What do I mean? Man and woman, jn their communion, are designed by God to make the Holy Trinity (A Communion of Persons) visible on Earth! Is it any wonder why Satan wants to eliminate the importance of sexual complementarity? God stamped this divine call right into our very bodies as male and female.
Everything is ultimately designed with a purpose. The purpose of any given design can be unlocked through the use of our intellects. Think about it! From our observation of the design of a car, we can come to certain obvious conclusions... a plane....an apple.... a football game...the letter A, the letter S, a woman... a man.... See! Life only makes sense when we, through the use of our intellect, recognize the different purposes of the many different objects in creation. What about the human body? To dismiss the design of the human body doesn't make any sense. Or, what if we we're to impose an interpretation on the given design, such as the human body. Also, when something is misinterpreted it often leads to the misuse and abuse of whatever it is that's been misinterpreted. Think about it? If an apples misinterpreted to simply be something you throw, then it becomes a waste of food.... If you misinterpret a road sign it could mean death... If you misinterpret a letter, then you misspell a word... Design matters! And, the proper interpretation of given design matters. We were given our bodily designs. What do they mean? And why? As mentioned above -- there's the obvious call to communion and marriage.
On another note, let's talk about the rules which design the game of football. Let's just say that a few people disagree with the rules of football. Can we change the rules? We could…. BUT, can we change some of the most fundamental rules of the game without changing the game itself? Can we still call it football? No! When you change the rules so significantly, you actually redesign the game so as to redefine it. It becomes something other than football. Football is still football, but this "new version of the game" was born out of some disagreement with the original game of football. What might the disagreement have been? Lets say, the inventors of this "new version of the game" demand that it still be called football and those who disagree with the "new version of the game" are considered to be simply wrong, outdated, and even anti-progressive of what football could become!!! Wow? What does one say to such an argument? How does one respond? Especially when the "new version of the game" has become easier…. There are many more permissions or allowances which eliminate certain challenges which actually kept game alive in the past. Rules protect the life of the game. This is why theres an NCAA, NFL, NBA... they guard the life of the game. The "new game" may sounds really great and many may jump on board because it appeals to our wanting everything to be easier and less challenging. Also, this new version of the game of football seem to allow more people to play who once couldn't. Eventually, the game of football become more and more relaxed and lifeless. It's no longer football. The new rules ignore the beauty which the ancient rules of the game preserved. The game is eventually lost!
Now, in a similar fashion, let's say that a woman disagrees with the design of her body and imposes an interpretation on her body that isn't found in the design (embracing a homosexual lifestyle). Or, perhaps lets say that a man decides that it doesn't really matter that his body is designed to compliment a woman's body. And, Let say he decides to just dismiss the significance and purpose of his bodily design.
Then, lets say that these few people start wanting everyone to accept their new version of love...or marriage... Their interpretation of sexuality... of the body… There's a push to ignore the significance of the complimentarity of the sexes… And, those who disagree are considered to be holding up the train... Out of date... Anti-progressive of what marriage and love could become…. Does the original purpose and design of the body change? No! Does this new misinterpretation of the body and marriage replace the original design and purpose? No! Why? Because the design is given and must be received as is. Nature and Nature's God has pass onto us this holy order. We don't decide our sex. Our sex is given to us and we must decide whether to cooperate with the design or not. We either choose to cooperate with the design or we fight against nature. Nature and nature's God,in the end, will always win.
Another thought might be-- why would you want to change the purpose of the design or disregard the purpose of the design? Well, it's simply because the design challenges us and calls us to true love and true love calls us to sacrifice (to the cross) and the cross is hard. Bottom line -- our wounded nature wants everything easy, pleasurable and comfortable. This is precisely why we need authority in our life. This is why there are coaches. This is why there are teachers... This is why there are bishops... This is why there are police officers. This is why there's an NCAA, NFL, NBA... they guard the life of the game or institution or classroom or society.... We are always going to be tempted to cut corners and we need some authority to hold us accountable. Thank you Lord for the Church!!!
Understanding the True Nature and Dignity of Marriage
Today, there is so much confusion about the nature and dignity of Marriage. This should not be surprising considering the number (around 50%) of marriages sadly that end in divorce. The video below highlights the civil reasons for why marriage is defined as between one man and one woman. Marriage involves persons and persons are given a sex (male or female). Marriage involves sexual union and every couple must be, at least, in principle, capable of having children. This means that a man and woman who can't have children for some medical reason etc... are still in principle capable of having children. Marriage is much more than the celebration of a romantic love between two people. If the definition of marriage was so broadened that it involved any two people who love one another, then we need to ask why? and for what purpose? We also need to ask why a man can't marry his son? or daughter? Or, why not 5 people get married?
Those persons entering into a marriage bond must be capable of, at least, in principle of become one flesh. This means that the human bodies must compliment one another -- fit together. The nature of marriage is rooted in the certain biological facts of nature. The male reproductive system compliments the female reproductive system for obvious reasons. Marriage was instituted by God for the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children. Since children can ONLY come from the union of a man and a woman, it is only logical to conclude that children have a right to and need the care of a mom and a dad. Yes, today there are many exception. But, the many exceptions do not change what nature has clearly defined.
Should the government deny nature's rule and presume the authority to contradict basic biology? What is behind such a movement to ignore biology? Just as we must abide by the rules of any game (basketball, football, soccer...), so to must be abide by the rules of nature. What happens when you decide to make up your own rules on the basketball court? Is anyone free to just decide they don't like the rules and change them? What are the reasons behind the push to redefine marriage? The Church is often considered to be unfair, unreasonable and so distanced from the modern technological world. Yet, the world has a failing grade when it come to marriage. Regarding the issue of the definition of marriage, the Church is using the biology of science to defend the importance of the social structure of marriage and family.
Is it wise to fight against nature? The Church is NOT CONDEMNING those who struggle with homosexual tendencies, but the Church is against any disordered sinful action. When disordered desires (desires which motivate someone to contradict their human nature and dignity) are acted upon, this is sinful and harmful. The Church cares about every persons nature and dignity. Every homosexual and heterosexual are called to live a chaste holy life. Regarding Homosexuality, the Catechism of the Catholic Church says,
CCC 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.
CCC 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.
When children say that it's unfair that they can't eat chocolate, do the parents give in and allow the children to eat? Governance (or any authority) must be grounded in what is truly beneficial for social wellbeing. The law should treats all people the same, BUT IF IT IS AUTHENTIC LAW, then it cannot and should NOT treat all behaviors the same. Governments should enact laws that protect against the discrimination of people. Yes! Yes! Yes! But, laws DO and MUST discriminate (make distinctions) against any BEHAVIORS which are harmful to society and most especially children. Would the redefinition of marriage benefit or harm society? Should we broaden the definition of marriage so wide that it totally ignores or eliminates the sexual complimentarity of the human being? Is sexual distinction just a optional arbitrary nice thing to have...? Is our gender a mere decoration on the wall of life?
Natural marriage pros -- 1.) pro-creates children 2.) best raises children 3.) protects women 4.) civilizes men 5.) lowers crime, poverty, and welfare - which reduces government spending. There are always exceptions to the rule such as infertility, domestic abuse, a parent dies..., but these are exceptions NOT the rule. These exception to the rule do not validate to redefinition of marriage. Let's try a sports analogy.
The faster runners make the team and the slower runners don't? By nature, is it the slower runners fault because their slower? Is the slower runner less valuable than the faster runner? Should slower runner consider the faster runner to be a threat? It depends upon where you find your worth and value. If you don't make the team because your too slow, then is this a legitimate reason to sue for discrimination? Should you file a discriminatory law suit to have the rules of the game changed? Well, you might if your entire identity and worth are wrapped up in that game.
What would happen today if someone sue because they didn't make the team? Should we change the rules to the entire game so that everyone can play? Analogously, should people be able to sue for discrimination because they don't make the marriage cut? Well, if someone think that they have to be married to be happy, then they just might sue. But, is marriage necessary for us to find happiness? NO!
Have you ever been cut from a sports team? Have you ever experienced not getting a job because someone else is talented than you? Did you or your parents file a discriminatory law suit because you didn't make the team? The experience of not being picked for a team or not getting a job can be moments of growth which teach that our true value and worth are not dependent upon whether or not we make the cut, or whether or not we get the job or whether or not we get married.
Should we outlaw shoulder pads or tackling because a few have spinal deformation? Law must be objectively in concert with the Natural Law. For example, gravity is not up for redefinition and never will be. Why? Because it is what it is! The same is true about the sexes: a man and a woman are, in principle, alway able to have children. Their bodies are compatible. Again, in principle, a man and a woman can potentially pro-create. Two men or two women can NEVER procreate. It is principally impossible. There is NO PROCREATIVE POTENTIAL present in two men or two women. The science of biology gives sound evidence as to why this is so.
Therefore, in order to redefine Marriage, the government must removed from the definition of Marriage the principal potential to bear children. For the government to legally remove this critical dimension from the definition of Marriage makes absolutely no sense, especially since the govement is supposed to promote what is beneficial for the perpetuation and stabilization of society. The only relationship that can potentially create children is that of a man and a woman.
Is the Legalization of same-sex "marriage" an act of tolerance or anti-discrimination? Is it a step forward in civil rights? Where it has been promoted, schools start to promote same-sex "marriage" as a part of their curriculum. Private business owners are considered to be bigots and intolerants. Already today, there are men and women that consciously disagree with same-sex "marriage" who are being legally penalized. They are being asked to choose between their conscience or their business (or at least be fined for discrimination). Our taxes dollars fund same-sex marriage which has NO social benefits other than validating sex partners. People should not be fined for following the laws of nature which also happens to be in correlation with their conscience. Religious liberties are under attack.
Is this an EQUALITY issue? Is this a civil rights issue? Is this similar to racial discrimination? The law already treats everyone equality. The treats all people the same, BUT it doesn't treat all behaviors the same. Race is NOT a behavior, same-sex "marriage" is! Natural Marriage and same-sex "marriage" are two different behaviors with two different outcomes, therefore the law rightfully treats them differently. Only the union of one man and one woman should be promoted because it ALONE is the foundation of a civilized society. That's not bigotry, that's biology!
Those persons entering into a marriage bond must be capable of, at least, in principle of become one flesh. This means that the human bodies must compliment one another -- fit together. The nature of marriage is rooted in the certain biological facts of nature. The male reproductive system compliments the female reproductive system for obvious reasons. Marriage was instituted by God for the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children. Since children can ONLY come from the union of a man and a woman, it is only logical to conclude that children have a right to and need the care of a mom and a dad. Yes, today there are many exception. But, the many exceptions do not change what nature has clearly defined.
Should the government deny nature's rule and presume the authority to contradict basic biology? What is behind such a movement to ignore biology? Just as we must abide by the rules of any game (basketball, football, soccer...), so to must be abide by the rules of nature. What happens when you decide to make up your own rules on the basketball court? Is anyone free to just decide they don't like the rules and change them? What are the reasons behind the push to redefine marriage? The Church is often considered to be unfair, unreasonable and so distanced from the modern technological world. Yet, the world has a failing grade when it come to marriage. Regarding the issue of the definition of marriage, the Church is using the biology of science to defend the importance of the social structure of marriage and family.
Is it wise to fight against nature? The Church is NOT CONDEMNING those who struggle with homosexual tendencies, but the Church is against any disordered sinful action. When disordered desires (desires which motivate someone to contradict their human nature and dignity) are acted upon, this is sinful and harmful. The Church cares about every persons nature and dignity. Every homosexual and heterosexual are called to live a chaste holy life. Regarding Homosexuality, the Catechism of the Catholic Church says,
CCC 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.
CCC 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.
When children say that it's unfair that they can't eat chocolate, do the parents give in and allow the children to eat? Governance (or any authority) must be grounded in what is truly beneficial for social wellbeing. The law should treats all people the same, BUT IF IT IS AUTHENTIC LAW, then it cannot and should NOT treat all behaviors the same. Governments should enact laws that protect against the discrimination of people. Yes! Yes! Yes! But, laws DO and MUST discriminate (make distinctions) against any BEHAVIORS which are harmful to society and most especially children. Would the redefinition of marriage benefit or harm society? Should we broaden the definition of marriage so wide that it totally ignores or eliminates the sexual complimentarity of the human being? Is sexual distinction just a optional arbitrary nice thing to have...? Is our gender a mere decoration on the wall of life?
Natural marriage pros -- 1.) pro-creates children 2.) best raises children 3.) protects women 4.) civilizes men 5.) lowers crime, poverty, and welfare - which reduces government spending. There are always exceptions to the rule such as infertility, domestic abuse, a parent dies..., but these are exceptions NOT the rule. These exception to the rule do not validate to redefinition of marriage. Let's try a sports analogy.
The faster runners make the team and the slower runners don't? By nature, is it the slower runners fault because their slower? Is the slower runner less valuable than the faster runner? Should slower runner consider the faster runner to be a threat? It depends upon where you find your worth and value. If you don't make the team because your too slow, then is this a legitimate reason to sue for discrimination? Should you file a discriminatory law suit to have the rules of the game changed? Well, you might if your entire identity and worth are wrapped up in that game.
What would happen today if someone sue because they didn't make the team? Should we change the rules to the entire game so that everyone can play? Analogously, should people be able to sue for discrimination because they don't make the marriage cut? Well, if someone think that they have to be married to be happy, then they just might sue. But, is marriage necessary for us to find happiness? NO!
Have you ever been cut from a sports team? Have you ever experienced not getting a job because someone else is talented than you? Did you or your parents file a discriminatory law suit because you didn't make the team? The experience of not being picked for a team or not getting a job can be moments of growth which teach that our true value and worth are not dependent upon whether or not we make the cut, or whether or not we get the job or whether or not we get married.
Should we outlaw shoulder pads or tackling because a few have spinal deformation? Law must be objectively in concert with the Natural Law. For example, gravity is not up for redefinition and never will be. Why? Because it is what it is! The same is true about the sexes: a man and a woman are, in principle, alway able to have children. Their bodies are compatible. Again, in principle, a man and a woman can potentially pro-create. Two men or two women can NEVER procreate. It is principally impossible. There is NO PROCREATIVE POTENTIAL present in two men or two women. The science of biology gives sound evidence as to why this is so.
Therefore, in order to redefine Marriage, the government must removed from the definition of Marriage the principal potential to bear children. For the government to legally remove this critical dimension from the definition of Marriage makes absolutely no sense, especially since the govement is supposed to promote what is beneficial for the perpetuation and stabilization of society. The only relationship that can potentially create children is that of a man and a woman.
Is the Legalization of same-sex "marriage" an act of tolerance or anti-discrimination? Is it a step forward in civil rights? Where it has been promoted, schools start to promote same-sex "marriage" as a part of their curriculum. Private business owners are considered to be bigots and intolerants. Already today, there are men and women that consciously disagree with same-sex "marriage" who are being legally penalized. They are being asked to choose between their conscience or their business (or at least be fined for discrimination). Our taxes dollars fund same-sex marriage which has NO social benefits other than validating sex partners. People should not be fined for following the laws of nature which also happens to be in correlation with their conscience. Religious liberties are under attack.
Is this an EQUALITY issue? Is this a civil rights issue? Is this similar to racial discrimination? The law already treats everyone equality. The treats all people the same, BUT it doesn't treat all behaviors the same. Race is NOT a behavior, same-sex "marriage" is! Natural Marriage and same-sex "marriage" are two different behaviors with two different outcomes, therefore the law rightfully treats them differently. Only the union of one man and one woman should be promoted because it ALONE is the foundation of a civilized society. That's not bigotry, that's biology!
While claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for the likeness of an image of mortal man or of birds or of four-legged animals or of snakes. Therefore, God handed them over to impurity through the lusts of their hearts for the mutual degradation of their bodies. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and revered and worshiped the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. Therefore, God handed them over to degrading passions. Their females exchanged natural relations for unnatural, and the males likewise gave up natural relations with females and burned with lust for one another. Males did shameful things with males and thus received in their own persons the due penalty for their perversity. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God handed them over to their undiscerning mind to do what is improper. They are filled with every form of wickedness, evil, greed, and malice; full of envy, murder, rivalry, treachery, and spite. They are gossips and scandalmongers and they hate God. They are insolent, haughty, boastful, ingenious in their wickedness, and rebellious toward their parents. They are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know the just decree of God that all who practice such things deserve death, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. (Romans 1:22-32)
The Body Matters: Biology communicates Truth
When we look at the nature of an object we can see obvious patterns of complimentary or NOT. God has stamped this complimentary into creation for obvious reasons. The seed is sown into the soil. The positive and negative come together. The plug is shaped to fit the socket.... the shapes of things matter. We know that the letter 'A' is an 'A' because of the shape that it bears. The letter 'A', because of it's shape, communicates a reality, a message, a meaning! The male and female bodies are shaped to fit together for obvious reasons of union and procreation. This is not something that Christianity or faith or religion imposes. This is rational and scientific. The science of human biology observes and records data from the human body. The sexual shape of the male and female body matters! The human body, precisely through sexual complimentarity, is shaped to build up the human family, which is originates in God, who is, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God, who is a communion of three divine persons created man and woman to visibly image this communion of persons precisely through sexual complimentarity.
Regardless of our feelings, this complimentary truth is stamped into the created order for a reason. Someone cannot change this objective reality simply because they feel an attraction to the same-sex. Biologically, they are a male or a female, but psychologically they are attracted to males or females. Merely because someone has a same-sex attraction does not mean that they must act on this attraction in a physical or genital manner. Two women or Two men can be very good friends. They can share many levels of intimacy, but this intimacy can never be expressed in a spousal or genital way. For two men or two women to become physically intimate would be to contradict and disrupt the biological order which God has stamped into creation. Not only does this negatively affect the spiritual well-being of such persons, but it also fosters a disillusioning irrational disconnect between a society's cooperation with nature and it's well-being.
Those who carry the cross of same sex attraction are just as precious to God as everyone else. The Church welcomes everyone and gives them the spiritual means necessary to convert to God’s ways and maintain friendship with Christ. The Catholic Church is concerned with the eternal salvation of souls and if God created us as male and female, He did so for a reason. Some may struggle to find an agreement between their biology and psychology, and this is a cross. But, there are many others that struggle in many others way and these are also cross. As the scripture says, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18). Why? Because those that consider the cross as foolishness have given into their struggles and eliminated temptation and sin. They no longer fight the spiritual battle. They have decided to agree with their disorder. Everyone is tempted to give up because it's hard. But, if we give up we can't grow into the virtuous saint we are called to become. We embrace vice and then what? We give into sin because we feel judged and condemned and then what? Does the basketball player move the 3-point line because he finds it too hard? Does the football player move the goal line closer because it seems to far? NO! Let's allow the Gospel to challenge us and call us to our knees... to seek the grace of God. This is what programs like Courage do for those that struggle with same-sex attraction.
It's perfectly OK for us to admit to our imperfections. Everyone has imperfections. But, it makes no sense to justify a disordered action because one feels attracted to disordered behaviors. It would be crazy for us to justify alcoholism because we don't want the alcoholic to feel bad. God's love does not change because we admit to our disorders. What's wrong with admitting that we have disorders? One of the biggest lies is that you can't be loved unless your perfect. We know this in our heads, but deep within our sub-conscious is this shame of imperfection. Perhaps we need to re-examine the nature of love. Also, there's another dominate lie in our culture regarding the whole same sex "marriage" arguments. Sex is not a personal need. You do not have to have sex to find fulfillment in life. Water, food, and shelter are personal needs. Intimacy is a personal need. But, sex? Sex is a communal need. If we don't have sex we won't die. People need authentic intimacy but not sex. Sex can be one expression of intimacy but not necessarily. In fact, today sex is treated as a form of entertainment. Sex is gives by God to be a sacred exchange between a man and a woman who have committed to living together in marriage until death. This commitment is necessary for the couples good and for the procreation and education of their children in authentic love. This is what forms good and virtuous citizens of society. The family is the fundamental cell of society and children justly deserve to be attached to their parents. Children would not have been issued forth from the one flesh union of a man and a woman, by nature, if God would have thought that it was not necessary for their formation as human beings.
We cannot rewire what we are not free to rewire without detrimentally effecting society. Authentic law must respect the natural order. Those who fight against nature will always lose. Just as the shape of a letter matter for their to be authentic communication, so also the shape/biology of the human body matter for their to be authentic sexual/genital communication. Certain letter come together to make a word. Our human bodies matter because God designed our male and female bodies to communicate a great mystery. The spousal union literally draws heaven to earth. When a man and woman become one flesh, there is always the possibility for God to touch earth by infusing an immortal soul into the womb of the woman. Only man and woman have spousal capacity because only a man and a woman's bodies can become one flesh. A community of persons / the family is formed through the one flesh union. Only a man and a woman in their one flesh union can make manifest the eternal mystery of God who is a communion of persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Only a man and a woman in their one flesh union can make visible the intimacy of the love between Christ, the bridegroom, and his Bride, the Church. Only a man and a woman can express the new covenant which God established in his one flesh union with humanity at the Eucharist. The Bridegroom, Christ, gives his body, blood, souls and divinity to his Bride, the Church. In essence, the biology of the human body has eternal significance. The male and female body is given this complimentary capacity to communicate eternal realities. If you were an enemy of God's plan for sexuality what would you attack? How would you confuse and keep the world from seeing the eternal plan? You would attack the sign of the eternal design! The human body!
Below are a number of images. Sorry to be so blatant, but I don't know how else to make the obvious obvious. This isn't meant to be sarcastic, but this is the sad reality we are dealing with today. Yes, there people hurting from same sex attraction, but is doesn't help anyone to legally validate as right what is contradicts the natural order. Nature clearly demonstrates the divine intention through the human body and sexual complimentarity. Science and reason, if allowed to be exercised, clearly point out the truth and purpose about human sexuality. As Christians, we can never simply dismiss the order which God has placed in creation. There is a meaning and purpose for the order God has given to creation. The solution is living a life of purity and chastity. This simply means that we all respect God's plan for sex. It does not mean that two men or two women cannot be very good friends. It is possible for two men or two women to be friends, but it is isn't possible for two men or two women to become spouses. This has nothing to do with what's fair, but nature simply won't allow it. Those who struggle with a homosexual orientation are called to be chaste just as those that are heterosexual and aren't married. Again, the end purpose of the sexual bond is primarily ordered toward the procreation and education of children.
One might ask about those that are beyond child bearing years. Not everyone can have children, but what's the difference between marriage between a man and a woman who can't have children and two men or two women who can't have children. Why can't two men or two women get married? 'In principle,' only a man and a woman are capable of having children. The ingredients are there, but situations have arisen which prevent this couple from having a child. Two men and two women are never 'in principle' able to have children. The ingredients are not present. There is no sexual complimentarity. Therefore, they cannot marry because they cannot express spousal love. Why? Because the biology of their bodies are not, by nature's design, complimentary and therefore they cannot be spouses. This is not discrimination this is simply respect for natures order. It's realizing that nature has a purpose and this purpose is stamped by God into our bodies. Certain laws which nature gives to us cannot be changed with serious repercussions. Gravity, for example! If you don't agree with gravity does this mean you can just ignore it?
Today we are blinded from seeing the obvious order in nature because we don't want to be mean or unpopular or...... Ultimately, this a low self esteem issue. There is a law stamped into nature and this law comes from nature's God. Respect nature and thrive. Disrespect nature and suffer the consequences. Those who stand for science and biology are considered to be intolerant cruel bigots... unreasonable... What we may think and feel really has no bearing on what truly is. Nature is what it is regardless of what we may think or feel. The biology of the human body will always be male and female no matter how much we think and feel that sexual complimentarity doesn't matter or having any significant bearing on the definition of marriage. Besides, how can you call something the same name when it has two different ingredients. Two men or two women is not the same as a man and woman. This would be like calling a pepsi and a mountain dew the same name. Two different sodas... Why? Because they have different ingredients! If we don't stand for the truth, then as a society fall for everything. Two men and two women cannot build society because no new life can come from them. Not only because of circumstance, but 'in principle' they cannot have their own children. Two men or two women trying to become 'one flesh' is foolishly shameful and makes absolutely no sense. Yet, today with the contraceptive mindset and children being factored out of sexual intimacy, it's easy to see how society can't really see what's wrong with two men or two women being intimate. If sex is merely about pleasure and not children, then same sex "marriage" seems somewhat plausible.
It's time to speak the truth and to educate people concerning this serious attack on humanity, marriage, family, and sexuality. We must reverence the glorious plan which God has stamped into our bodies. Satan hates sex and because sex has the potential of bringing new life into the world and this is a sacrament or outward sign of the incarnation. Every pregnant woman is a outward sign and reminder to satan that God became man and he hates it. So, he attacks convincing women that their fertility is a disease. He convinced women to reject their feminine beauty and subscribe to the corporate life. Satan encourages men to use women rather than protect them.
When we look at the nature of an object we can see obvious patterns of complimentary or NOT. God has stamped this complimentary into creation for obvious reasons. The seed is sown into the soil. The positive and negative come together. The plug is shaped to fit the socket.... the shapes of things matter. We know that the letter 'A' is an 'A' because of the shape that it bears. The letter 'A', because of it's shape, communicates a reality, a message, a meaning! The male and female bodies are shaped to fit together for obvious reasons of union and procreation. This is not something that Christianity or faith or religion imposes. This is rational and scientific. The science of human biology observes and records data from the human body. The sexual shape of the male and female body matters! The human body, precisely through sexual complimentarity, is shaped to build up the human family, which is originates in God, who is, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God, who is a communion of three divine persons created man and woman to visibly image this communion of persons precisely through sexual complimentarity.
Regardless of our feelings, this complimentary truth is stamped into the created order for a reason. Someone cannot change this objective reality simply because they feel an attraction to the same-sex. Biologically, they are a male or a female, but psychologically they are attracted to males or females. Merely because someone has a same-sex attraction does not mean that they must act on this attraction in a physical or genital manner. Two women or Two men can be very good friends. They can share many levels of intimacy, but this intimacy can never be expressed in a spousal or genital way. For two men or two women to become physically intimate would be to contradict and disrupt the biological order which God has stamped into creation. Not only does this negatively affect the spiritual well-being of such persons, but it also fosters a disillusioning irrational disconnect between a society's cooperation with nature and it's well-being.
Those who carry the cross of same sex attraction are just as precious to God as everyone else. The Church welcomes everyone and gives them the spiritual means necessary to convert to God’s ways and maintain friendship with Christ. The Catholic Church is concerned with the eternal salvation of souls and if God created us as male and female, He did so for a reason. Some may struggle to find an agreement between their biology and psychology, and this is a cross. But, there are many others that struggle in many others way and these are also cross. As the scripture says, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18). Why? Because those that consider the cross as foolishness have given into their struggles and eliminated temptation and sin. They no longer fight the spiritual battle. They have decided to agree with their disorder. Everyone is tempted to give up because it's hard. But, if we give up we can't grow into the virtuous saint we are called to become. We embrace vice and then what? We give into sin because we feel judged and condemned and then what? Does the basketball player move the 3-point line because he finds it too hard? Does the football player move the goal line closer because it seems to far? NO! Let's allow the Gospel to challenge us and call us to our knees... to seek the grace of God. This is what programs like Courage do for those that struggle with same-sex attraction.
It's perfectly OK for us to admit to our imperfections. Everyone has imperfections. But, it makes no sense to justify a disordered action because one feels attracted to disordered behaviors. It would be crazy for us to justify alcoholism because we don't want the alcoholic to feel bad. God's love does not change because we admit to our disorders. What's wrong with admitting that we have disorders? One of the biggest lies is that you can't be loved unless your perfect. We know this in our heads, but deep within our sub-conscious is this shame of imperfection. Perhaps we need to re-examine the nature of love. Also, there's another dominate lie in our culture regarding the whole same sex "marriage" arguments. Sex is not a personal need. You do not have to have sex to find fulfillment in life. Water, food, and shelter are personal needs. Intimacy is a personal need. But, sex? Sex is a communal need. If we don't have sex we won't die. People need authentic intimacy but not sex. Sex can be one expression of intimacy but not necessarily. In fact, today sex is treated as a form of entertainment. Sex is gives by God to be a sacred exchange between a man and a woman who have committed to living together in marriage until death. This commitment is necessary for the couples good and for the procreation and education of their children in authentic love. This is what forms good and virtuous citizens of society. The family is the fundamental cell of society and children justly deserve to be attached to their parents. Children would not have been issued forth from the one flesh union of a man and a woman, by nature, if God would have thought that it was not necessary for their formation as human beings.
We cannot rewire what we are not free to rewire without detrimentally effecting society. Authentic law must respect the natural order. Those who fight against nature will always lose. Just as the shape of a letter matter for their to be authentic communication, so also the shape/biology of the human body matter for their to be authentic sexual/genital communication. Certain letter come together to make a word. Our human bodies matter because God designed our male and female bodies to communicate a great mystery. The spousal union literally draws heaven to earth. When a man and woman become one flesh, there is always the possibility for God to touch earth by infusing an immortal soul into the womb of the woman. Only man and woman have spousal capacity because only a man and a woman's bodies can become one flesh. A community of persons / the family is formed through the one flesh union. Only a man and a woman in their one flesh union can make manifest the eternal mystery of God who is a communion of persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Only a man and a woman in their one flesh union can make visible the intimacy of the love between Christ, the bridegroom, and his Bride, the Church. Only a man and a woman can express the new covenant which God established in his one flesh union with humanity at the Eucharist. The Bridegroom, Christ, gives his body, blood, souls and divinity to his Bride, the Church. In essence, the biology of the human body has eternal significance. The male and female body is given this complimentary capacity to communicate eternal realities. If you were an enemy of God's plan for sexuality what would you attack? How would you confuse and keep the world from seeing the eternal plan? You would attack the sign of the eternal design! The human body!
Below are a number of images. Sorry to be so blatant, but I don't know how else to make the obvious obvious. This isn't meant to be sarcastic, but this is the sad reality we are dealing with today. Yes, there people hurting from same sex attraction, but is doesn't help anyone to legally validate as right what is contradicts the natural order. Nature clearly demonstrates the divine intention through the human body and sexual complimentarity. Science and reason, if allowed to be exercised, clearly point out the truth and purpose about human sexuality. As Christians, we can never simply dismiss the order which God has placed in creation. There is a meaning and purpose for the order God has given to creation. The solution is living a life of purity and chastity. This simply means that we all respect God's plan for sex. It does not mean that two men or two women cannot be very good friends. It is possible for two men or two women to be friends, but it is isn't possible for two men or two women to become spouses. This has nothing to do with what's fair, but nature simply won't allow it. Those who struggle with a homosexual orientation are called to be chaste just as those that are heterosexual and aren't married. Again, the end purpose of the sexual bond is primarily ordered toward the procreation and education of children.
One might ask about those that are beyond child bearing years. Not everyone can have children, but what's the difference between marriage between a man and a woman who can't have children and two men or two women who can't have children. Why can't two men or two women get married? 'In principle,' only a man and a woman are capable of having children. The ingredients are there, but situations have arisen which prevent this couple from having a child. Two men and two women are never 'in principle' able to have children. The ingredients are not present. There is no sexual complimentarity. Therefore, they cannot marry because they cannot express spousal love. Why? Because the biology of their bodies are not, by nature's design, complimentary and therefore they cannot be spouses. This is not discrimination this is simply respect for natures order. It's realizing that nature has a purpose and this purpose is stamped by God into our bodies. Certain laws which nature gives to us cannot be changed with serious repercussions. Gravity, for example! If you don't agree with gravity does this mean you can just ignore it?
Today we are blinded from seeing the obvious order in nature because we don't want to be mean or unpopular or...... Ultimately, this a low self esteem issue. There is a law stamped into nature and this law comes from nature's God. Respect nature and thrive. Disrespect nature and suffer the consequences. Those who stand for science and biology are considered to be intolerant cruel bigots... unreasonable... What we may think and feel really has no bearing on what truly is. Nature is what it is regardless of what we may think or feel. The biology of the human body will always be male and female no matter how much we think and feel that sexual complimentarity doesn't matter or having any significant bearing on the definition of marriage. Besides, how can you call something the same name when it has two different ingredients. Two men or two women is not the same as a man and woman. This would be like calling a pepsi and a mountain dew the same name. Two different sodas... Why? Because they have different ingredients! If we don't stand for the truth, then as a society fall for everything. Two men and two women cannot build society because no new life can come from them. Not only because of circumstance, but 'in principle' they cannot have their own children. Two men or two women trying to become 'one flesh' is foolishly shameful and makes absolutely no sense. Yet, today with the contraceptive mindset and children being factored out of sexual intimacy, it's easy to see how society can't really see what's wrong with two men or two women being intimate. If sex is merely about pleasure and not children, then same sex "marriage" seems somewhat plausible.
It's time to speak the truth and to educate people concerning this serious attack on humanity, marriage, family, and sexuality. We must reverence the glorious plan which God has stamped into our bodies. Satan hates sex and because sex has the potential of bringing new life into the world and this is a sacrament or outward sign of the incarnation. Every pregnant woman is a outward sign and reminder to satan that God became man and he hates it. So, he attacks convincing women that their fertility is a disease. He convinced women to reject their feminine beauty and subscribe to the corporate life. Satan encourages men to use women rather than protect them.
The Foundation: Nature and Justice
What does Nature have to do with Justice? First, lets define what we mean by Nature and Justice: It may be said that it is the nature of one man to be taller, stronger, more intelligent, or more sociable than another. This meaning, however, is superficial; These features are manifestations of a man's nature. They are not his nature. In philosophical terminology and even in ordinary language, nature refers to something deeper and more fundamental. Nature properly signifies that which is primitive and original, or, according to etymology, that which a thing is at birth, as opposed to that which is acquired or added from external sources... In scholastic philosophy, nature, essence, and substance are closely related terms.
Justice is here taken in its ordinary and proper sense to signify the most important of the cardinal virtues. It is a moral quality orhabit which perfects the will and inclines it to render to each and to all what belongs to them. Fortitude controls the irascible passions; and temperance moderates the appetites according as reason dictates. While fortitude and temperance are self-regarding virtues, justice has reference to others. Justice requires that all persons should be left in the free enjoyment of all their rights. (Catholic Encyclopedia)
Justice is determined by the nature of a thing because justice is giving to 'a thing' that which is due to it. Or, it is giving to 'a thing' in accord to its nature. The nature of 'a thing' is what it is. A thing is determined by the nature it's been given. In other words, to act justly toward 'a thing,' one needs to first know what 'the thing' it. You cannot act properly toward something or someone unless you first know what it is that you are directing your actions.
For example, if I were to treat a man like a dog, this would be an injustice. Why? Because a man's nature is different than a dog's nature. Here, you can see how slavery and/or racism is acted out. Basically, racism or slavery is the refusal to assign human nature to a group of people because of their skin color or ethnicity. It is only when I've come to know what something is that I am capable of understanding what something is for, that is, its purpose! God has inscribed a purpose into the nature of everyone of his creatures. We must realize that everything in the created order has a purpose invested, God-given nature. Everything in the universe is given to us (it comes into existence with a nature) and we do not bring anything into existence.
Everything that exists possesses the nature which God gave it and thus possesses a corresponding purpose. We do not determine our sexual identity as male or female. We receive the sex which was given to us. Therefore, the nature of sex is given to us and we, through the use of our reason/intellect, can come to know and understand the purpose of being male and female. We can unlock and discover the truths which are written into our nature as male and female. Again, we DO NOT determine or define truth. Rather, we are discoverers of truth! The only One who has the power to define or determine the nature and purpose of someone or something is the One who has the power to bring these things into existence. We are free to cooperate with our given nature. This would be the virtue of Justice. Or, we are free to reject our given nature. This would be injustice.
For example, the ford manufacturer determines the nature of a ford truck and it would be most advantageous for us to cooperate with the manufacturers design. Otherwise, the vehicle will most probably endure damage. It will not accomplish the purpose for which it was designed. Why is this? It is simply because the truck was misused or mistreated. Regardless of the own's level of ignorance, the truck will not actualize its potential. Lets say the truck was given to a man for the purpose of building a home and the man misused the truck. This would be an injustice. The owner did not act toward, use, or operate the truck in accordance with it's nature and purpose. Why? It depends. There may have been some degree of ignorance, misunderstanding, or arrogance with regard to the truck and/or the manufacturer.
Those who think and believe that people can determine to act however they want without any reference to the given nature of 'a thing' are ultimately saying that the universe, and all it contains, has no order, meaning and purpose. This is foolish, proud and stupid. If the nature of 'a thing' is not invested with a purpose, then it does not matter how we act. Divorcing nature from action, or philosophically, being from action, is demonic. In fact, the Greek word, diabolein, means to scatter, break apart, or rupture. The Greek word symbalein means to bring together, gather up, or unite. Basically, Satan wants us to separate our actions from the true nature of things. This is how he perverts God's plan and introduces injustice into the world. This is most evident in his attack on human sexuality. Remember, the male and female body is supposed to image/symbolize God. Satan does not want this! If people are the sole standard of measurement for human actions, then there will never be a standard of morally right or wrong. What I say is morally good you say is morally evil and what I say is morally evil is morally good for you. Through this relativistic approach to morality there is confusion. There is a loss of the sense of sin. There is an eclipse of the sense of God. Why? Because each person is their own God.
Philosophical Emphasis: Subjective and/or Objective
While modern philosophies have had the tendency to focus solely on personal (subjective) experience to the neglect of the objective truth, ancient and medieval philosophies have tended to focus on objective reality to the neglect of personal (subjective) experience. Thus, in our day, the pendulum has swung too far far in the direction of subjective experience to the neglect of the objective reality. St. Thomas Aquinas said that truth is when the subject (the person) comes into conformity with the object. Here, it is important to recognize two truths. One, truth is outside of the person, the subject. People do not determine their own truths. Truth is! God is truth and God is unchanging! God is! And, God invests a nature and purpose in every creature he creates. Two, the person must humbly conform to what is. Human beings do not define reality. Rather, we humbly conform to the nature and purpose which God invests in each creature. To do anything else is pride
The rejection of objective truth eliminates responsibility. What is right and wrong? With no objective truth or reality, Man has nothing to measure his actions against. Man become his own absolute arbiter and judge. This is the original temptation of Satan to Adam and Eve. "You will become like God knowing good and evil." You are God! You don't need God. Arrogance and Pride lead to disobedience to God's Word, death, and ultimately hell. How are we unjust and disobedient to God's Word? God created all things through his Eternal Word and when I reject the God given nature of 'a thing,' I misuse that thing. Misuse, yes! But, I also reject God's Word. Evil is a lack of participation in the goodness of God. When I choose to use creation my way and not God's way, I fail to participate in the good. Thus, I do evil. Evil is injustice!
Justice in no way pertains to how we feel about things. Rather, justice is rooted in what things are! No matter how convinced I may be that a dog is a man, this has no bearing on reality. Man is not a dog. Or, for a male-body person to say to another male-body person, lets get married. This is unjust because it is defies the purpose of their God given nature. It is objectively evil even though subjectively they "think" and "feel" it is love. There will always be negative consequences when we choose to act against nature. The negative consequences affirm the objective nature of truth. This simply means that when the subject (the person), chooses a way of acting which contradicts the objective truth/reality invested in nature, by God, the person will be punished by nature.
Again, no matter how convinced someone is that a dog is a man, there will be negative consequences for treating a dog like a man. These negative consequences can be considered the justice and wrath of God. What do I mean? When someone disregards God’s created order, God’s remedial way of loving us back into conformity with his saving truth, is built right into his created order. In his writing titled, "Against Heresies," Saint Irenaeus (180 AD) says, “if you think against nature you will become foolish. And if you persist you will fall into insanity.”
The Unchangeable Nature of Marriage
We know that the institution of marriage, by nature, involves the union of the two sexes, one male and one female. If this is the objective truth, then it should confirmed in our subjective/personal experience. If the nature of marriage consists of the union of one man and one woman, then what is the just purpose invested in its nature.
The primary purpose, in principle, of marriage is the procreation of children. This is the procreative dimension of marriage. I say, in principle,' because there are couples that are unable to have children because they are either infertile or beyond childbearing years. 'In Principle' meaning, regardless of various situation, a man and a woman are always, 'in principle,' able to become 'one flesh' and therefore potentially procreate. Two men or two women, 'in principle' can never become 'one flesh.' Thus, they can never procreate. Why? This is because the God did not invest human nature with the potential for two men or two women to procreation. This reality is grounded in the anatomical design of the male and female body.
Two men or two women can be friends, but they can NEVER be spousal. God invested human nature with a purpose that suggests otherwise. In fact, the institution of marriage would not be necessary if procreation were eliminated. Why? Because there wouldn't be any children. Thus, there wouldn't be a need for an institution that provides a stable environment for child. But, since God designed human nature so that children comes from the sexual union of one man and one woman, it is probably fair to suggest that children need a father and a mother if they are going to be properly nurtured and educated into being virtuous citizens. This is a good thing which government should protect and defend. Children deserve the right to be attached to and cared for by their father and mother. It is surprising that professionals in the field of childhood developmental psychology would not see this as a concern for children. But, I guess they don't want to hurt anyone's feelings so they must think it's better to allow children to suffer.
The secondary purpose of marriage is called the unitive dimension. The unitive or bonding dimension of marriage is ordered, by nature, toward the procreative or life-giving dimension of marriage. The purpose of bonding is for the purpose of providing a stable environment for babies to be properly nurtured, educated, and sent forth into the public arena as virtuous citizens. Simple! Here, it is obvious to see how building up marriages will help us economically, socially, and politically. Why doesn't the government pump money into marriage assistance programs instead of abortion, contraception, sterilization. (what wrong with contraception and sterilization). It is amazing that there are are some in the government that cannot see the complimentary purpose between male and female biology. If we gave a biology 101 examine, there are numerous government leaders that would fail. Or, they just don't have the backbone to stand up for what's right.
The complimentary nature of the male and female body, and specifically, the male and female sexual organs, serve nature’s purpose of uniting or bonding one man and one woman together. Why the bond? God built this bond into the nature of sexual union for the primary purpose of procreating and educating children. This is not rocket science. Sexual intimacy makes one man and one woman ‘one flesh.’ The Church calls this ‘one flesh’ union, the unitive or bonding dimension of sex. This unitive bond is meant to be expressed in a spousal/marital love because it has the potential, in principle, of bringing forth children. The nature of marriage is not up for democratic vote because the nature of male and female is not up for vote.
The mother and father bring a unique variety of physical, psychological, and spiritual gift into the marriage relationship for the purpose of healthy childhood development. Anyone that would disagree that, in principle, the best case scenario for the rearing of children is one man and one woman, is also disagreeing with nature to which I respond, bad idea! By nature, only one man and one woman are physically capable of becoming ‘one flesh.’ Again, this is a biological fact. It is impossible and purposeless for two men or two women to have express genital intimacy. In fact, it is biological impossible and disordered. Thus, it leads to death and hell.
If you cannot become “one flesh” with the person whom you love, then that is simply nature's way of telling you that the character of your love is NOT meant to be spousal, but something else. How a subject (a person) acts upon a given object (sister, brother, mom, dad, spouse, friend) is determined by the nature, purpose, and end of the relationship. It is just as necessary and obvious to say that two men, or two women, cannot become husband and wife because the nature of that kind of a relationship requires a person of the other gender. It is not the nature and purpose for two men or two women to be spousal. Nature deems this totally impossible. Two men and two women can be good friends, but sexual partners in marriage? Impossible! Who says? God says so, in and through nature. No matter how much homosexuals advocate for same-sex “marriage,” two people of the same gender CANNOT become "one flesh."
Homosexual marriage is not, as some have suggested, a matter of being "inclusive" or simply making room for another kind of marriage. Its legalization would requires the blatant denial of the true nature of marriage which is an extends from the nature of the human person (male and female).
The nature, purpose, and end of marriage is to build up the family and society. Marriage is the fundamental cell of society. This is reality. Therefore, militant homosexuals try to conform reality to themselves, rather than conform to reality. Changing the nature of marriage is changing the nature, purpose and end of society. How can society be healthy when the nature of marriage, which is the fundamental building block of the nature of society, is being threatened? In his writing titled, "Against Heresies," (180 AD) St. Irenaeus says, if you "think against nature you will become foolish. And if you persist you will fall into insanity." Changing the definition of marriage would be a social disaster.
To substitute abnormality for normality destroys the distinction between the two and closes off the path to recovery. Those who see no merit in obeying the nature and purpose of things do not see anything wrong with redefining reality. If you do not agree with their definition of reality, then you're guilty of discrimination. If a child hated his or her parents because they wouldn't let them jump off the roof, then are the parents being discriminatory? Substituting homosexual “sex” for spousal intercourse, on the basis that there is no difference between them, is an act of injustice that will subvert the nature of marriage, and thus, the soul of the society that accepts it.
To eliminate marriage’s very essence – its essence as the union of husband and wife – from its legal definition is to ignore basic anthropology and biology. “Making marriage law indifferent to the absence of either sex creates an institutional and cultural crisis with generational ramifications yet to be seen,” Bishop Salvatore J. Cordileone. “The bishops said society must regain “a true understanding of the meaning and place of marriage, as revealed by God, grounded in nature, and respected by America’s foundational principles.”
Human Rights: Intolerance and Discrimination
Is the Church being racist or intolerable to homosexuals? Is the Church prejudice? Is the Church discriminating? For one to argue, in the name of rights, for the legalization of an action which directly violates and contradicts basic biology, is a distortion of human rights and authentic law.
The protection of human rights has to do with the mistreatment of human being because of what nature has given to them. What do I mean? For example, the color of my skin, my height, strength or sociability are manifestations of my nature. These are things of my nature which I do not choose. Even deeper is our sexual identity as male and female which is given to us at birth by nature. Nature properly signifies that which is primitive and original, or, according to etymology, that which a thing is at birth, as opposed to that which is acquired or added from external sources. It is not discrimination to tell someone that they are a male not a female. It is not discriminatory to agree with biology.
Discrimination is to mistreat someone because of what nature has given to them (color, height, ethnicity, sex…) Not allowing for the legalization of same-sex “marriage” is not discrimination? Why not? Because saying no to the legalization of same-sex marriage is a decision that does not violate what was given to you by nature. Rather, it protects and upholds the dignity of the sex you were given by nature. To legalize same-sex “marriage” is no different than the legalization of any behavior which contradicts natures design. What if I argued that I'm feeling angry and I'm going to shoot people because God made me that way? Or, what if I started a "jump off the bridge" club? Does it make any sense to argue that it is discrimination if you disagree with me? Who are you to tell me that I cannot violate nature’s law by shooting people or jumping off the bridge? What if I said you were were an anti-bridge jumper bigot that's just intolerant to how I am. Although, most homosexuals would say that nature gave them their propensity or attraction to the same sex, we need only to look at basic biology and anatomy to solve this problem. Many people have desires which do not align with nature. In fact, everyday we struggle with desires, attractions that tempt us to do evil. There is no difference between a celibate man or woman who does not act on his or her sexual desires and a homosexual who does not act on his or her desires or a unmarried man or woman who does not act on his or her desires.
Just because we have a desire to act in a way that violates human nature does not mean that we should legalize all disordered behavior. This is insane. Freedom is for cooperating with the purpose that is invested in our nature. Jesus said, "Take up the cross and follow me" NOT "go ahead and disregard my design because you have inclinations to do so."
More to come...