Since we're on the subject of homosexuality, it is worth noting something curious about this discussion: the problem of language.
Gay has "baggage" as many observe. Yet it is a term in common parlance, and it has the advantage of being quite short. Context, as always, matters--not everyone who uses it, embraces the baggage; and it's a little stilted to try to talk about this subject and never use the word.
And, as much as I rue the change in this word's meaning, that fight has been lost for the time being, like it or not.
Homosexual is a more neutral term--except that it reflects a modern mindset that tends to define particular sexualities, based on the clinical model. Such a way of thinking may be ingrained in us, but it's reasonable to ask if that's a completely Catholic, biblical way of thinking about the matter.
Also, it does invite either-or thinking, and it forces one to ask: at what point is one a "homosexual"?
Same-sex attraction and related terms are often used by those affiliated with Courage, the fully Catholic apostolate to the folks we're talking about.
This is relatively new terminology that has the virtue of not compelling either-or categorization--can someone be "heterosexual" and still have "same sex" feelings? Sure. At some point, it's a problem, and its a different sort of problem at different points. I.e., that a spouse feels something toward his or her same sex doesn't necessarily mean s/he can't give him/herself in marriage. But at some point, it does prevent that, and thus is an impediment. Ask a canon lawyer (I am not one) about the details on this one.
This latter term also has the virtue of not defining people by a facet--even a very significant one--of their personality and sexuality. Unfortunately, it's the longest terminology, and needs more explaining.
But words do matter.
P.S. Fair warning--sometime rather soon, I'm going to get tired of talking about this subject--so get in your comments now!
3 comments:
radio:
I don't feel obliged to defend everything even saints have said; and a quote by a saint does not equal Catholic teaching, as surprising as that may sound, it's true.
Church teaching concerning homosexual persons can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
radio:
I'm truly sorry for the awful things that happened to you.
I invite you to consider Courage, a Catholic apostolate for those with same-sex attraction. I have no problem recommending that organization, which demonstrates how positive the Catholic Church is toward all human dignity, including that of persons with homosexual feelings.
Also, I invite you to find DREADNOUGHT on my blogroll and go there for yet another positve, but faithful, presentation of the Chruch's affirmation of human dignity of all.
radio - I'd also like to thank you for telling your story. I think you raise a valid point: a boy wrestling with same-sex attraction is likely to go through some pretty ugly experiences. And I do wonder who a frightened kid would feel safe talking to about this.
Catholics committed to promoting chastity have a duty to be inviting and welcoming to all who might need their help doing so--step one is being someone safe to talk to.
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