Vatican - Considerations regarding ... homosexual persons

Zenit ^ | 07/31/2003 | Vatican - CDF

[lrslattery]

CONGREGATION FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAITH

CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING PROPOSALS

TO GIVE LEGAL RECOGNITION

TO UNIONS

BETWEEN HOMOSEXUAL PERSONS

INTRODUCTION

1. In recent years, various questions relating to homosexuality have been addressed with some frequency by Pope John Paul II and by the relevant Dicasteries of the Holy See.(1) Homosexuality is a troubling moral and social phenomenon, even in those countries where it does not present significant legal issues. It gives rise to greater concern in those countries that have granted or intend to grant – legal recognition to homosexual unions, which may include the possibility of adopting children. The present Considerations do not contain new doctrinal elements; they seek rather to reiterate the essential points on this question and provide arguments drawn from reason which could be used by Bishops in preparing more specific interventions, appropriate to the different situations throughout the world, aimed at protecting and promoting the dignity of marriage, the foundation of the family, and the stability of society, of which this institution is a constitutive element. The present Considerations are also intended to give direction to Catholic politicians by indicating the approaches to proposed legislation in this area which would be consistent with Christian conscience.(2) Since this question relates to the natural moral law, the arguments that follow are addressed not only to those who believe in Christ, but to all persons committed to promoting and defending the common good of society.

I. THE NATURE OF MARRIAGE

AND ITS INALIENABLE CHARACTERISTICS

2. The Church's teaching on marriage and on the complementarity of the sexes reiterates a truth that is evident to right reason and recognized as such by all the major cultures of the world. Marriage is not just any relationship between human beings. It was established by the Creator with its own nature, essential properties and purpose.(3) No ideology can erase from the human spirit the certainty that marriage exists solely between a man and a woman, who by mutual personal gift, proper and exclusive to themselves, tend toward the communion of their persons. In this way, they mutually perfect each other, in order to cooperate with God in the procreation and upbringing of new human lives.

3. The natural truth about marriage was confirmed by the Revelation contained in the biblical accounts of creation, an expression also of the original human wisdom, in which the voice of nature itself is heard. There are three fundamental elements of the Creator's plan for marriage, as narrated in the Book of Genesis.

Excerpted....See article at http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=39664

[anniegetyourgun]

I don't find that term used, but I do assume that discipline was administered and the offending party was sent out. However, that really doesn't explain why Paul spent so much time preaching to the Corinthians about their own spiritual maturity, while not even mentioning the name of the unrepentant one. ("I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.")

I think to focus on the obvious sin of the man is to miss the greater lesson to all believers. ("Do you not judge those who are within the church?....REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.")

[cpprfld]

Thank you for posting this article, it reaffirms my thoughts on this issue.

[lockeliberty]

How do we know that it is from God instead of from the adversary?

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of men who by their wickedness supress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and diety, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made.

Even those who never had scripture had a knowledge of God. ie His moral law.

[jboot]

Sodom is here now. Can the angels be far off?

[wideawake]

And this is the Scriptural seat of the Catholic doctrine of right reason: that from examining the things that have been made (i.e. a posteriori deduction from creation) His invisible nature can be perceived.

St. Paul doesn't seem to be talking about solely a priori here, but rational discovery of natural law.

[Tantumergo]

"Need some info and ammo."

Good luck with your radio show! Some scriptural trivia that may be useful (it certainly silenced a liberal priest in our last deanery meeting):

To those who would contend that the condemnation of homosexuality was only a feature of the OT or that the sin of the Sodomites was inhospitality quote Jude 7

"7 As Sodom and Gomorrha, and the neighbouring cities, in like manner, having given themselves to fornication, and going after other flesh, were made an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire.
8 In like manner these men also defile the flesh, and despise dominion, and blaspheme majesty."

It is one of the few places in scripture where people are confirmed as being definitely in hell for eternity, and it is most definitely NT and therefore inerrant.

[lockeliberty]

And this is the Scriptural seat of the Catholic doctrine of right reason: that from examining the things that have been made (i.e. a posteriori deduction from creation) His invisible nature can be perceived. St. Paul doesn't seem to be talking about solely a priori here, but rational discovery of natural law.

I would agree that throughout history those without scripture developed a posteriori deductions from creation. But, also keep in mind that Israel was located in the middle of civilization (Golden Crescent) and because of trade a lot of a posteriori knowledge of the Jewish scripture was extended beyond Israel. Intially, however, we all are born with a conscience which is certainly a priori knowledge. It's the rejection of that a priori knowledge that leads to the worst sorts of evils.

God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper.

[wideawake]

Well we know three things: there is a law of God written on our hearts (conscience), there is the Word of God revealed (Scripture), and there is knowledge of God's nature from the things that are made (right reason).

We also know that the Scriptures can be misinterpreted and that reason can be misled.

So if one is Reformed, that leaves conscience as a guide to special revelation and to creation.

If one is Catholic, that leaves a well-formed conscience and the infallible magisterium as guides.

[lockeliberty]

So if one is Reformed, that leaves conscience as a guide to special revelation and to creation. If one is Catholic, that leaves a well-formed conscience and the infallible magisterium as guides.

You're confusing Reformed with independent Fundementalists. Reformed does not mean a rejection of all that went before in Church history. We do not accept any man or group of men as infallible. Thus, we accept the Creeds as good teaching but not necessarily divine. We refer to those teachers who went before but do not claim them to be infalliable. We constantly try to build on what has already been taught through returning to scripture and using whatever new resources or information that God provides. The Catholic Church runs into the condrum of progressive new historical revelation and trying to maintain a infalliable magisterium.

Let me quibble about one other thing in your previous post. No where in the scripture I cited did it say 'examine'. It just states that what we know of God intially is 'plain' and 'clearly perceived'.

[Coleus]

`

[Dr. Eckleburg]

NARTH is a great organization. I especially liked the page "Three Myths About Homosexuality."

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the heads up!

[Lady In Blue]

Excellent. Thanks. I just finished reading this on another thread. It's outstanding!

[Lady In Blue]

I hadn't heard of Ave Maria Radio. What station, time is it on? Thanks.

[glory]

I could not agree more. This truth has played out in my dealing with MANY gays. At one time, I had many gay friends and everyone had been molested in some way during their childhood or early teen years-every one!
This was true for gay men anyway. I think hormonal disfunctions and severe rejection by a trusted person contributes more to lesbianism. I don't know as many lesbians, but the ones I do know have not had the childhood sexual abuse but seem to either have too much male hormone in their bodies or have experienced the severe rejection/criticism of either a mother or a trusted male like a husband.

[Diamond]

But none are so solid when it comes to opposing the homosexual agenda

None??

The PCA (Presbyterian Church in America, to which I belong) come to mind as an exception to your assertion.

Cordially,

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Thank God.

[Wrigley]

How hard have you looked?

[jboot]

I shouldn't have to look. The opposition of the Vatican screamed at me from above the fold of my morning paper. I couldn't ignore it if I tried.

I expect no less from the Protestant denominations.

[irishtenor]

How about: It's in the Bible, stupid. Or: It's black and white, why do you want grey? Or even better: Read what comes after Leviticus 18:22, because that is next on the agenda.