The Cincinnati Enquirer, not published |
Editorial Page
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April 1998 |
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In following the editorial debates concerning the decision to allow a representative from P-FLAG to speak in St. Xavier’s social justice class, one point consistently jumps out. The emotions expressed by those who speak out against tolerance of homosexuality, dramatically exceed theological justification.
Catholic teaching concerning homosexuality is condescending, but relatively benign. As others have mentioned, Catholics officially recognize that homosexuality is not chosen. Catholic Catechism urges respect, compassion, sensitivity and discourages discrimination. "Always Our Children", by the US Bishops , calls for acceptance of gay people in their families, communities and sacraments. The difficulty the Catholic church has with homosexuality stems from the influence of the Judaeo-Platonist schools of Alexandria, summed up in the "Alexandrine rule" (that sexual intercourse must be directed toward procreation in order to be moral). |
 The same argument is applied to masturbation, contraception, and sexual relations between legally married infertile heterosexuals.
All these acts are "immoral" for the same reason, and hence the same degree. Yet the intense emotional reaction that homosexuality elicits is not reflected in similar intolerance directed toward these theologically identical issues. This gulf between theology and cultural attitudes only emphasizes the importance of including the viewpoints of those who are the objects of religious prejudice. Todd Brennan, Clifton
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