David Coburn has "questions for those who
think being gay is normal" [Fri., Feb. 20, 1998]. He laments if homosexuality
is "natural", why not pedophilia, bestiality, or promiscuity?
Let's give him some answers.
There are two problems with the question itself. First, he used "nature"
in its modern sense of "biological nature" rather than the correct sense
of the "ideal nature" conceived by ancient philosophers. Second, he falsely
assumes a relationship between "biological nature" and morality.
It does not take a lot of imagination to understand why "biological
nature" is a poor basis for morality. Incest is very common in "biological
nature". Mammalian promiscuity, infanticide, and aggression are all
"biologically natural", but not necessarily moral.
Morality is the expression of what is "biologically natural" within
the context of what is socially necessary. Historically, morality has
been based on "ideal nature", which ultimately is culturally determined.
This tradition reached its most influential development under St. Thomas
Aquinas. As an example, he reflected the patriarchal values of his
day in assuming that "Woman is naturally [naturaliter] of less character
[minoris virtutis] and dignity than man". Women were considered
defective males since "the active force of the male seed intends to produce
something similar to itself, perfect in its masculinity." Thus,
historical systems based on "nature" opposed shaving, growing flowers indoors,
dyeing garments, regular bathing , birth control, and scores of other activities
performed daily by the dame people who use the term "unnatural" to justify
their antipathy toward gay people. |
For homosexuality the "ideal nature" connection
is simple. One of our most honored cultural values is the distinction between
the private and public spheres of "consenting adults". That homosexuality
is biologically natural is irrelevant.
Pedophilla, and its corollary the sexuality of children themselves,
is a much more complicated issue. Pedophila may well be "biologically
natural". Like homosexuality, it appears to be an immutable aspect
of personality, immune to a "cure". In children, the period between
puberty and young adulthood is the most sexually charged. The early
development of our species was surely effected by drastically shorter life
spans and the rush to reproduce (pedophila is primarily a heterosexual
phenomena). Modern childhood itself is not "biologically natural",
but was an invention of the industrial revolution. It developed from the
need for an extended period of dependence beyond puberty to acquire the
skills and knowledge to survive in an increasingly complex environment.
Since children are in a dependent status, there are differences in power
between adults and children that cannot be resolved. As we move from an
industrial to a technological society, these concerns have only increased.
Not surprisingly, David has also quoted Proverbs 14:12 out of context.
This verse deals with the dangers of excessive carnality, irrespective
of sexual orientation.
Todd Brennan
Clifton
Submitted to the Cincinnati Enquirer, but not published
March 6, 1998
(315 words) |