Homosexuals again

The vatican looks to pry into the secret thoughts of its seminarians. Perhaps they'll find something, although I think there are reasons we say "only God knows" because few people want to know the fleeting, impulsive thoughts of most of humanity.

The vatican is clear that homosexuality is a disorder. One commentator compared this to the very reasonable limits we expect from people who have other disorders - alcoholics should not be bartenders, for example [although, empirically, I do know bartenders who do not drink]. I don't think this logic quite works. If the best way to be a homosexual is to be celibate and in control of their desires, then it seems that the church is the most fitting place for homosexual men.

One archbishop said that we should expect that priests should be rolemodels for masculinity. I think it is an interesting idea. But it seems to me that the Catholic priesthood implies that their clerics are neutered. And I don't know what a desexualized "masculinity" looks like. And it also demonstrates an ignorance about Gay culture, where masculinity is often revered and emulated.

If it is "fatherhood" we're after as the definitive aspect of masculinity, then why would the church divorce sex from this characteristic? This is precisely what gay couples understand. One does not need to be the biological father to be a good father. If anything, the Catholic priesthood demonstrates this.

An all male celibate culture that is antagonistic toward homosexuality will be intrinsically attractive towards repressed homosexuals. If the Catholic church were serious about extricating the intrinsically gay culture of the Catholic priesthood, they would ordain women.

One African bishop demonstrated his ignorance about sexuality by framing Gay persons as predators, going so far as to claim that gay men take other people's children. Although it is true that there are gay predators, because men are often predators. Orientation is not necessarily part of the predatory set.

Maybe it is enough to say that a Chrisitian masculinity is not predatory. This is good news to our culture. We miss the mark when we focus, instead, on homosexual relationships based on fidelity and covenant. We miss the mark when we focus on the genital act, and not on the intention. We miss the mark when we focus on what is outside, and not what is inside. So says the Gospel, at least.

Comments

[J. C. Fisher]

If the Catholic church were serious about extricating the intrinsically gay culture of the Catholic priesthood, they would ordain women.

So very true!

[Bruno Finocchio]

History does repeat itself, it would appear that we are reliving the strugle between Celtic Chritianity from the British Isles vs. Constantine Roman Christianity. Perhaps this time, we will hold the message of the Christ above the power of empire

[joanne]

I have heard many negative comments upon release of this news.There is no doubt that this measure sends a mixed and confusing message regarding sexuality, masculinity,and fatherhood. It also places gays in the same category as women in the Roman tradtion - outcasts who are "incabable" of priesthood!

[Bob]

"But it seems to me that the Catholic priesthood implies that their clerics are neutered. "
What ?
Heyn catholic priests are real men !
Or is Christ neutered ?