Is is a sin to love gay people? Even though

[randirhoades]

Originally Posted by Portrait

Dear randirhoades,

Cordial greetings and a very good day.

It is imperative that we do not mince our words when speaking about homosexual deviant acts and it is certainly wrong to refer to homosexuals as "gays", since their 'alternative lifestyle' is anything but gay, especially in the sight of an all-holy God. Having said that, dear friend, we must, if we profess religion, show love and compassion towards all men and seek to be a Christlike friend to them, irrespective of their moral failures. Thus an obligation is laid upon us to support all who are afflicted and who struggle with a homosexual proclivity, especially within our Catholic parishes, where there are poor souls who feel so terribly isolated on account of their homosexual tendencies.

However, I think we ought to assert unreservedly that Jesus Christ and the Gospel can effect release and transformation in this aspect of life as in others - let never be gulity of preaching powerless grace. Whilst it is certainly true that Christ may not always rid a man of a homosexual pre-disposition, He will, nonetheless, grant suffient grace to lead a chaste life, as many will testify.

On the basis of St. Paul's declaration in I Corinthians 6: 11 - "and such were some of you" (some of the Corinthians had indulged in homosexual acts of depravity before their conversion v. 9), we can assert that some of the Corinthians were given a brand new start in the eyes of God, the corruption of their fallen nature being transformed through their lively faith in the Gospel of Christ and the work of God's Spirit in the depths of their personalities. Moreover, let us never forget that the grace of God not only remits past sins, but is also available to make a thorough change as regards old sinful habits an dispostions that remain subsequent to a happy conversion. Who are we to limit God's power by saying that such transformations seldom happen? Why, the Corinthians passage, cited above, refutes such notions of powerless grace. As I think the saying goes in the US, "Changing lives is God's business". Well a jolly hearty Amen to that.

Yes, my dear friend, we need to love those with a homosexual proclivity and our Catholic parishes need to support people, not only with this affliction, but also with other kinds of brokeness, as God's Spirit seeks to transform old behaviour patterns. Such transformation does not generally occur in a vaccum, however, but requires the social reinforcement of a group of loving fellow-Christians who freely offer their love and support along the way. At any rate there is no need for any earnest Catholic to feel doomed in this life and the next, provided he is striving to "Put off the old man that belongs to the former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts" and to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires" (see Eph. 4: 22; Rom. 13: 14).

God bless and I hope that is helpful, my dear friend.


Warmest good wishes,



Portrait



Pax

Great information indeed. However, if I made a faux pas about titles, I'm sorry. Calling my friends gay has been a name they call themselves and ignorance is my excuse for doing it too. Further, I've been saying "gay" for years.

The cross our friends bear is heavy I know. And I know we need to pray for them who struggle on a daily basis. Makes me love them more for their burden. I know God does. Why shouldn't we? *sounds like I'm arguing with myself* duh. hahaha.

Love ya'll,
Sheila is my real name.

[Califman831]

Originally Posted by Baelor

Love everyone. And homosexuality is not sinful according to Church teaching, regardless of what your Protestant friends believe.




The Church does not take a stance on whether homosexuality is a mutable state, so they are not morally required to "seek treatment." Whether treatment would be effective is not even known. Your asking that could be like telling someone with Down's Syndrome to "seek treatment."

Down's syndrome is a genetic condition, while the court is still out on homosexuality. Also people with down's cannot abstain from the condition. If gayness can be treated it should be, much like alcoholics should seek treatment. Unfortunately, gayness is being considered more and more socially acceptable versus as a sin. God loves sinners but hates sin.

[Baelor]

Originally Posted by Califman831

Down's syndrome is a genetic condition, while the court is still out on homosexuality.

Exactly, which is precisely why the Church does not mandate any action to "cure" or rid oneself of homosexuality. We are called to love each individual unconditionally. One's sexual orientation is not a consideration in this commandment at all.

Unfortunately, gayness is being considered more and more socially acceptable versus as a sin. God loves sinners but hates sin.

Homosexuality is not sinful regardless of whether it is genetic or not. Extra-marital intercourse is.

[randirhoades]

Originally Posted by Baelor

Exactly, which is precisely why the Church does not mandate any action to "cure" or rid oneself of homosexuality. We are called to love each individual unconditionally. One's sexual orientation is not a consideration in this commandment at all.




Homosexuality is not sinful regardless of whether it is genetic or not. Extra-marital intercourse is.

I agree totally. Which ever the wind blows on the last part. If you get my drift.

Love ya'll,
Sheila is my real name.

[Myqyl]

Originally Posted by raaucoin

I'm gay and Jesus loved me right back into the Church!

God bless and Welcome Home!!!

[Seeker1961]

Originally Posted by raaucoin

I'm gay and Jesus loved me right back into the Church!

He's still working on me...but I'm getting closer to coming back. I've been living a chaste life for over 10 years, praying, reading my Bible...but still struggling in my return to the Church.