Most Christians
agree that the act of murder is intrinsically evil and
disordered, while the one who commits it is worthy of saving. Our
approach to the homosexual issue should be no different. Although
the Catholic Church is often falsely accused of labeling the
homosexual as an evil and disordered person, the Catechism (par.
2357-2359) makes it quite clear that the sinful acts, not the
person, are to be condemned. What isn’t clear is why
some Christians choose to ignore or reinterpret the inspired word of
God on this subject. From the narrative in Genesis 18:20-19:13 to
St. Paul’s words in Romans 1:26-28, homosexual acts are always
described as an abomination to God, involving unnatural lust, and
deserving of eternal punishment for the unrepentant sinner. (See also
Lev. 18:22, Ezek. 16:49-50, 1 Cor 6:9-10, and verse 7 of the book of
Jude).
The homosexual
lifestyle is established by actions of choice. Although a person may
not have chosen their homosexual tendencies, the choice to commit or
not commit sinful acts is a conscious one. Regrettably there are
many who, while embracing the sinner, condone the sinful acts and
then criticize the Catholic Church for not being “loving enough”
to change its teaching. What is missing from their rhetoric is the
clear understanding that the Catholic Church (along with everyone
else) does not have the authority to alter the moral teaching
that homosexual acts are sinful. This is not a changeable
Church practice or suggested discipline, but rather an unchangeable
commandment from an unchanging God. To suggest otherwise is to
not fully accept God’s inspired word from both the Bible and Sacred
Tradition.
Don’t succumb to
the “not loving enough” argument when discussing sinful behavior.
God’s word is consistent and loving and is directed toward the
salvation of souls. Make this your priority as well while realizing
that it is the Lord, not man, who is the source of wisdom (Prov.
2:6-14). Continue to follow the teachings of the Catholic Church,
solidly rooted in the inspired Word of God.
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