Catholic Teaching on Homosexuality

[Michie]

There has been much talk in recent days about the actions of the German bishops at the conclusion of their “Synodal Way,” wherein 38 of them voted in favor of (among other things) the approval of homosexual relations as manifested in the religious blessing of same-sex couples. This particular action was not a proposal. It was an affirmation and approval of what is already going on in the German Catholic Church, with the commitment to solidify and expand the practice nationwide.

Make no mistake about it, this is a direct violation of Catholic teaching, a teaching which cannot be changed or “modified” because it is part of the bi-millennial tradition of the Church, going back to the Apostles themselves as recorded in Sacred Scripture.

Continued below.

Catholic Teaching on Homosexuality

There has been much talk in recent days about the actions of the German bishops at the conclusion of their “Synodal Way,” wherein 38 of them voted in favor of (among other things) the a…

completechristianity.blog

 

[narnia59]

He very well could be right in that this will be Pope Francis' defining moment for the legacy of his papacy.

 

[Reader Antonius]

It seems quite obvious that a significant contingent of the German Episcopacy has succumbed to the worldly view of LGBTQI+ issues. Rather than attempt to encounter & engage the issue from a position of affirming the unalterable teachings of the Church, which in this case is the very Word of God, they have instead simply "surrendered" and accepted the validity of the (current) popular opinion.

Of course, this type of capitulation isn't new. Many times in history, bishops and entire synods of bishops either embraced heresy or gave in to worldly pressure (e.g. caesaropapism). Only the Holy See of Old Rome was and remains the exception, as Pastor Aeternus and other historical documents so beautifully expound (cf. "The Indefectible Church of Rome").

The attempt to completely harmonize the (current) worldly opinion about LGBT+ issues with Divine Revelation and reason (natural law) is doomed to fail. Certainly, areas of common ground can be found that do not contradict the Faith (i.e. that we shouldn't be executing homosexuals, or treating LGBT+ folks with unjust discrimination), but a truly honest approach (as opposed to the weak-wristed irenicism of many) must accept the reality that Catholic Christianity and many aspects of the LGBT+ movement are irreconcilable.

And what makes this more...interesting, I suppose...is that the current LGBT+ position is sort of a fad, almost. It's what's currently in vogue, and it's already showing signs of ideological splintering. As always, the Church will outlast this current wave of opinions...so why simply capitulate to them? What gain is there really beyond some short-term public acceptance? Whatever is to be "gained" from selling out the Gospel and Catholic Truth here seems paltry, at best.

This is why I generally see the efforts of, say, Courage International to be more in keeping with a Catholic approach to these issues. And there are other groups as well who strive to reach out to and minister to LGBT+ folks without compromising the Truth...and sharing that Truth with them in the goal of helping them heal & integrate their issues into a virtuous life. Something we all need even if we don't share issues like those of the LGBT+ folks!

Capitulating to the latest LGBT+ opinions held by the world (which may change, and sooner than we think) not only gives Christians few "gains," it also inevitably harms the people it claims that its trying to support. Sinful life, of whatever kind, ultimately destroys us and makes us miserable. It's chasing emptiness in search of real love; a thirst that will never be satisfied, never enough. Christ came to change that, and He empowered His Church to bring that change, not compromise and endanger the very souls for whom Christ died.

And the Church won't do that, although some within her might. And I fear some German Bishops are on that path, and woe to them if they are! (Mark 9:42).

 

[Reader Antonius]

He very well could be right in that this will be Pope Francis' defining moment for the legacy of his papacy.

Indeed. To see the Successor of St. Peter, the Ecumenical Pontiff, step in and put a stop to it (or, at least, try to) would be a powerful moment confirming Christ's Word and the role of the Servus Servorum Dei. But God's Will be done.

 

[WarriorAngel]

There is no envy for the Pope and what he faces.