Homosexuality and Hope: excerpts taken from a document by the Catholic Medical Association

Homosexuality and Hope: excerpts taken from a document by the Catholic Medical Association

"Homosexuality shall always be condemned, because it is against the nature of man; and it is a violation of all human morality, and shall not be tolerated by the Eternal Father in the Trinity." - Our Lady of the Roses, October 5, 1985

A reader of our website told us about an incident that occurred on her bus route, regarding a young boy who continuously dresses in feminine clothing, does his nails, and who considers himself as having been born with this orientation. She has talked to this confused little boy several times, letting him know that he was not born this way and she would be there for him, to help him. This behavior is becoming increasingly prevalent throughout the world, and for this reason we wish to share some highlights of an excellent article entitled, “Homosexuality and Hope,” written by the Catholic Medical Association. If you know anyone similarly confused as the youngster mentioned above, please reach out to him or her with genuine Christian compassion and with the truth that follows:

NOT BORN THAT WAY
            A number of researchers have sought to find a biological cause for same-sexual attraction. The media has promoted the idea that a "gay gene" has already been discovered (Burr 1996[3]), but in spite of several attempts none of the much publicized studies (Hamer 1993[4]; LeVay 1991[5]) has been scientifically replicated. (Gadd 1998) A number of authors have carefully reviewed these studies and found that they not only do not prove a genetic basis for same-sex attraction, they do not even claim to have scientific evidence for such a claim. (Byrne 1963[6]; Crewdson 1995[7]; Goldberg 1992; Horgan 1995[8]; McGuire 1995[9]; Porter 1996; Rice 1999[10])
            If same-sex attraction were genetically determined, then one would expect identical twins to be identical in their sexual attractions. There are, however, numerous reports of identical twins who are not identical in their sexual attractions. (Bailey 1991[11]; Eckert 1986; Friedman 1976; Green 1974; Heston 1968; McConaghy 1980; Rainer 1960; Zuger 1976) Case histories frequently reveal environmental factors which account for the development of different sexual attraction patterns in genetically identical children, supporting the theory that same-sex attraction is a product of the interplay of a variety of environmental factors. (Parker 1964[12])
            There are, however, ongoing attempts to convince the public that same-sex attraction is genetically based. (Marmor 1975[13]) Such attempts may be politically motivated because people are more likely to respond positively to demands for changes in laws and religious teaching when they believe sexual attraction to be genetically determined and unchangeable. (Emulf 1989[14]; Piskur 1992[15]) Others have sought to prove a genetic basis for same-sex attraction so that they could appeal to the courts for rights based on the "immutability". (Green 1988[16])
            Catholics believe that sexuality was designed by God as a sign of the love of Christ, the bridegroom, for his Bride, the Church, and therefore sexual activity is appropriate only in marriage. Healthy psycho-sexual development leads naturally to attraction in persons of each sex for the other sex. Trauma, erroneous education, and sin can cause a deviation from this pattern. Persons should not be identified with their emotional or developmental conflicts as though this was the essence of their identity. In the debate between essentialism and social constructionism, the believer in natural law would hold that human beings have an essential nature -- either male or female -- and that sinful inclinations -- such as the desire to engage in homosexual acts -- are constructed and can, therefore, be deconstructed.

SAME-SEX ATTRACTION
In the histories of persons who experience same-sex attraction, one frequently finds one or more of the following:

· Alienation from the father in early childhood, because the father was perceived as hostile or distant, violent or alcoholic,

· Mother was overprotective (boys),

· Mother was needy and demanding (boys),

· Mother emotionally unavailable (girls),

· Parents failed to encourage same-sex identification,

· Lack of rough and tumble play (boys),

· Failure to identify with same/sex peers,

· Dislike of team sports (boys),

· Lack of hand/eye coordination and resultant teasing by peers (boys),

· Sexual abuse or rape,

· Social phobia or extreme shyness,

· Parental loss through death or divorce,

· Separation from parent during critical developmental stages.

HOPE
Jeffrey Satinover, MD and Ph.D., has written of his extensive experience with patients experiencing same-sex attraction:

“I have been extraordinarily fortunate to have met many people who have emerged from the gay life. When I see the personal difficulties they have squarely faced, the sheer courage they have displayed not only in facing these difficulties but also in confronting a culture that uses every possible means to deny the validity of their values, goals, and experiences, I truly stand back in wonder... It is these people -- former homosexuals and those who are still struggling, all across America and aboard -- who stand for me as a model of everything good and possible in a world that takes the human heart, and the God of that heart, seriously. In my various explorations within the worlds of psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, and psychiatry, I have simply never before seen such profound healing." (Satinover 1996)

            Those who wish to be free from same-sex attractions frequently turn first to the Church. CMA wants to be sure that they find the help and hope they are seeking. There is every reason to hope that every person experiencing same-sex attraction who seeks help from the Church can find freedom from homosexual behavior and many will find much more, but they will come only if they see love in our words and deeds.
            If Catholic medical professionals have in the past failed to meet the needs of this patient population, failed to work diligently to develop effective prevention and treatment therapies, or failed to treat patients experiencing these problems with the respect due every person, we ask forgiveness.
            The Catholic Medical Association recognizes that health care professionals have a special duty in this area and hopes that this statement will help them to carry out that duty according to the principles of the Catholic Faith. (To read the complete report, "Homosexuality and Hope," click here...)

"In the days of Sodom, so too were men giving themselves over to all the pleasures of the flesh: eating, drinking, marrying, giving in marriage. All manner of sinful lusts are being committed. Men shameful with men, women casting aside their role of motherhood and lusting after women. As it was in the days of Sodom, so now is this black cloud over America." - Our Lady of the Roses, July 14, 1979

Directives from Heaven... https://www.tldm.org/directives/directives.htm

D24 - Homosexuality, Part 1 PDF
D174 - Homosexuality, Part 2 PDF
D175 - Defilement of the Young PDF
D176 - Sodom and Gomorrah PDF

Links...

Canadian Bishop: The State must curtail homosexuality for the common good
https://www.tldm.org/News7/homosexualityBishopHenry.htm

Great Britain study says 43% of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals have a mental disorder
https://www.tldm.org/news7/GayMentalDisorder.htm

Spanish Archbishop refers to homosexuality as an "epidemic" and a "fount of psychological problems and painful frustrations"
https://www.tldm.org/News7/homosexualityArchbishopSebastian.htm

What the Bible says about homosexuality
https://www.tldm.org/News6/homosexuality3.htm

Homosexuality and Hope, Catholic Medical Association
http://www.cathmed.org/publications/homosexuality.html

We encourage everyone to print or email copies of this web page to all the Bishops and all the clergy. Also, email or send this web page to the news media and as many people as possible.

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Revised: September 02, 2018