a case study: on homosexuality and the church

INCONGRUENCY:

The Views of a Teenage Homosexual and the Teachings of the Christian Church

(A CASE STUDY)

by Sharee Narciso

[ADVISORY: SOME EXPLICIT CONTENT HEREWITH]

I. Introduction

Homosexuality can refer to both attraction and sexual behavior between people of the same sex, or to a sexual orientation. When describing the latter, it refers to enduring sexual and romantic attraction towards those of the same sex, but not necessarily to sexual behavior.

Etymologically, the word homosexualis a Greek and Latin hybrid with homo (often confused with the later Latin meaning of "man", as in homo sapiens) deriving from the Greek word for same, thus connoting sexual acts and affections between members of the same sex, including lesbianism. In a narrow sense, gay refers to male homosexuality, but it often is used in its broadest sense, especially in media headlines and reports, to refer to homosexuality in general. Lesbian, however, always denotes a homosexual woman.

II. Title of the Problem

INCONGRUENCE: The Views of a Teenage Homosexual and the Teachings of the Christian Church is the title of this case study. The title was chosen based on the current grounds of societal and moral issues on homosexuality. This is also to clarify the possible vagueness with regard to the Church’s stand about the issue. Incongruence as a word was chosen by the researcher on the reason of the unparalleled views and beliefs of modern day “liberal”-minded youths contrasted to those of the Church.

Hopefully, at the end of the case study, the title itself plus the issues that go with it shall be made clear, and if possible, answered.

III. Profile of the Case Respondent

The respondent wishes to keep his personal profile confidential. We shall address him as J.A.S. The respondent, a homosexual was interviewed about matters regarding homosexuality and its issues as connected to societal and Church subjects .The interview comes out as follows.

What is homosexuality to you?

“Homosexuality is when a person gets attracted to another of the same sex.”

Are you a homosexual?

“Yes, I am.”

When did you start manifesting homosexual behavior?

“I was still very young when I did—when I was around 4 years old.”

When did you realize that you are homosexual?

“When I was young, I already knew that I was one. Even as a child, I have always known what being gay means. The only difference is the people around me have always given me the impression that being gay is wrong. That it is a bad thing. So I denied to myself (and to others) that I am gay. It was some sort of enigma.”

Because of the social influences around you, HOW and WHEN did you accept your being homosexual?

“It was in third year high school, I guess. It goes something like this: I had a partner, my first same sex partner. And I never thought that it could and would feel so good… so liberating… so being true to myself and doing things that I want to do. Starting then, I have accepted that I am a homosexual. If something is bad or wrong, we wouldn’t be happy, right? But I was. I was happy, and I felt like I did the right thing.”

Is homosexuality, then, a choice?

“No, homosexuality is not a choice.”

What is it?

“Maybe, it’s more of an acceptance. Look at it this way: I have never chosen to be the way I am. I never chose what I am. I didn’t choose to be like this. It’s just that, one day, I woke up and I realized that I am gay. And I could not do a thing about it.”

So, it’s like a nature?

“I don’t know. I feel that environment is a huge factor.”

How so?

“When I was still young, my playmates were girls. They dressed me up like a girl; they played with me as they would a doll. Maybe that was a big factor that made me what I am now.”

During your 'discovery' stage in life, were there any particular influences in connection with your acceptance?

“Oh, there are a lot. Like the people who fight for their rights. The movie Brokeback Mountain, really close to my heart, it inspired me.”

Your homosexuality is "out". What were the reactions of your --family, --friends, --people around you?

“My parents and family weren’t as shocked as they should be, because I had always manifested a soft side during my childhood. My friends, too, weren’t as shocked.”

Did you receive any support? --From whom?

“Yes, from my mother, my 12 closest friends and some of my relatives. My mom and dad even sent me a text message, Okay mu ‘yan, basta ala kang gagawang marok (Pampango for—it’s okay, as long as you aren’t doing anything wrong).”

Are you happy being a homosexual? Or, what are your feelings about being one?

“At first, of course I wasn’t happy about it. But asking me, now? I am SO happy about it. I really don’t know why, but as far as I feel, if God gave me a chance and I was to choose, I’d still choose to be how I am today. Because being a homosexual has helped me grow as a person; for the reasons that other people discriminate me. And of course, I won’t let myself be looked down at. I’ll fight. I’ll be a stronger person, something like that.”

Something like the Me-Against-The-World dictum?

“In fairness, I didn’t experience that, on the contrary, I felt so welcome when I came out.”

For you, is homosexuality moral?

“Morality is diverse. What is moral for you may not be moral for me. Remember what we’re taught in the Nursing Process? There are no wrong values and beliefs. Morality, for me, is man-made. And man is not perfect. Ergo—the morality of our society is also not perfect.”

What can you say about the Church teachings [against] homosexuality and homosexual behaviors and activities?

“Well, I can't blame them, as I said, that’s what they believe in. and there are no wrong beliefs. But... maybe what they condemn are the sexual acts done by homosexuals, because they CANNOT condemn two men or two women who are in love with each other. I remember a statement of a priest on TV: There is not a word in the Bible from beginning to end that condemns same sex love. How can it condemn love when GOD is LOVE?"

Hold on, but there are bible passages AGAINST homosexuality.

“Ah, the Sodom thing? That passage… tells about men who were having sex. But what I’m trying to point out is LOVE between two men (or women). BUT, the Bible didn't come down directly from the heavens, as said by Dan Brown. The Bible is man-made, too.”

What do you say about some things I have researched: homosexual issues prohibited or unsupported by the Church-- which include: homosexuality, homosexual ATTRACTION and SEXUAL ACTIVITIES?

“Duh. How stupid. The attraction? It’s something that whatever you do, whatever we do, we cannot resist, let alone remove. That is the very nature of homosexuals.”

I see… Love is a force of nature?

“Exactly.”

So you ARE against THESE Church teachings?

“Yes.”

The Church’s stand states that homosexuality is a form of fornication, because it involves sexual activity that goes against the nature created by God: that sex is purposed for two things—(1) conjugal love, and (2) procreation. What do you say about this?

“You cannot step in the same river twice. The world is constantly changing. Man is an intellectual and a rational being. He cannot lock himself up in the four corners of this world. Thus, he discovers many things, and one of those discoveries is homosexuality. Now, is that a sin of man?

Have you experienced any societal discrimination because of your homosexual preferences?

“There was this one professor I had. One day during class he said, Have you seen the movie Alexander? Kadiri, no? They portrayed Alexander as a homosexual. You know, those homosexuals are the reason of the fall of the Greek empire. Did God create homosexuals? No, He didn’t. Then who created them? The devil did. Then all my classmates turned to look at me, because my professor didn’t know I was gay, and I happened to be one of his favorite students. Then, you know what I did? I said, if God did not make homosexuals, there would be none. So I’m a creation of the devil? Okay, I’ll make your life a living hell. After a few days, that professor learned that he has colon cancer. Colon cancer is the most common cancer of homosexuals. All I got myself to say was: God works in wonderful ways. Other than that, all I had were minor experiences, actually it’s the other way around. Instead of degrading me, I was greatly respected by the people I knew. I’m a man of my principles. I don’t let myself get dictated by other people easily.

Do u think, IF given the situation that you live not in Manila, say... you stayed in Pampanga during those times when you discovered the things that you have discovered, would you still have discovered the same things? Would you have become the same identity as you are now? And, would your “principles” be enough to keep you grounded?

“Definitely not. I could have become emo if I stayed in Pampanga.”

Is there a possibility that you might have not turned out to be a homosexual if so?

“It’s not the homosexuality that will be hindered. I guess it’ll be the discoveries that I would have. It’s because, I have found myself in Manila. It was there where I found my full identity as a homosexual. My whole personhood—I found it, I have become complete.

On societal discriminations—which may be experienced by other homosexuals--what are your views? What can you say about people who look down on homosexuals?

"FUCK YOU. Who makes the designer clothes that you were? Who makes you laugh when you watch TV? The food that you eat—who cooks them? You cannot live without the gay men of this world. If you're against same sex marriage but you laugh your ass off to Will & Grace, FUCK YOU [holds up middle finger]. You are a hypocrite [pointing], and you're not allowed to pick and choose what you like from our culture, and leave behind the burden of inequality."

Quoted from?

“Margaret Cho, a Korean-American actress/comedian. She loves gay people.

What is your main stand about homosexuality?

“Homosexuals aren’t bad people. They never chose to be what and how they are. They shouldn’t act nor adapt to whatever the Church wants them to do. The society is the one that should mature. It’s physiologic, too. The attraction that a homosexual feels for someone his own sex is a dictate of his body, too. And it is an irreversible need. When you’re hungry, you need to eat. When you’re thirsty, you need to drink.”

IV. Analysis and Interpretation

The bottom line that the respondent wishes to express is that every person has his own beliefs and has the right to live his life out according to and in conformity to these beliefs. However a belief is right or wrong—there is no real basis, for values are opinionated and not facts taught to us as in books. As the Church teaches us to condemn the sins from immoralities (as homosexual acts, in this particular case) but not to drive away nor to make inferior the very persons committing such acts, we must understand that no matter how sinful one is and no matter what the degree of his sins are, he still is a human being. All human beings are created by the same God, thus all human beings are the same. Sexual preferences are not enough to break this gift. Maybe the society needs to be more open to changes such as the one posted in this study. Maybe homosexuals should understand, too, that most of the statements from which they are fought against do have bases from the Word of God. So, which to follow? Which is right? The issue of homosexuality has been served on plates for as long as who remembers, and it is somehow something that until the present, we still have no concrete judgment as to which is right and which is not. The researcher, yours truly, however, believes that no act can cease the love of God for man and the love of the latter for his Creator-Father. Any sin, whatever the nature of it may be, is not tantamount to the power of total repentance—a change of heart and asking for forgiveness is the only way to be saved from sin.

Every person is born gifted with his own freedom, conscience and the ability of making decisions, thus his rationality. What better way to be grateful for such gifts but to use them in adherence to the will and joy of the Lord? For me, it does not matter if you are straight or if you are gay or if you are undecided, confused or if you are whatever. The power of love—agape—crosses thresholds of what is right or wrong. Keeping a clear [and healthy] conscience manifested through sound freedom in every judgment and decision that a person makes are only some of the things that keep us consider morality over immorality, for man is by his nature, good, as His Creator is good. Thus all goodness shall prevail.

I find more fault on people who judge others just because they aren’t in conformity of the dictates of society (be it in sexual orientation or anything else). They focus on the “wrongs” of others to make themselves feel like they are of higher worth—that they are better persons, when in fact, all they do is discriminate other people because they have nothing interesting about themselves worth noting of.

V. Church Teaching

What does the Bible really say about homosexuality? Genesis 2:18-25 says, And the Lord God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

Also on the fifth day according to Genesis 1, God's plan for His creation was to "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth." Leviticus 18 is written concerning sexual immorality including homosexuality and sleeping with one's relatives. Verse 22 says, "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination." This verse speaks about homosexuality.

This is not just Old Testament. It is also of the New Testament, or the Covenant of Grace, which we are under. Romans 1:26 says "For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise, also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due."

Homosexuality, not homosexuals, is an abomination to God. God wants us to procreate, and homosexuals cannot procreate. The natural use does not mean that homosexuals are unnatural, but what they are doing is not a part of God's plans. These verses are not inspired by an anti-gay Deity, but by a loving, caring, God who only wants the best for us. These verses certainly are not about in any way, nor implying homophobia or violence against gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. No one is born gay, it is chosen. That is why it is called an "alternative lifestyle", which entails a choice. It is not like being born of a certain race or being male or female. It is not genetic.

Yes, God did create a helper for man, a woman. If this sounds homophobic to you, then you are mistaken. It is not. I understand that homosexuals suffer and are treated badly, and Jesus loves you and understands your pain. Christianity is a religion of love, but it is also a religion about justice and judgment. All of us will stand before God one day and will have to answer for everything we have done in this life. Homosexuality is an abomination to God. It is a sin and the wages of sin is death.

VI. Moral Stand and Interpretation of the Researcher

It is important for those of the Christian community to reach out to those who are homosexuals and bisexuals. They need to know that Jesus died on the cross for them just like He did for everyone else. The truth is, homosexuality is not something one is born with; it is a sin, just like adultery, fornication, giving in to lust, and lying. It is important for every one of us to know this. It is also important for those of the gay and bisexual community to listen. Not everyone who says they are Christian is a Christian; and not every Christian who holds the belief that homosexuality is wrong is homophobic.

The views of Christians who say that homosexuality is wrong have come under attack. Sadly, for every true believer that loves the Lord and wants for homosexuals and bisexuals to be saved, there is a false Christian who uses the Bible to spread hatred for homosexuals and others who live "alternative lifestyles". Yes, the Bible does condemn homosexuality. In fact, it is called an abomination. But never has the Bible endorsed such ugly, satanic behavior: God has never, and never will, once endorse outright homophobia towards homosexuals and bisexuals. We should love the gay, bisexual, and trans-gendered people because Jesus loves them and died for them.

And yes, it is possible for someone who is gay or bisexual to change. This is not homophobia, it is fact. No one is born gay. Homosexuality is not genetic. It is a chosen act between men and women of the same sex.

There is a challenge to all the people of God: If you are a homosexual or bisexual or know someone who is, or if you are a backslider or someone who has never put God first (never accepted Jesus), it is important that you understand that is not too late to be set free. Jesus is not homophobic. Jesus loves you. He died for you and rose on the third day. If you believe with all your heart that Jesus died on the cross and rose again on the third day, please pray this prayer:

Lord Jesus, I confess I'm a sinner in need of a Savior.

I have held wrong beliefs about you and I want to know you.

I believe that you died on the cross and rose again.

Forgive me of all of my sins.

I accept you now as Lord and Savior.

I ask that my name be written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

Thank you for saving me and setting me free.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Water baptism is for the remission of sins and being one with Jesus Christ. (Romans 6:3-4) Baptism alone, however, does not and cannot save us. Those who have baptized and repented are among those who will be saved. Be a witness for Jesus Christ! And again, Congratulations!

Bibliography

• The Holy Bible (for the passages used in the study)
• en.wikipedia.org (for technical definitions used in the study)
• geocities.gngerald.com (for some Church teachings and ethical aspects on homosexuality)
• Mr. “J.A.S.” (for the correspondence and interview)

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P.S. i got a boomingly high grade for this, and i believe the F-word did the job.
P.P.S. my professor is a conservative-traditionalist, and this paper had been a big risk for me to push through.