Organization: Argus Consulting, Tucson, AZ
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Date:         Mon, 11 Jan 1993 10:49:17 -0700
From:         "Gordon C. Zaft" <zaft@CARITAS.COTDAZR.ORG>
Subject:      Re: Homosexuality

[...here we go AGAIN....]
On Jan 10, 11:49am, Jim McIntosh wrote:
} Subject: Re: The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8
}
} The truths contained in sacred Scripture must be continually re-explained.
} The meaning of the various words can change over time, but also the minds of
} those hearing or reading the Word of God change. The Bible says that
} handicaps are the result of sin (sometimes the sin of the father results
} in the handicap of the child). With our understanding of medicine and
} genetics there are few educated people that still believe that handicaps are
} the result of sins. The Bible (even Jesus!) seems to accept that mental
} illness is caused by demons. There are few today who would accept that as
} being true.
        In one sense it's still true that all handicaps are caused by
sin -- original sin.  As for mental illness, while I won't deny that it's
true that mental illness was often confused with demonic possession, still
demonic possession does happen and does occur even in this age.  Your tone
would seem to indicate you disagree.
}
} Likewise Paul says "According to the rule observed in all the assemblies of
} believers, women should keep silent in such gatherings. They may not speak.
} Rather, as the law states, submissiveness is indicated for them. If they want
} to learn anything, they should ask their husbands at home. It is a disgrace
} when a woman speaks in the assembly." (1Cor 14:33b-35) Except for a small
} lingering debate over the ordination of women, there are few who would
} require that the proceeding be followed. The reason is that our understanding

        A small, lingering debate, eh? That one definitely needs a smiley.
}
} I don't think that many would argue that homosexual unions are ideal, or
} should be prefered or accepted by those who have the capacity of loving
} someone of the opposite gender. However, for those who have the capacity for
} forming loving and committed relationships only with those of their own
} gender, the opinion is gaining a wider acceptance that their unions should be
} blessed. What has changed is our understanding of the nature of
} homosexuality, and a greater appreciation of how God's love is made more
} complete in us when we form part of a loving and committed relationship with
} another person. We know now something that our ancestors did not: that
} homosexuality is not a decision about behavior, but rather is something
} that is formed in the young child (perhaps even before birth). God creates
} some people as homosexuals, and therefore this is a gift from God. We must
} view Scriptures with this new understanding, just as we do with our new
} understandings of the nature of handicaps, mental illness, women, slavery and
} the nature of the physical universe.

        Wow.  I don't know where you get this stuff, but it sure isn't
from the Church.  Gotta be those wild-eyed theologians again.  I would
submit that all your presentation to the contrary doesn't change the
Church's teaching.
}
}-- End of excerpt from Jim McIntosh



--
* Gordon Zaft     Argus Consulting  4500 E. Sunrise #N-6, Tucson, AZ 85718
* zaft@caritas.cotdazr.org | noao.edu!coyote!caritas!zaft
                 Semper fidelis Christi et Vicarii sui.
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