Newsgroups: bit.listserv.christia
Date:         Thu, 20 Aug 1992 16:03:00 EDT
From:         "Carl A. Lahetta" <U952020@RUTADMIN.BITNET>
Subject:      Re: Re>Homosexuality

> From:         Leo W <Leo_W@QM.CIRCA.UFL.EDU>
> Subject:      Re>Homosexuality
>
> Carl wrote: "homosexuality is when a male sexually lusts for another male and
>   engages in sexual acts"
>
> Homosexuality is more complicated than that, just as is heterosexuality.  The
> popular press and politicians oversimplify homosexuality.  We cannot learn
> anything from such (other than that we need to research further to find the
> truth).  Too often Christian ministers and others (on all sides of the "issue"
)
> accept these oversimplifications and perpetuate the misunderstandings and, in
> effect, discourage Christians seeking an answer to their own or their
> neighbor's homosexual orientation.

   I do not think that I over simplified the definition of homosexuality.
   If you mean that I merely defined it and ignored the psychological and
   emotional aspects, then fine.  It is one thing to have empathy for someone
   but quite another to coddle, or condone their behavior.  My parents' hearts
   might have been in pain when I sinned, and they conveyed their concern for
   me; yet they did not try to justify my actions, accept them as permissible,
   or try to help me feel better about my actions.  They did this while loving
   me and helping me to overcome my sins with their support.  I want to love
   the sinner, be helpful and encouraging, but I will not excuse their
   behavior, or help them to justify it.  I will try to help them understand
   themselves and why they do certain things and work with them to change it.
   But I absolutely refuse to make someone feel comfortable in their sin.
   Why is it so hard for people to understand this concept?

> I apologize to all for perhaps continuing this thread beyond a reasonable
> stopping point, but I have not seen enough Christian compassion towards, and
> desire for understanding, homosexuals which we normally see in regards to, for
> example, alcoholics.
>
> I would urge all Christians possibly interested in the homosexual as a fellow
> human being who needs our love and understanding to read Dr. Moberly's book,
> "Homosexuality -- A New Christian Ethic."  This book is addressed to believers
> and is written in non-technical language.  It is a call to reason and action i
n
> the name of Christ Jesus.  Homosexuals have reasons for being homosexuals and
> they have legitimate needs fueling their search for same-sex love.  Christians
> must understand these deep psychological reasons and needs in order to ministe
r
> to homosexuals.

   Leo, remember you wrote that from reading this book that you learned that
   your son is homosexual before he becomes a heterosexual.  That is garbage.
   I cannot take any book seriously that advocates heterosexuals were once
   homosexuals.  As for reasons and needs, fornicators have reasons and needs
   as well as all other sinners.  The "reasons" and "needs" may be legitimate
   but this does not legitimize homosexuality, or any sin.  Just because a
   spouse may not be able to satisfy their partner sexually does not give the
   unfulfilled partner the right to commit adultery, even if their need is
   great.

> Dr. Moberly's book, "Psychogenesis," is a technical book dealing with the
> psychology of homosexuality and presents her model of the psychodynamic
> structure which has become the basis of modern, successful treatment for those
> seeking such.  It is quite detailed and interesting reading for those who thin
k
> they know what "most psychologists" write about homosexuality.

   The key words in this passage are "her model".  If it was Freud you would
   have to keep your son away from your wife.  All psychology theories are
   only someone's model, idea, or belief.  Doesn't make it right though.
   I never claimed to know what "most psychologists" write about homosexuality.
   And I wonder how much a book by Dr. Dobson would differ than the book you
   cite?

> Read the book.  Don't wait for the movie.
>
> I also apologize to Carl for being too brief in my previous post.  And with
> this post I end my participation in this thread.

   That would be unfair to me, for you did not address the issue about your
   son.
>
> Yours in Christ Jesus,
> Leo

Carl----+
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