From: jkythe@copper.ucs.indiana.edu (Jay K. Kythe)
Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian
Subject: A different viewpoint about homosexuality
Date: 24 Jul 92 07:12:57 GMT

Conerning the recent thread about homosexuality:

I am using a friend's account and am practically computer illiterate,
so excuse any mistakes I have made.  My friend showed me these postings
on homosexuality and asked if I would like to comment.  I would like
to share with all the readers a slightly different side of this issue.

I am a Roman Catholic who converted into the church about two years
ago after studying their teachings about homosexuality.  The funny
thing is that many homosexuals leave the Catholic Church because of
these teaching, but I entered.  Yes, I am a homosexual, who loves
the Catholic Church and abides by their teachings.  I do not believe
in things such as homosexual reorientation, even though it may be
possible (maybe not for me).  By a careful examination in prayer of my
own life, I have realized the difference between having a homosexual
orientation and engaging in homosexual acts.  The latter, the Church
teaches, is immoral.  I rejected homosexual acts in my life for many 
reasons: the violation of the natural law of procreation, the many 
biological dangers of homosexual acts, and especially the emotional
emptiness in these acts, etc.

My main source for information was the 1986 "Letter to Bishops of the
Catholic Church on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons."  Those of
you that believe the Catholic Church is not compassionate towards
homosexuals haven't yet read this document.  This is what help me in 
my conversion from athiesm to Christianity.

To quote from this document (which states things better than I can):

	"What, then, are homosexuals supposed to do who seek to
	follow the Lord?  Fundamentally, they are called to enact
	the will of God in their life by joining whatever sufferings
	and difficulties they experience in virtue of their
	condition to the sacrifice of the Lord's cross.  That cross,
	for the believer, is a fruitful sacrifice since from that
	death come life and redemption.  While any call to carry
	the cross or to understand a Christian's suffering in this
	way will predictably be met with bitter ridicule by some,
	it should be remembered that this is the way to eternal 
	life for *all* who follow Christ."  (Section 12)

Therefore, in accordance with the Church teachings and the revelations
of Christ through lengthy prayer, I am living a life of celibacy.
I also would like to offer this up as another solution other
than sexual reorientation or engaging in this lifestyle.  I have
also discovered that I am not entirely alone in this direction.
There is a Catholic organization called Courage that contain about 200
homosexuals fully devoted to Christ through the church, living 
lives of celibacy and carrying their crosses of homosexuality,
as I carry mine.  This idea of carrying one's cross is powerful tool
against sin and Satan, especially in facing suffering in one's life.
I know, since suicide was my only option before I found Christ.

Let us all pray for a deeper appreciation of the will of God in all
our lives, especially in uniting all of us in this area of Christian
morality.  Thank you for letting me present this different viewpoint
that I haven't heard much anywhere.

You can write to me here.  I'm sure the messages will be sent onto
me by my friend.

David Sanders