Zach's Catholic, while I was raised Protestant. Though I'm rather sensitive and borderline paranoid when it comes to disclosure of my religious convictions, Zach has gently coaxed me into attending mass with him (I do love the splendid decor, after all). Though my first dozen times attending were rather comical scenes (imagine my shock when I, head bowed deep in meditative thought, had a wet branch shaken at my face by the priest), my intellectual interests in Catholicism and Catholic history have only been fueled by these Mass pursuits. (It also doesn't hurt that I'm an absolute sucker for Tudor English history.)
Thus, I've taken substantial interest in new documents released by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops regarding ministry to Catholics with a "homosexual inclination" (don't tell, but Zach also has an "inclination" to eat cookies). The full document is a rather quick read, actually, if you're interested and have a few minutes to spare.
As one who's retained his strict Protestant mindset, with a cautious approach thrown at any organized religion, none of the document's contents directly affect my soul or faith. But, I took great interest in the document as my first investigation of this church's reasons for calling my relationship with Zach, any relationship I've had, and my entire sex life "disordered." I traced the logic (again, it's pretty straightforward, if you've time or interest to read the entire document), followed the pattern, and ultimately had to admit: yes, I can see how they (the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops) can come to such a disheartening (and dare I say "disordered"?) conclusion. Homosexual acts are as wrong as contraception, masturbation, and even anal sex -- all deviations of God's apparent "design" for human sexuality.
Of course, I find the entire argument is unsound, unhealthy, belittling, and downright wrong. But, I found the whole process of working my way through that document - through the argument against homosexual acts - an utterly fascinating process. I feel as though I understand Catholicism much more now as both a belief and a hierarchy.
I stick to my principles as much as the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishiops, however. They think I'm "disordered," then fine. But, don't expect me to put any more of my hard-earned cash in the collection plate during Mass. I'm more inclined to use it instead to take my disordered boyfriend out to dinner.
Posted by James at November 15, 2006 09:52 PM