Bible clear on homosexuality

The Editor: Once again, Ms Salandy has responded to a letter of mine with one that is full of inaccuracies and misunderstandings. Ms Salandy says that “the inference that homosexuality is against the Sixth Commandment is purely Catholic Theology.”  This, of course, is inaccurate. The sinfulness of homosexual activities has been held by all religions that follow the Ten Commandments.  It is only now, since the late 20th Century, that some Christians claim that the Bible is silent on homosexuality — something that is completely untrue. The Ten Commandments are God’s Law, and the Church, which was established by Jesus Christ, interprets the law for us. The spirit of the law must include strict adherence to the law.  Disobeying God’s Law is an offense against Him, therefore, we must be meticulous in keeping those laws and not be minimalist.  If the laws were not intended to be kept, they would not have been made Commandments.

Ms Salandy again tries to persuade that culture “brings with it its own morality” and used an example of polygamy.  Again, I reiterate, morality is truth, and truth is absolute.  Therefore, this culture that sees polygamy as “good and acceptable” is wrong.  It is practicing immorality.  It may, of course, be ignorant of the immorality of its practice, and would, in this case, not be culpable, or, at least, not totally culpable.  Not all cultural practices are immoral - human acts are good or bad, or they are neutral. The mere fact that a particular action has become culturally acceptable does not change whether that action is good or bad. Further along in her letter, Ms Salandy states “It is only when a Pope speaks ex-cathedra that the faithful are bound - under pain of sin - to obey.”   This is a minimalist approach.  Following this path leads one out of communion with the Church.  Catholics are required to give the assent of faith to dogmas (formally defined doctrine). 

In addition, the assent of mind and heart is required for doctrine not formally defined (these are doctrines that arise from the Ordinary Magisterium of the Church, from the traditional and universal teaching of the Bishops of the whole world). I cannot deal in detail with every inaccuracy in Ms Salandy’s letter - it would take too long.  Just one last comment — the Catholic Church has an eternal view.  Of what use would it be for the Church, which was given to us by God, to give in to these immoral world views and lead us all to Hell? Ms Salandy, I pray that God will grant you the grace to see that His Church teaches the fullness of truth - whether it is palatable or not.  God bless you.  I do not intend to respond to any further comments on this series of letters.

Joan  Moore
Carenage