Religion And Homosexuality

[coccinelle]

I've often wondered why homosexuality is condemened by religion.
Having read the Bible I see that it looks like some people (mainly men) were bisexual so the homosexuality side was seen as heathen. This I can quite understand to the message to the jews in the OT, as homosexuality didn't produce children and the aim was to cover the earth with children of Abraham.
However, since homosexuality has now been acknowleged as part of nature and not a choice, I wonder why religion doesn't accept this. There are many gay priests in the catholic religion who can well explain this.
No question really, just something which intrigues me...

[atalanta]

I think the toughest and most macho men actually fear the feminine side of themselves, because they don't want to admit weakness; thus they have to condemn it in others, for fear it might be infectious.
Not logical, of course, but many men seem to fear even considering the problem in case they have to admit that, deep down, they are at least bi-sexual if not homosexual themselves.

[coccinelle]

atalanta; that's very interesting....
Though I (as a woman) have never had any other orientation or interest whatsoever.

[naomi24]

//homosexuality has now been acknowleged as part of nature and not a choice,wonder why religion doesn't accept this. //

Because the bible says it is an abomination - it's as simple as that. I have Christian friends whose son is homosexual and they are convinced it is curable.

[jim360]

Also there's some idea that "It's not natural." It is, in fact -- people were clearly not paying enough attention:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexual_behavior_in_animals

[RATTER15]

//I think the toughest and most macho men actually fear the feminine side of themselves,//

I actually find that term just a little offensive to be honest, why is it that because I guy doesn't act like some kind of macho thug he gets compared to a female, it a load of hogwash, Men don't have to around swilling pints and and laying bricks to male!

[naomi24]

Ratter, Like you, my husband doesn't have a feminine side - far from it - and he doesn't swill pints or lay bricks either.

[jomifl]

I don't think women understand men any more than men understand women. I also think the idea of 'feminine sides' and 'masculine sides' is a bit of psychobabble that is based on extreme stereotypes and is really given more credibility than it merits..

[naomi24]

Jom, I agree entirely.

[seadogg]

We all have a balance in the testosterone oestragen spectrum I suppose. What tends to mess things up is the single sex group as anyone who has seen a bunch of young soldiers at play or maybe a hen party knows.

[Old_Geezer]

If one objects to it as a choice surely one can object to it on other grounds such as error of nature ? Not sure why you are intrigued.

[coccinelle]

Thank you for your answers. naomi; I understand the Bible stating that homosexuality was an abomination as it was relating to the orgy practices of certain men. However, since catholic priests etc could well 'explain' that homosexuality isn't a choice I would have thought it would no longer be condemned or at the least 'tolerated'.

[naomi24]

coccinelle, Where religion is concerned human nature isn't a consideration - hence the millions of children born with terrible diseases, and families living in unthinkable poverty because the church forbids contraception - not to mention the appalling sin of sex before marriage. The bible says that homosexuality is an abomination, so that's that! Sad isn't it.

[joko]

to quote many religious people when faced with a difficult question ... one they cannot answer...

"god works in mysterious ways"


there, you see how useful that was?
no need to think about it anymore now. sorted.