Real Love & Hard Truth: A Soul Saving Combination
On Monday, the Vatican released a Pope Francis approved statement which, in summary, said that Catholic priests cannot give blessings to same-sex unions. This statement has been met with a lot of anger, devastation, and push back from both clergy and laity. Fr James Martin, SJ is among the leading voices in what are considered "Pro-LGBT Catholic" communities.
Many other Catholics have spoken out expressing their disappointment or disgust with the Vatican's statement. This all comes after several confusing/unclear statements from the Pope regarding his view of same-sex unions, which are usually misconstrued in some way but are nonetheless ambiguous.
The great irony of it all is that many of the more orthodox Catholics who would criticize the Pope after such statements became public were consistently rebuked by the Catholics, like the "pro-LGBT" Catholics, for criticizing the Pope. They were constantly told that Catholics shouldn't criticize or argue with the Pope and reminded of the need to respect the Office.
My thoughts on this
The Church, as seen in this recent statement and also in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, has been extremely intentional, careful, and compassionate in their language used to describe Church teachings regarding homosexuality. For example, the Catechism states the following:
2358. The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.
2359. Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection.
These teachings, as stated in 2357, are rooted in Sacred Scripture and have been taught for all 2000 years of Christianity and even longer in the Jewish roots of Christianity. Some of these Scripture references include the following:
Now, there are several things to clarify and share. Scripture, the Catechism, and the use of reason have led me to believe these things.
1. Hate or discrimination toward those who experience same-sex attraction is sinful and wrong2. Homosexuality is not some "king of all sins" that many wrongly viewed it as for far too long. We are all sinners who fall short of the glory of God. In both Scripture and the Catechism, homosexuality is listed among many serious sexual sins including pornography, masturbation, fornication, prostitution, and rape. It is wrong for Catholics to ostracize those who experience same-sex attraction and are actively trying to abide by Church teaching like the rest of us.
3. There is a difference between struggling with sin and denying Church teaching. For example, many people struggle to believe/understand the mystery of Christ's presence in the Eucharist. It is one thing to internally struggle with that, seek answers/guidance from others, continue to study Church teaching on it, and give the benefit of the doubt to the Church. It is an entirely different scenario to publicly deny Church teaching on it, harden your heart against being open to Church teaching on it, and to participate in the sacraments while ardently holding to this belief that is contrary to Church teaching.
In a similar way, having same-sex attraction and/or struggling to accept Church teaching on the matter is not inherently sinful. Acting on those beliefs (or attractions), publicly denying the teachings of Christ's Church, and hardening your heart against the teaching and being angry that it won't change to fit your views are all inherently sinful and therefore demand repentance.
4. It is true that this is incredibly hard for some people to hear. It may, despite the best efforts of the Church to affirm, love, and show compassion in Her messaging, cause substantial mental and emotional hardship for some people. As always, we should show the utmost empathy and love toward those people. However, their experience of the truth does not mean we should change the truth.
In my podcast a couple weeks ago, I spoke about the sin of cohabitation (living with your boyfriend/girlfriend/fiance before marriage). It was uncomfortable. I have many friends who do this. I, myself, have committed many sexual sins in my life. But none of that changes the truth of Church teaching.
The truth always has and always will make people wildly uncomfortable. Read John 6 and see the discomfort/rejection Jesus experiences when preaching about the Eucharist. People left Him then for what He taught and they will leave Him now.
But will you?
In Made for More, Fr Mike Schmitz addresses the topic of homosexuality in an incredibly loving and caring way. But his main question to those who struggle with the teachings of the Church is this, "what will you do now?" We get to choose how we will respond to our doubt, to the hurt, to the discomfort. We should ALL feel convicted and challenged by Church teaching. This is not an experience that is saved for the LGBT community alone.
It is unloving to reduce someone to their sexuality. I hate the term LGBT Catholic just like I hate when someone calls me a black Catholic. I'm not black before I am Catholic. Nobody is LGB or T before they are Catholic. Your Catholic identity is your primary identity and should be the main framework through which we view ourselves, God, and the world around us.
It's unloving to tell someone their sinful lifestyle is not sinful. This world is temporary, eternity and salvation, or lack thereof, are forever. We are not called to simply minister to emotions, but to work toward the salvation of souls. This means that we share the truth, even when it's uncomfortable. We fight side by side with those struggling with all kinds of sin to work out our salvation by the grace of God.
I'm proud to be a member of the Church, the Body of Christ. I'm proud that the Church speaks out about these practical, challenging, and difficult issues as opposed to other "churches" that avoid or cave to the world on these topics.
Be bold in your love for God and others.
Be bold in sharing the truth with love.
Be bold in your zeal for the salvation of souls.
Be your best,
Nathan
Here are some resources you can check out for more on this topic:
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2021/03/15/210315b.html
https://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s2c2a6.htm
https://catholicvote.org/pro-lgbt-catholics-at-war-with-the-vatican/
About The Author
Nathan Crankfield is a convert to the Catholic faith. He is a proud graduate of Bishop McDevitt High School, Mount St. Mary's University, and US Army Ranger School.
After serving four years of active duty in the US Army, he joined the staff at Dynamic Catholic as a parish consultant. He now serves as a Residential Director at Benedictine College. He is the Founder and President of Seeking Excellence.
Find more of his writing by visiting our blog section here.