Please don't condemn children for sexual orientation: Pope Francis (church, priests, Baptist)
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As many know, I am not particularly enamored with religion, and in particular, the way the Catholic church has operated, especially with hiding their pedophile priests.
However, Pope Francis has been a bit of fresh air. It's impossible to turn around the Catholic church, and in particular the way the Vatican has been run, in a short period of time. Better to take small steps, small changes, ones that can be implemented and change attitudes.
The Pope coming out against the discrimination that children who are gay is one of those things. Will all Catholics follow? No. Of course not.
But enough will at least listen and think. And that is a start.
I wonder what he means by “to handle this and accompany their children and not hide behind a condemning attitude.”
I would guess love them, and make sure they know they are loved.
Let me tell you a little story. Like most parents (fathers particularly) back 20-30 years ago, one hoped that your children, particularly your sons, would be straight. In fact, I was quite dismissive of LGBT back then, as were all my friends and acquaintances. We were pretty redneck about it (none were religious).
One day I was out hunting with a buddy of mine, and he told me his son had come out as gay. He was devastated, and ask me what could he do. I thought about it for a minute, and then told him he needed to tell his son that he loved him, and that he would do whatever it took to support him in the future, knowing he would go through some difficult times with society at the time.
It was not the answer he expected, nor was it the one I expected I would say. What brought my thoughts around? I thought quickly of what I would do if it was MY son who came out as gay, and instantly knew that regardless of my feelings, he was my son, I loved him, and he would need mine and the family's support. I put myself into my buddy's shoes, and I knew what the answer had to be.
We talked about if for a long time, and he said he would have to take my advice, as he would want to be treated the same.
His son turned out great, as did mine. We loved our children, and they knew we did. How could you throw a child away because they happen to come out as gay?
I would guess love them, and make sure they know they are loved.
Let me tell you a little story. Like most parents (fathers particularly) back 20-30 years ago, one hoped that your children, particularly your sons, would be straight. In fact, I was quite dismissive of LGBT back then, as were all my friends and acquaintances. We were pretty redneck about it (none were religious).
One day I was out hunting with a buddy of mine, and he told me his son had come out as gay. He was devastated, and ask me what could he do. I thought about it for a minute, and then told him he needed to tell his son that he loved him, and that he would do whatever it took to support him in the future, knowing he would go through some difficult times with society at the time.
It was not the answer he expected, nor was it the one I expected I would say. What brought my thoughts around? I thought quickly of what I would do if it was MY son who came out as gay, and instantly knew that regardless of my feelings, he was my son, I loved him, and he would need mine and the family's support. I put myself into my buddy's shoes, and I knew what the answer had to be.
We talked about if for a long time, and he said he would have to take my advice, as he would want to be treated the same.
His son turned out great, as did mine. We loved our children, and they knew we did. How could you throw a child away because they happen to come out as gay?
It was interesting regarding the timing of this considering the news a couple days ago about Pope Benedict seemingly covering up what he learned in a meeting about several offending priests.
I would guess love them, and make sure they know they are loved.
Let me tell you a little story. Like most parents (fathers particularly) back 20-30 years ago, one hoped that your children, particularly your sons, would be straight. In fact, I was quite dismissive of LGBT back then, as were all my friends and acquaintances. We were pretty redneck about it (none were religious).
One day I was out hunting with a buddy of mine, and he told me his son had come out as gay. He was devastated, and ask me what could he do. I thought about it for a minute, and then told him he needed to tell his son that he loved him, and that he would do whatever it took to support him in the future, knowing he would go through some difficult times with society at the time.
It was not the answer he expected, nor was it the one I expected I would say. What brought my thoughts around? I thought quickly of what I would do if it was MY son who came out as gay, and instantly knew that regardless of my feelings, he was my son, I loved him, and he would need mine and the family's support. I put myself into my buddy's shoes, and I knew what the answer had to be.
We talked about if for a long time, and he said he would have to take my advice, as he would want to be treated the same.
His son turned out great, as did mine. We loved our children, and they knew we did. How could you throw a child away because they happen to come out as gay?
I'm not suggesting in the slightest that a parent would mistreat their kids...not my point. My kids are my kids and I will love them always.
But as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, what he says is often taken on a much bigger level, including church teaching on issues of sexuality, so I was curious to know exactly how he meant it.
I'm not suggesting in the slightest that a parent would mistreat their kids...not my point. My kids are my kids and I will love them always.
But as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, what he says is often taken on a much bigger level, including church teaching on issues of sexuality, so I was curious to know exactly how he meant it.
The question is was he saying that infallibly or not.
I'm not suggesting in the slightest that a parent would mistreat their kids...not my point. My kids are my kids and I will love them always.
But as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, what he says is often taken on a much bigger level, including church teaching on issues of sexuality, so I was curious to know exactly how he meant it.
I'm given to understand that the general teaching of the Catholic church is that BEING gay is not a sin and cannot be because it isn't chosen, but acting on it IS. This effectively means that all LGBTQ persons must be celibate as to their sexuality.
More nuanced version -- all sexual acts must be "open to procreation" and "express the symbolism of male/female complementarity". This latter is formally known as "complementarianism" and it is probably your deonomination's belief as well, though you likely apply it differently.
I'm given to understand that the general teaching of the Catholic church is that BEING gay is not a sin and cannot be because it isn't chosen, but acting on it IS. This effectively means that all LGBTQ persons must be celibate as to their sexuality.
More nuanced version -- all sexual acts must be "open to procreation" and "express the symbolism of male/female complementarity". This latter is formally known as "complementarianism" and it is probably your deonomination's belief as well, though you likely apply it differently.
Let's give them credit, though. There are no catholics anywhere that commit adultery.
Let's give them credit, though. There are no catholics anywhere that commit adultery.
Or molest little boys, right?
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