I would state the church's distinction somewhat differently. Natural sex is that which is
procreational, the natural end of sex. Since marriage is required to insure the wellbeing of
children, and control and order within society, sex can only take place legitimately within
marriage. The only marriage that is permissible is that in which procreation is possible, even
if remote and unlikely. That rules out homosexual marriages and therefore homosexual sex.
(This is the official view, not mine.)
The noose is tightening officially as more Catholics assert the right to be sexual in
ways that the church opposes and as laws affirm that right. The acceptance of gay unions by
the European Union sent the Vatican into a tizzy. With sex as well as with other matters,
private dissenting behavior has almost always been tolerated; what is not tolerated is the
assertion that such behavior is good and that justice, not procreation, is the standard by
which the goodness of sexual relations should be determined. The church currently has no
authority on sexual matters. Catholics worldwide ignore church teachings and increasingly
believe they are both good people and good Catholics. Sexual behavior by clergy that violate
the clergy's own standards is far more likely to lead Catholics away from the church than a
loosening of sexual strictures.
Altering the documents will lead to more honest ethical reflection within the church,
not to contumacy. People already do what they feel is right, so in a sense there would be
little change in behavior.
Kissling adds more
|
|
 |
|
