Same-Sex Attraction (Part 1) Introduction

Jake and Bob begin a series on same-sex attraction with the desire to bring hope, clarity and understanding to this topic and the Church. Why this series? We have seen this topic impact many people who are trying to navigate this conversation well. As we move forward, we want to be sensitive and use great reverence toward the people that this directly affects, including our listeners. We believe that love and charity are essential in this discussion, as well as humility in the pursuit of truth. The depths of the human heart are holy ground.

Key Quote:

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. - CCC 2358

Key Points:

• Jake and Bob introduce the topic, acknowledging that it is sensitive and may bring up many feelings for people
• We believe that the Church teaches infallibly what is true, and we also believe that this topic can be discussed in the Church with greater charity and humility
• Desires themselves are not inherently wrong, and disordered desires extend beyond same-sex attraction
• We define what is meant by ‘psychological genesis’ and why the Catechism of the Catholic Church does not attempt to explain a psychological genesis for same-sex attraction
• How to simultaneously honor the objective reality of who we are and the subjective reality of what we experience in our sexuality
• Trauma is inflicted on those who experience homosexuality when they are not treated with dignity
• Behind every disordered desire is a search for something good, for love
• Jake and Bob acknowledge the mystery and the unknown behind several dimensions of this topic 

Practical Application:

1. Read and reflect on the section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding the Sixth Commandment. 

Resources: 

• Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 2331-2359
• Episode 41: Sexual Healing (Part 5)

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Audio editing by Forte Catholic