Topic 15 Homosexuality

Question 1

Explain why some disagree with homosexual practice whilst others agree (religious)

Answer 1

1. RCC -> homosexuality can never be approved of -> Due to god’s ideals for relationships -> God made man and woman to be together, to procreate, homosexual sex cannot achieve this Particularly important for RCC given authority placed on natural law, which states that God’s purpose for sex is reproduction and unifying a bond between man and woman (whilst accept that homosexuality cannot be controlled, it is still a sin to act on it, should live a chaste life) eg **Cor 6 **“nor adultererss.. nor homosexual offenders… will inherit the kingdom of god” pope benedict also spoke out against gay culture in 2005
2. CofE -> church loves the sinner but not the sin (doesnt actively promote homosexuality, but doesnt condemn homosexuals, as it is felt they must be loved by God like any other human) allow gay clergy as long as currently living chaste life (church tries to move w times
3. liberal xians and quakers -> don’t condemn homosexual activity -> because biblical teachings on homosexuality reflective of time written -> Jesus accepted everyone no matter who they were so liberals believe that homosexuality and practice should thus be accepted as it is loving thing to do
   -> Quaker book ‘quaker view of sex’ 1993 can we not say that God can enter any relationship in which there is a measure of selfless love? will marry homosexual couples, shows that quality of relationship is what matters rather than sexual orientation. believe that conscience is source of authority on homosexual sex so as long as conscience has been sought then act cannot be condemned within a loving relationship

Question 2

explain 3 different non religious aattitudes towards homosexuality

Answer 2

1. homosexuality could be genetic + therefore wrong to discriminate against
2. homosexuals have equal rights (in particular marriage) discrimination is thus wrong
3. evolutionary perspectuve -> breaks down nuclear family structure and thus should be rejected
4. some people who lived in a generation where it was illegal reject homosexuality as there was lack of information and understanding at that time and sometimes these attitudes prevail