RicOlie_2 said:
Post Praetorian said:
Consider only a contrast that might assist in clarifying the tone derived by others on this subject:
Should you, as a good and loving Catholic, encounter an entity that might suggest you to be neither good, nor loving--based solely on the evidence of your Catholic leanings (teachings which have been with you since your earliest memory)--would you be capable of agreeing with said entity regardless of its kind rationale?
In essence, would not the suggestion that homosexuality might be considered aberrant to an infinite being (punishable by an eternal torment) while at the same time considering said being to be one's own personal protector and comfort create any response other than that of antipathy?
To clarify, were one here to call out a belief that all Catholics necessarily must be ashamed and expect an infinitude of just torment in a future realm--while at the same time seemingly showing little concern for such necessary eventualities--could one such as yourself resist the temptation to clarify your own position on the matter? Would not a silence on your part serve as an affirmation of the statement?
Kindly do not take offense at my interjection as it is my purpose to learn your thoughts and not to belittle them. It is merely my hope that an understanding and a peace might be brokered on this issue that might better reflect the seemingly kind intentions of the majority here on both sides. Rarely have such opposing philosophies been debated so respectfully on an internet forum. I appreciate the effort this takes and hope that it may remain such.
I take no offense.
Arguably, I have encountered such "entities" in the form of some people (this isn't directed at anyone on this forum) who believe that I am a bad person or have mental issues on the basis of my religion alone. I did argue with these people, and admittedly rarely let hostile attacks on my religion go unanswered.
I think I see what you are getting at, and I'm fine with people voicing their disagreement, as long as they don't get repetitive or insulting. To clarify my beliefs about homosexuality, I don't believe that those people who engage in homosexual sex acts are going to hell necessarily. There are many factors which come into play in determining whether someone goes to heaven or hell, so just because someone does something that is considered a serious sin by the Catholic Church doesn't mean that they will go to hell.
Hopefully I didn't miss the point of your question as I'm pretty tired right now and am finding it difficult to think coherent thoughts. :)
Thank you for your candor. Kindly understand that while your beliefs regarding homosexuality may appear liberal in your eyes, they may yet cause offense in the same manner as:
"I don't believe that Catholics should be tortured and burned alive for as long as possible necessarily as there are many factors which come into play..."
In admiring your courage displayed in hosting this thread, it is not my wish to cause offense: simply the placing of one's self in the position of others prior to allowing one's convictions to solidify is my keen intent.