Differences of opinion between Nasci and Santosh (part III) There is nothing like consensual (adult) sex between a doctor and a patient; a priest and his parishioner; a college professor and adult student; or between an employer and employee. Because this in not only a relation between two (?consenting) adults, but it reflects the bonds of trust between two blocks of parties -
the doctor with ALL his patients or the priest with their ENTIRE community or the professor and the WHOLE Student Body and their parents or the employer and ALL his/her employees. So this issue of NO sexual interactions does not only apply to priests but to a lot of others - however high up the ladder one may be. (See what happened to President Clinton). So even with consensual sex, one can kiss their career (and may be their marriage) good-bye, if this comes to light. No laughing matter!!! Santosh's theoretical / scientific perspective on homosexuality is very correct. But Santosh, there is no Science in Religion or else it would not be called Religion. By the same token, there is no Religion in Science or else it would not be called Science. But we need both disciplines to keep the other honest. What we DON'T NEED are false accusation and flame throwing terminology (not necessarily by you only). The church has NEVER been homophobic or taught hatred as some are recently alleging. I guess they have to write something! :=)) We have to use the right terminology not to offend somebody's sensitivity. Fr. Ivo's and Nasci's perspectives are also correct. The church raises the bar on sexuality higher for Catholics and even higher for its priests and nuns. So in spite of our newer understanding on sexuality, the Church still chooses to retain its high moral standards. So those who find it difficult to live by those standards, should sacrifice or leave. But this should come as no surprise. For hetero-sexuals, the church does not permit pre-marital sex, live-in relations, adultery, polygamy etc. All these are perhaps 'acceptable behavior' to some or 'antiquated beliefs' to others and the norm in someone's part of the world. So the church is not being homophobic, as some learned doctors or professors are saying. Yes, it is being conservative. And there is nothing wrong with that. This is the difference of opinion and conflict between Nasci and Santosh. So we just have to accept and respect each other's beliefs and practice patterns. There is no Science or Theology applied here. IMHO there is cultural, historical and edict practices and maintainance of one's enduring identity. IMHO, nothing wrong wiht homosexuality or heterosexuality. But if the Church says, sex is ONLY within the context of mariage (obviously heterosexual) then the open or behind doors sexual relation (homo or hetero) with a non-married partner becomes De Nada - at least theoretically. IMHO theoretically to permit homosexual behavior outside marriage (obviously) should also permit acceptable hetero-sexual behavior outside marriage. Is that what society wants? Is that what Santosh is recommending - free-for-all-sex (homo or hetero) with multiple partners? (What does Science / Psychiatric Association say?) So sometimes we need to look beyond our nose! India's Law sanctions only monogamy. This is not science nor religion. This is encoded (into law) cultural practices. What we should NOT ACCEPT are individuals who want to have their cake and eat it too and call themselves pure and smart. Yes, it is nice to have blinkers on and be focused on where we have come from and where one is going. Or else we will be going round in circles all confused and think we are advancing. That is what Fr. Ivo means by preventing Pan Americanism. As the saying goes when you go around in circles, one has a limited view and not a very enlightening one at that. :=)) So Santosh and 'non-Catholics' should admire the Catholic Church for standing for some higher moral principles instead of succumbing to the lowest sexual instincts- homosexual or heterosexual. Just as Catholics should admire Hindus for their strict weekly fasting practices which may or many not have any scientific or health basis. Or the Muslims for their month-long Ramadan fast. Thanks for reading the three posts. Regards. Gilbert. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- * G * O * A * N * E * T *** C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Make your mother in Goa happy on Mothers' Day. http://www.goa-world.com/goa/expressions/mothersday/ Limited "Mother's Happiness" packages. First come, first serve. -----------------------------------------------------------------------
