Christ Centered Gamer

Comotto wrote: ↑Fri Jul 07, 2017 9:13 pm http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/ ... ity-56370/

Sstavix wrote: ↑Sun Jul 09, 2017 3:57 pm

Comotto wrote: ↑Fri Jul 07, 2017 9:13 pm http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/ ... ity-56370/

I've tried to read that article, but I don't get too far into it before a dumb pop-up video shows up and causes the entire page to lock up. Do you have that article on a different web source?

I hate those stupid auto-play videos....

Sstavix wrote: ↑Mon Jul 10, 2017 12:01 am For some reason, that "X" never popped up with the browser I typically use (Yandex). I think the page locked up before it got to that point. But I was able to load the article into Firefox, and was able to kill the video there.

From what it looks like to me, the Catholic church is taking the approach that it is bad to discriminate against homosexuals, and especially to perpetuate violence against them. I agree with that point - in fact, most Christian churches do these days. There are only a handful that do call for the deaths of homosexuals, and they tend to be extremely marginalized (e.g. Westboro Baptists).

The one thing that does seem questionable, though, would be those that practice "homosexual acts." I think we all know what that actually means. The LDS church actually has a similar stance, especially for priesthood holders. For those that identify as homosexual, they are still allowed all the blessings and authority of the priesthood... but if they confess to actually performing any "sexually sinful acts," then they can be stripped of their callings and authority, and could even face excommunication.

It seems like, based on this article (especially towards the end) the Catholic church may be shifting towards being a bit more permissive to those who are, for lack of better terms, "practicing" homosexuals. Will they still be permitted to partake in communion and confession? Could they become leaders in the Catholic church if their sexual practices were open? And will same-sex marriages be permitted within Catholic churches, and performed by Catholic clergy?

I'm not Catholic, so I don't have a dog in this fight. But I am curious to see what other churches do, and how they change - or refuse to change - as the homosexual lifestyle becomes more mainstream, and "moral traditionalists" become more marginalized. I believe you are the most prominent Catholic on the site, Comotto. What are your thoughts on the matter?

Sstavix wrote: ↑Mon Jul 10, 2017 3:37 am So here is a question for you - and it isn't a question to take lightly, because many churches have been driven apart by this very issue.

If the Pope came forward and ordained same-sex marriages, would you agree with him? Or would you think that he is incorrect, given that God has made his stance on homosexuality quite clear in the Scriptures?

(Note - I'm not going to say that your decision would be right or wrong in this issue. As I said, I don't have a dog in this fight. But I've seen this come up recently with the Presbyterians so I've been quite interested in seeing how other Christian churches handle the issue.)

Comotto wrote: ↑Mon Jul 10, 2017 12:56 pm I would review his explanation for change, and pray on it.

Comotto wrote: ↑Mon Jul 10, 2017 12:56 pm
Unlike you, I'm not quite so certain that Jesus would not tolerate as many theologians don't seem to be in agreement. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/arti ... ajectories

Sstavix wrote: ↑Mon Jul 10, 2017 3:48 pm Just because someone claims to be a theologian - or even a church leader - does not mean that they speak for God. That is why I believe, if you have spiritual questions, you should rely primarily on the source of our spirituality - Heavenly Father - as the supreme spiritual authority. He won't steer you wrong, but you need to be receptive to the answers He gives you. Even if they aren't the answers you want.