The Secularization Of Homosexuality In The Roman Catholic Church

Throughout history and continuing through into modern times, homosexuality has often been a point of controversy and discussion. Accompanied by this progression throughout history is the culture of many people becoming distanced from a strictly religious viewpoint, and rather adapting themselves to the secularization of society. In modern day, homosexuality is generally being met with less prejudice, with same-sex couples increasingly becoming regarded as relationships of equal esteem. However, with this also comes those who continue to adhere to quite strict religious practice, where the influence of their religion is greater than that of the secular society. This is exhibited through Roman Catholicism and Islam, whose scriptures parallel

The beliefs of these religions are then contrasted by traditional Aboriginal Spirituality, which has historically demonstrated acceptance and even praise for unconventional gender roles and same-sex couples.

In the Roman Catholic Church, homosexual desires are not considered a sin, but rather the willingness to act upon them through pursuing a same-sex relationship. Scripture has dictated these beliefs for Roman Catholics, with the Old Testament stating, "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. . . If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall be put to death, their blood is upon them" (Lev. 18:22, 20:13). It is with this passage that many Roman Catholics argue against homosexuality, stating that it is a sin and a direct violation of the Word of God. Rather than submitting to their urges, it is encouraged that homosexuals in the Roman Catholic Church remain celibate. In the Catechism, it is stated that homosexual desires should not be acted upon but rather viewed as a call to chastity, achievable through self-mastery,

In the story, Allah sends Lot to the city of Sodom to preach against the citizens lack of morals, including their rampant homosexuality. Lot tells the people of Sodom, “...For ye practice your lusts on men in preference to women: ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds!” (Quran (7:80-84). The people of Sodom fail to listen to the proclamations of Lot, resulting