NARTH has a nice reprint of an original article from The Catholic Standard & Times which discusses the roots of homosexuality. The author, Dr. Richard Fiztgibbons, contributed to the Catholic booklet on this issue called Homosexuality and Hope.
The main section titles are:
- Weak Masculine/Feminine Identity
- Distrust of Men/Women
- Gender Identity Disorder
- Narcissism and Profound Selfishness
- Dysfunctional Family Life
What is interesting to me is that, even though studies prove that gays have a much higher background of dysfunctional family life, and esp. sexual molestation, when you mention these causative factors, there are always a few people who will say “I am gay, and I didn’t have any of those. I had a great upbringing, no molestation, and I have a good relationship with my father.”
Regarding such claims, I would like to suggest:
- studies show that such people are the EXCEPTION to the rule, and so their existence does NOT prove that the assertions made regarding the roots of homsexuality are not true, only that they need more study – there may be other factors
- there are other less frequent, but equally important proposed causative factors, such as problems with peer interaction (e.g. skipping a grade and so being physically and socially behind one’s peers) that can lead to same sex attraction
- some of the people that claim that they had no such causative factors are often unconsciously or consciously ignoring the (often negative) factors in their lives that they KNOW affected or injured them emotionally, and led to their gender preferences.
One of the things I appreciate about Catholics, despite their sometimes awful history of theological error and abuse, is their deep intellectual tradition (in certain pockets of theologically ‘purer’ Catholic Christianity), coupled with their desire to serve humanity. Hence, the title of their booklet, Homosexuality and HOPE.
And this is the crux of the Christian approach to homosexuality – not just that it is a big SIN, but that it is a malady for which there is reason to hope – for those who recognize it as a deep emotional dysfunction, there is hope for change, and those who deny such are really denying hope to millions of gays who want to change. Science has not proven that homosexuality is irreversible, nor that it is purely genetic – quite the opposite, as the recent Spitzer review of the literature confirms.
CONCLUSION
Until we have more definite science, we need to allow people the freedom to explore ‘recovery’ from homosexuality, even if some think it not possible. And for those concerned with abuse in ex-gay therapy, physicians who practice ex-gay therapy have proposed the following ethical guidelines:
I see, NARTH is quoting a Catholic article purporting to explain the “causes” of hx? HA HA HA! Both are xian organizations virulently opposed to gay people and gay rights. Why would any reasonable person pay any attention whatsoever to this bilge (unless they are already a convinced opponent of gay people like seeker)?
Just more christianist propaganda.
They are Catholic, but they are also physicians. Don't you trust science? I mean, surely their world view or political persuasion would not affect their interpretation of data ;).
I understand your assertions that you have no reason to believe them, but if and when they back their own assertions with data, they deserve a listen, no matter what their 'orientation' is.
And again, my point is not really made for people who are hardened against reparative therapy, but for those who are looking for a way out of their same sex attraction, and for those looking for a scientific and biblical view. There are many in they valley of decision. and they need information, not the politics of either extreme. I want to give them information, while you would like to take it away, it seems.
Wow! How virtuous you are, seeker. I am overwhelmed by your humanitarian greatness! What a source to cite, the Roman Catholic Church! Of course, they have no ax to grind. Maybe you should cite them on boy screwing as well. And while you're at it, please cite Haggard and the rest on sexual virtue. After all, xians can throw stones since you are without sin.
First you terrorize gay xians, and then pretend to offer "reparative therapy" to "free" them. What a wonderful philosophy you follow. Thank God I'm am not an xian as I would be in danger of becoming as damned a child of hell as you.
Defend your opinion however you like. Ad hominem attacks rather than dealing with ideas shows either the weakness of your arguments or your character.
Oh, boo-hoo! Everything you write about gays is an ad hominem attack. It's pointless to use reason with you on this topic because your position is irrational, based on religious bigotry and personal ignorance/hatred. You literally refuse to listen. Therefore, all that's left that is appropriate is mockery and sarcasm. It's all you deserve.
Wow, this is an old article, I mean ANCIENT. But I felt like bringing it back up anyway, I doubt I’ll get a reply but eh…I gotta give it a try at least. First off, I noticed you have more GLBT articles than anti-atheism articles. That’s of no concern of course, I’m not implying anything so stay calm. Let me just say I didn’t even have to read the part of the article you actually wrote to realize this was all hopeless religious propaganda. I saw the main section titles of the book and had a good laugh. It shows that the author really doesn’t know much about gay people. Weak masculine/feminine identity…Looks like someone is working with stereotypes, because I know only one feminine gay guy, the rest are impossible to distinguish – What can I say? They hide it well. Y’all and your media portrayals, but you don’t know any better. My twin brother and I were raised in the same household (and would you believe it was functional as can be?), but somehow only I grew up to be a gay man while my bro is straight. Maybe I was molested in my sleep or something, who knows? Now, I know you’re probably thinking I missed the part you wrote about there being exceptions to the rule, but clearly you have the rule and the exception mixed up. Every time I take a piss I can’t help but notice that I’m standing up, something made convenient by the fact that I have a dick and not a pussy, so no gender identity disorders for me! Come to think of it, I don’t know any gay dudes at all with that issue, maybe it’s unrelated to homosexuality? Maybe gender identity issues are just lazily grouped together with every other alternative sexual mindset such as the transgenders and those god awful bisexuals? I don’t know, I’m not an expert. Narcissism? I would never partake, though I gotta admit I am a pretty good looking guy, all lean, tan (being mixed does that to you), symmetrical face, killer smile – Oh, my bad, I’m getting carried away talking about myself again.
Hey Mark,
Yes, this is an older article. In addition, Spitzer has withdrawn support for his study. However, the referenced document by the Catholic Medical Association is still up and their official position.
>> MARK: First off, I noticed you have more GLBT articles than anti-atheism articles. That’s of no concern of course, I’m not implying anything so stay calm.
Good. I’ve been accused of all kinds of things based on the numbers of articles I’ve written on various subjects. People read a lot into those numbers. I think that’s a bit sophomoric.
>> MARK: Looks like someone is working with stereotypes, because I know only one feminine gay guy, the rest are impossible to distinguish – What can I say?
I guess that depends on how you define ‘feminine.’ I know a lot of gay guys, and most are easy to spot due to minor feminine mannerisms – we’re not talking drag queens of flamers – just the typical affected speech patterns or gestures which effeminized men often have. Heck, before my masculine identity work, I had some of those, and I wasn’t gay at all (though gay guys picked up on those and often tried to pick me up).
But you are right, many gay people don’t have easily recognizable attributes, except to the trained eye.
Stereotypes are fine to use if they accurately represent a majority of the group described – as long as you are open to better info on individuals as it comes in, and you allow that there are always exceptions to stereotypes.
>> MARK: My twin brother and I were raised in the same household (and would you believe it was functional as can be?), but somehow only I grew up to be a gay man while my bro is straight.
Well, this anecdote supports the better twin studies which show that homosexuality is not genetic (at most 40% and possibly as low as 10%), so the question is, what in your experience or environment was different from your brother that might explain it, since obviously genetics did not predetermine your preference?
>> MARK: Maybe gender identity issues are just lazily grouped together with every other alternative sexual mindset such as the transgenders and those god awful bisexuals?
It’s true, these are probably lazily grouped together, and these various GIDs may have differing causes, though I suspect significant overlap.
>> MARK: Narcissism? I would never partake, though I gotta admit I am a pretty good looking guy, all lean, tan (being mixed does that to you), symmetrical face, killer smile
Yes, well, the clinical definition of Narcissism is not quite the same as the common understanding of it you seem to be using above. It is rooted in a deep emotional insecurity caused by a variety of childhood events. I’m really not sure how clinical Narcissism supposedly plays into GIDs, since I’ve seen it in plenty of straights. But I will say, even using the common understanding of it, I’ve seen a lot of emphasis on physical beauty in the gay community, even more than in our culture obsessed with the superficialities of youth and physical beauty. But I’m not sure how important that is.
I have recently become aware of how the church typically treats LGBT folks who dare cross our threshold. We do not have a track record of which I’m very proud and it is little wonder that community has singled out the church for some of their more ardent vitriol and anger.
Regardless of how we believe homosexuals came into their preference, we are to be a beacon to a fallen world which includes homosexuals.
So far, we’re not doing a very good job of it.
Yes, but there are people doing it, they just don’t get as much visibility – and I’m not talking about those who accept homosexuality as normative and morally acceptable, but those who maintain the view that hx is sinful and maladaptive, but are lovingly interacting w/ the gay community. See such books about it as Love Is an Orientation: Elevating the Conversation with the Gay Community
Agreed, and if I gave the impression that I don’t believe there are any Christians (or churches) being that beacon, then I misspoke. My apologies if that was the case.
My concern springs from my long-held observation that by and large, we don’t understand just what “love” is… and homosexuals, in particular, do not get it at all (but neither does my 20 year old daughter who is still looking for that “feeling”).
I will check out that source. Thank you.
Also, Rick Warren’s church has a huge AIDS outreach – not sure if it is just centered on Africa, or also on the LBGT community here.
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2012/July/Rick-Warren-Churches-Must-Join-the-AIDS-Fight/
http://www.thepeaceplan.com/