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Question IV
The Catholic Church continues to stand by its distinction between "natural" sex (heterosexual, married) and "unnatural" sex (homosexual, outside the sanctity of marriage) in a time when society is becoming increasingly accepting of "alternative" lifestyles. Do you think the Church is becoming any more or less tolerant? Should it by definition not be tolerant? Will unwavering commitment to this stance lead to an eventual decline in the authority of the Church? Or would altering the doctrine as it applies to contraception, female and gay priests, abortion, gay marriage and masturbation be an invitation to contumacy throughout the whole of the religion?




Frances Kissling


I would state the church's distinction somewhat differently. Natural sex is that which is procreational, the natural end of sex. Since marriage is required to insure the wellbeing of children, and control and order within society, sex can only take place legitimately within marriage. The only marriage that is permissible is that in which procreation is possible, even if remote and unlikely. That rules out homosexual marriages and therefore homosexual sex. (This is the official view, not mine.)
     The noose is tightening officially as more Catholics assert the right to be sexual in ways that the church opposes and as laws affirm that right. The acceptance of gay unions by the European Union sent the Vatican into a tizzy. With sex as well as with other matters, private dissenting behavior has almost always been tolerated; what is not tolerated is the assertion that such behavior is good and that justice, not procreation, is the standard by which the goodness of sexual relations should be determined. The church currently has no authority on sexual matters. Catholics worldwide ignore church teachings and increasingly believe they are both good people and good Catholics. Sexual behavior by clergy that violate the clergy's own standards is far more likely to lead Catholics away from the church than a loosening of sexual strictures.
     Altering the documents will lead to more honest ethical reflection within the church, not to contumacy. People already do what they feel is right, so in a sense there would be little change in behavior.


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Introduction

Question I
Camille Paglia
Thomas Moore
Elaine Pagels
Robert Francoeur
Frances Kissling

Question II
Camille Paglia
Thomas Moore
Elaine Pagels
Robert Francoeur
Frances Kissling

Question III
Camille Paglia
Thomas Moore
Elaine Pagels
Robert Francoeur
Frances Kissling

Question IV
Camille Paglia
Thomas Moore
Elaine Pagels
Robert Francoeur
Frances Kissling

Question V
Camille Paglia
Thomas Moore
Elaine Pagels
Robert Francoeur
Frances Kissling


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