coMMentary
The Valley Catholic
April 29, 2014
Letters to the Editor
• Homosexuality
Editor:
Because my letter in the March 11 edition
evoked more discussion on this topic, allow me
to first respond to Mr. Nedom’s letter published
in the April 8 edition. He states, “Although
Church teachings are based on Scripture, the
Church’s interpretation of Scripture, contrary
to the letter’s assertion, is, in fact, open to question.”
I assume he ultimately refers to same-sex
marriage. The Church, through its bishops, cardinals, and the Vatican, oppose same-sex marriage. The topic is not open to reinterpretation
without rewriting Scripture, which the Church
and all Christian denominations proclaim to be
God’s word.
In response to Mr. Hua’s letter, I ask him
to reread the next to last sentence of my letter,
which states, “The Church must openly embrace
homosexuals who seek to live in accordance
with Church doctrine.” This is consistent with
Pope Francis’ statement which Mr. Hua quotes.
Today’s concern for fair treatment of homosexuals is consistent with Christ’s message to
love one’s neighbor. However, His message is
not license to engage in behavior disapproved
of in Scripture. When Christ rescued the woman
caught in adultery, He did not sanction adultery.
He told her to go and not repeat her behavior.
Scripture and the Church assist us in defining what is moral and what isn’t. We choose
to follow or reject Scripture and the Church’s
teaching.
Nazario A. “Tito” Gonzales
Los Gatos
Editor:
I have been reading the dialog regarding homosexuality in recent issues. My understanding is
that whether homosexuality is genetic or not has
no relevance. Rather, the main issue has to do with
personal morality and behavior.
When a person is attracted to someone of the
same sex, that doesn’t give him/her license to act
in an immoral way, any more than a heterosexual
person is allowed to have a sexual relationship outside marriage (either before or during the marriage);
neither is a person allowed to have an immoral
relationship with a parent, child or sibling.
Followers of Christ are set apart! They are asked
to bear all crosses that come their way. They are
expected to make decisions based on their faith in
Jesus Christ who was always faithful to Hebrew
sacred scripture, including the condemnation of
various sexual practices not allowed by God. Even
homosexuals must not engage in immoral acts.
Maybe we need to ponder mankind’s main goal
on Earth. Is it to be “happy” or saved--”fulfilled”
or redeemed? Are our actions, motives and choices
moving us toward or away from holiness? These
are piercing, introspective questions that must be
answered from the depths of our souls.
It seems that many people have a hard time
struggling with these weighty questions--even
Catholics--so it’s easier for some to turn a blind eye
to all kinds of immoral behavior with the rationalization that it’s not right to “judge” others and that
looking at our present day society through the lens
of Scripture is antiquated or, at best, old-fashioned.
Michele Zalesny
Los Gatos
Editor:
As a grandparent of a child who attends Catholic School,
I was disheartened to read the passive and enabling comments about homosexuality in recent letters. God’s word has
not changed and, genetic or not, there are moral absolutes in
this world given by God to keep us happy, healthy and safe.
Loving others is to tell them God’s truth in love and is what
Jesus did, and is what he commanded us to do. That is spreading the Gospel. We do not hate and are not ignorant because
we stand on God’s word about how sinful homosexuality is.
HIV has killed more people all over the world. Politically
correct mindsets and fear are destroying our society and
turning our youth from God. Those who are demanding tolerance for homosexuality are the most intolerant and hateful
people around.
Mr. Nedom must not be Catholic, as he must believe in
evolution or the big bang and not in Creation since he seems
set on science being the law of nature. The deaths of millions
by HIV male on male sex cannot be compared with the science
of the center of the solar system.
We did not become doormats when we