Paul’s
discussion of sexuality and marriage can, it seems to me, be extended to same
sex marriage. He generally prefers celibacy, so he has to make an argument for
sexuality and marriage of any sort. As I wrote in my blog yesterday, his basic
argument is that (1) not all are called to celibacy; (2) those who are not called
to celibacy will be troubled by sexual desire unless they can find some
legitimate sexual outlet; (3) marriage is the legitimate outlet for sexual
desire. Therefore men and women should marry and should meet each other’s
sexual needs in marriage.
Paul
only mentions heterosexual couples. And in Romans 1, Paul is pretty negative
about homosexuality (though that passage can be read in more than one way). But
in principle, Paul’s argument in 1 Corinthians 7 could be extended to same sex
couples.
Perhaps
some gay or lesbian people are called to lives of celibacy, but most appear not
to be, as is true for most straight people.
To suggest that those who are not called to celibacy must remain
celibate anyway is to condemn them to being “aflame with passion,” precisely the
reason why Paul thinks people should marry. Celebrating gay marriage seems like
a better and more faithful option.
This
argument does not mean that anything goes. On the contrary, it presumes that
the same standards of sexual ethics apply to heterosexual and homosexual
marriages. The couple should intend a loving, mutual, lifelong, monogamous
commitment. That couples often find themselves unable to fulfill their
intentions calls for compassion rather than judgment. But it doesn’t change the
ideal, regardless of the gender of the spouses.
Fr. Harvey
Love Fr.Harvey's hilarious and restrained commentary on sex in biblical times.Who knows what they where really thinking was right or godly with their many harems, eunuchs and kingly privileges?Sometimes the biblical stories seem to show what went so humanly wrong and was so subtly and divinely corrected? What a wonderful opportunity to contemplate our own sexual ethics and moral commitments and move forward in grace with respect and understanding for others.
ReplyDelete