Go, Janelle Christine 131813 TH131 JTA-A Research Paper Outline Feb.

19, 2016
Thesis Statement (Topic #5): This paper aims to explore the Catholic Churchs stand on
same sex attraction (SSA) according to its moral teachings, if persons with SSA should be
chaste and why, the options available for persons with SSA regarding this, and other views
and options about SSA by Catholic moral theologians.
I. Introduction
A. Different levels of SSA (Homosexuals, bisexuals, experimenting heterosexuals)
B. Where does SSA come from?
1. In-born/genetic
2. Outside factors from ones environment
II. Body
A. What does Catholic moral theology say about SSA?
1. There is a distinction between homosexual orientation and homosexual acts/lifestyle.
2. The homosexual orientation is objectively disordered but is not a sin since freedom is
necessary to commit sin. However, homosexual acts are not only objectively disordered
but are also sins because they concern free choice.
3. Scripture is against homosexuality and is reflected in the Old and New Testaments
a. Genesis (Adam and Eve, the purpose of sex is procreation in marriage)
b. Leviticus (Result of Original Sin: Sodom and Gomorrah)
c. Corinthians
4. The homosexual lifestyle is morally wrong, and thus homosexuals must live chastely.
B. SSA and Chastity
1. Everyone is called to chastity, not just persons with SSA.
2. Chastity is not the same as celibacy.
3. People with SSA carry a heavier burden/ cross by living with their condition.
C. What are the options for people with SSA?
1. Live in chastity by seeking pastoral care and a support group, avoiding temptations,
and fulfilling his vocation by dedicating his life to the church.
2. In some cases, persons with SSA can overcome their tendencies through therapy.
3. Live the homosexual lifestyle which is against the teachings of the catholic church.
4. The viability of person with SSA to be ordained into holy positions.
D. Alternative views about SSA
III. Conclusion

BIBLIOGRAPHY
CHURCH DOCUMENTS
Grocholewski, Cardinal Zenon and Miller, Michael J. Instruction Concerning the Criteria
for the Discernment of Vocations with regard to Persons with Homosexual Tendencies
in view of their Admission to the Seminary and to Holy Orders. August 31, 2005.
The Holy See. http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/
ccatheduc/documents/rc_con_ccatheduc_doc_20051104_istruzione_en.html (accessed
February 15, 2016).
Ratzinger, Joseph and Amato, Angelo. Considerations regarding proposals to give legal
recognition to unions between homosexual persons. June 3, 2003. The Holy See.
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_do
c_20030731_homosexual-unions_en.html (accessed February 15, 2016).
Ratzinger, Joseph. Letter to the bishops of the Catholic Church on the pastoral care of
homosexual persons. October 1, 1986. The Holy See.
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_do
c_19861001_homosexual-persons_en.html (accessed February 15, 2016).
E-BOOKS
Harvey, John F. Same Sex Attraction: Catholic Teaching and Pastoral Practice. USA:
Knights of Columbus Supreme Council, 2007. http://www.kofc.org/un/en/resources/
cis/cis385.pdf
Morrison, David. Homosexuality. London and San Francisco, CA: The Incorporated Catholic
Truth Society of London and Ignatius Press, 2008. http://www.ignatius.com/
promotions/catholic-truth-society/download/homosexuality.pdf
JOURNAL ARTICLES
Morrison, David C. "Out of the Closet and into Chastity." This Rock (July/August 1994): 1016, http://www.catholiceducation.org/en/marriage-and-family/sexuality/out-of-thecloset-and-into-chastity.html.
Thomas & Judy Lickona with William Boudreau, M.D. "What Is Chastity?" & "How Can I
Be Chaste?" Chapter 15 and 16 in Sex, Love, and You: Making the Right
Decision (Notre Dame, Indiana: Ave Maria Press, 2003), 7-10; 151-155; 156-169,
http://www.catholiceducation.org/en/marriage-and-family/sexuality/what-is-chastityamp-how-can-i-be-chaste.html.
BOOKS
McNeill, John J. The church and the homosexual. Boston: Beacon Press, 1988.