Homosexuality and Religion

[seattlegal]

Originally Posted by China Cat Sunflower

In considering the role of sexuality in the ancient human cultures, and as mentioned in bonobos culture--how homosexuality wasn't or isn't the taboo that we've become accustomed to, I'm wondering if the evolutionary, or cultural value of homosexuality and same-gender relationships isn't diminished by becoming an immitation of heterosexual relationships. For example, in the Roman army, where homosexual relations were encouraged as a morale building activity, and probably to cut down on problems associated with military men raping women, it doesn't seem that there would be men wanting to marry other men men. That wasn't the function of the activity. So perhaps the idea that one must be either homo or heterosexual, accompanied by the idea that the defacto relationship should be an imitation of monogamous heterosexual coupling, plus the associated patriarchal taboos have negated some of the value of homosexuality in modern societies?

Chris

Hmm, perhaps it might be the violent aspect associated with the military in both the Roman army and in Spartan society that became associated with homosexuality? Just a passing thought.

[path_of_one]

Originally Posted by Quahom1

Oy, I like women, I'm a "warrior", I want my wife (woman). I've never looked at another male, for a sexual outlet (it never dawned on me to consider such).I have been without for up to three years at a time. I dis-agree.

But Q, you've been enculturated to not think of homosexuality as an option. If there is one thing about human sexuality that seems universal, it is that it is flexible and plastic. Not to say that individuals do not have sexual orientations, but to say that culture can cloud or muck these orientations up quite a bit. For example, though the Etoro consider homosexuality the norm, it is highly unlikely that the entire Etoro population is really homosexually oriented. But when kids are raised to think that homosexuality is normal and expected, and heterosexuality yucky and merely necessary for procreation, it's amazing how many people wind up attracted to the same sex. I am not arguing that sexual orientation is a choice, but rather that it is a result of a combination of factors (biology/genetics, society and culture)- with very little choice involved in any of them.

My argument is that most of us become what we have been trained to be. According to research, most of us are not strongly heterosexual or homosexual, but rather hovering near one of these two but still quite malleable in our sexuality. This is not the same thing as bisexuality, being relatively equally attracted to both sexes, which is quite rare.

Obviously, from a procreation standpoint, heterosexuality is imperative. But to say that heterosexual marriages are imperative is to ignore that sexuality and marriage have long been disjointed in humans. It is only in societies like the U.S., in which long-term (ideally) monogamy is the rule for marriage, that heterosexuality for procreation becomes so important. If the society allows for extramarital sex, etc. then the constraint on homosexuality is removed. People can find bonding, comfort, and even long-term love in a homosexual relationship and still be married and procreating with a heterosexual partner.

The function of homosexuality in more ancient cultures was sometimes disassociated from marriage, and sometimes it was not. Likewise, some seemingly homosexual marriages had nothing to do with sex. Among the Nuer, a woman can marry another woman, but they are not homosexual. It is simply a means for a man to pass his inheritance on to future grandsons if he has no sons. One of his daughters stands in as a son, takes a wife and takes on the male responsibilities in the society. But she and her wife are not homosexual- her wife will choose any number of lovers in order to bear children, and is free to create long-term extramarital relationships. There doesn't seem to be any clear-cut, universal (or even general) way that cultures approach the issue of sexuality and marriage, which speaks to me of the flexibility and diversity of the human species.

[truthseeker]

Respectfully speaking a tiny off topic; The humankind is becoming more and more enlightened each day. There are some who refuse it, but I say, for those who accept the diversities of mankind not only are we becoming more healthy and spiritually uplifted, but we are promoting healthiness and spiritual uplifting in those who live lives outside the norm of the pop culture.

[Quahom1]

Originally Posted by path_of_one

But Q, you've been enculturated to not think of homosexuality as an option. If there is one thing about human sexuality that seems universal, it is that it is flexible and plastic...

No, I just think women are prettier and naturally fit men. And that isn't eh cultural...

v/r

Q

[YNOT]

This post is NOT directed toward anyone here. I am just ranting. :-)

One thing I have to say about homosexuality is that there is a shortage of love on this planet....we need all that we can get.

There are many (of course not all) Christians who, because of groupthink, feel they are justified to spew intolerance against homosexuals just because they engage in an activity that, while fulfilling for the homosexuals, just so happens to not result in procreation. I say more power to them. When the 10% of the population who are homosexual are asking for tolerance and respect that doesn't seem like too intrusive a request.

I don't want my government (in the U.S.) legislating the elimination of behavior that doesn't hurt anyone. When some people say that homosexual behavior hurts society, the only pain that I can feel is the throbbing in my head as I try to process this.

I don't remember reading any proscriptions against homosexuality spoken by Jesus. His silence on this issue speaks volumes to me.

[kiwimac]

Amen friend, amen!