Homosexuals: Amidst the Issues of Morality and Conformity
October 1st, 2008 by Dame Jerome
The widely popular debate about homosexuality can be narrowed down to three arguments. (1) Homosexuality is against the natural order; that there are only two, male and female, sexual orientation and that deviations from these is either abnormal or is only a result of mental construct. (2) Homosexuality is against the teachings of God; that God only created Adam and Eve and that people who engage in same-sex intercourse must be put to death (Leviticus 20:13). (3) Acceptance of homosexuals can prove to be detrimental to society; that tolerance of gay people can bring forth a promiscuous generation driven by malevolence and immorality.
In view of the first argument, it is known that compliance with the natural order is one of the foundations of a great society. That opposing it can bring unhappiness. Then why is it that when a gay person tries to alter and hide (coined as hiding in a closet), his being homosexual, he experiences feelings of being manipulated, fear of socializing with other people, and imaginary speculations of other people about his sexuality? When in fact he’s trying to find a way to change his sexual orientation or in other words, follow the so-called natural order, where only heterosexuals exist? And why is it that when a gay person fully embraces his homosexuality, which is considered against the natural order, he experiences a feeling of euphoria? Wherein he feels he can conquer the world? Wherein he is free from the feeling of being manipulated, free of the fear of criticisms and free of the imaginary speculations of other people? I therefore consider the first argument wrong. Homosexuality is not against the natural order for it brings no harm and despair to the person embracing it.
Leviticus 20:13 which states that people who engage in same-sex intercourse must be put to death is one of the main reasons why the church is against Homosexuality. But it’s also written in the bible that women are forbidden to speak in church (I Corinthians 14:3) and disobedient sons must be stoned to death (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). Are these passages suppose to be interpreted the way it is? If so, then why is it that women who speaks in church and disobedient sons are not condemned explicitly by the church the way homosexuals are? These passages are but some of the parts in bible that implies what kind of scripture it is. The hard thing about the bible is that it doesn’t come with a manual or a guide to interpret it. People will interpret it based on their own reasons and experiences. That is why from this single book sprung out many Christian divisions such as Roman Catholic, Protestant, Iglesia ni Cristo and Born Again. I therefore consider the second argument invalid, because interpretation of the Bible is subjective.
The last argument is probably the most debatable, for why must society accept homosexuals if they will stir conflict in it? In Economics, we have learned that one of the functions of society is to serve as a “meeting place” for people to satisfy their needs. Because as an isolated individual, you cannot provide on your own the daily needs you require. Having said that, why are we creating standards that push people away from society, particularly the homosexuals? Why should we isolate them when they could prove to be helpful in the progress of our society, like what Ellen Degeneres and Elton John have been?
The same argument was used to oppose the right of women to vote. When women sought the right to vote and participate in politics in many counties, it was believed that the interests of society were put to jeopardy. That it’s also against “nature” of women staying at home and doing housework. But what happened after they were given the chance to vote and participate in politics? Isn’t it that it gave them dignity and paved way to the continuous crusade of women to bring equality? What if we also cease the discrimination against gay? And yield positive results to the advantage of society? Isn’t that worth trying for?
In the issue of morality, it’s common especially in our country that whenever a gay person pass by, especially if his hair is long, he’s wearing mini skirts, backless dress and heels, we cannot help but come to conclusions that that person is promiscuous, pervert and immoral. But then if we delve in to the issue of morality, we will learn that sexual orientation has nothing to do with it. It is the level of education, being rational and the conscience of man that determines the kind of being he’ll be. Being homosexual does not hinder a person from being morally upright, the way being a heterosexual does not guarantee that a person will be ethical.
With these said, I consider the last argument false, for several gay people have already contributed to the well-being of society and that the conclusion that gay people will bring immorality to society is only a product of generalization and the fallacy of division.
For me, the things discussed in the defense argument are but sound proof that the time has come for us to leave the past vehind and head straight to the inevitable direction of change that the current winds of our society are leading us. My belief, supported with my defense, is that acceptance of homosexuals will rattle but not destroy the society and it’s churches. And when such vision is attained, gays and lesbians will finally be given a chance to freely fulfill their highest potential as human being and as sons and daughters of God.
I invite comments, objections and refutations.
This work, unless otherwise expressly stated, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Philippines License.
(+12 rating, 14 votes)October 1st, 2008 by Dame Jerome The bearer of this profile definitely needs no introduction. He's a bona fide student of the FEU Institute of Nursing and a hopeless commoner who finds grave joy and satisfaction by blogging his heart out and boozing and smoking his nights away in parties. He's an obsessed bookworm-wannabe who lavishes at the work of Mary Higgins Clark and Arthur Golden, wasting his time later on by writing long, lengthy reviews of them. He certainly loves music (he even believes he can't do without it. the freak. . .) especially that of her heroines Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, Sarah Mclachlan and Christina Aguilera. He's uncompromisingly commited to the issues of gay rights, pounding his views and ranting on homophobics. He's rather the mysterious type of person, this Jerome, for you could never truly coin his personality down, unless you befriend him. . . |
Most commented
October 1st, 2008 at 11:05 pm
solusyon: maging baklang agnostic. haha. yan nahanap kong exit sa problema na yan.
?October 2nd, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Being ‘baklang agnostic’ is like saying that not believing in a Supreme Being equates to being liberated from the persecutory views of the church or any religion against homosexuality. God is not about religion. Faith and being involved in an organized church is different. While a religion may cast out homosexuals, it does not necessarily mean that God’s existence is or should be negated.
I’m a gay believer.
October 3rd, 2008 at 11:58 am
Your interpretation of Scripture is rather pathetic.
The Bible clearly forbids homosexuality. You cannot honestly read it and come to any other conclusion.
KuyaKevin.com: Same-Sex Relationships
October 3rd, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I agree to this post. I am lesbian, so I understand how it feels. Gays and lesbians are pushed in the dark, and because we are left with little to choose from, we conform to this society’s conventional ways. I hope the future will be bright for people like us.
October 3rd, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Ahihihi! I’m a gay believer too! I remember being told by this cathecist before that if I don’t change my way, I’ll go to hell. But when I read the bible, I reaalized that one way or another, gay or not, we will be judged. And we will be so in the highest court of all, in heaven. On that fateful day what you are in the eyes of Catholics, Iglesia ni Christo and other homophobic fanatics who does nothing but push others away will not matter. The only thing that will matter is who you are in the eyes of God.
Thanks for taking the time to read and for the comments!
XOXO
Jerome
?October 3rd, 2008 at 9:39 pm
@OB
actually an agnostic is a person who believes in the existence of God and that’s it. other things are unknowable. but i dont believe in any religion esp. christianity. i dont believe in the bible either. it didnt come directly from heaven.
October 3rd, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Jansuing,
You are incorrect.
The word agnostic literally means “don’t know.” Gnostic comes from the Greek word for knowledge, and “a” signifies “absence of” (example: asymmetry means an absence of symmetry).
Therefore, an agnostic believes there may be a God, but he/she is has not fully decided. God is thus not a factor in an agnostic’s life.
An atheist believe there is no God: “a” meaning absence of; “theist” comes from “theos,” the greek word for God.
October 4th, 2008 at 12:06 am
ahahaha. another interesting topic.
firstly, i don’t believe in the Bible that much. because if it is the word of God, why not God wrote it himself, and allow hippocrites to write something about Him?
second, im a monotheist. i don’t go to church for almost a year. an exemtion was last june 25 (i am forced to attend the mass). before and after which, i wasn’t able to enter church.
thirdly, IM GAY. AND IM PROUD TO BE GAY. i am respected by my peers, my family, and my fellow “kasimaryo” (kababayan as you could say in tagalog) in ILOILO. they even look up to me as someone with a very high ethical standard. although when i was young, i wasn’t immune to criticisms and ridicule. but hey, when i started high school (and since almost everyone in my barrio knew me, my father was a barangay captain then, from 1990-2007), people started to treat me differently. i have lived to witness how they have viewed homosexuality. yes, when you are young, they always tease or scold you, but when you grow older, that’s the time people would treat you differently. especially if you proven your “supremacy” over them. i only feel sorry for some fellow homosexuals having a difficulty of living in secrecy. they should not be afraid of what people would. they should be afraid of them being not free of their feelings. i still look up to homosexuals as PEOPLE WITH SUPERB TALENT, INTELLIGENCE AND CREATIVITY. and you rarely see them on straight men and women.
October 4th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Guru,
What do you mean “allow hypocrites to write something about him?”
Was Mose a hypocrite? Was king David a hypocrite? Were the Apostles all hypocrites?
Do you even know what “hypocrite” means? It comes from the Greek word for “actor.” The writers God used to write the Bible were not perfect, but I would not describe them as actors/pretenders.
I’m trying to be very respectful of all of your opinions, but your arguments are very empty and lazily written. You don’t believe the Bible–fine, and I appreciate your honesty on that. But put a little more thought into your reasoning.
You said you are a monotheist. Why? Why not believe there are many gods? After all, if the Bible is not reliable, why believe any of it (including Genesis 1:1)?
October 4th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Type error (dapat “Moses” not “Mose”)
October 4th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
@ Kuya Kevin
It’s really nice that we’re able to discuss this in such a very open and productive manner. And since I invited suggestions and comments, I’ll level up with you.
What I’m saying is that we cannot use the Bible in concluding that homosexuals are indeed termite-like individuals who comtinously feed on the morals and standards of society, as the way they are often perceived.
I didn’t write this essay to mislead people into thinking that same-sex intercourse is tolerated in the Bible, because as what I had written, God strictly forbids it. But what I am against of is that certain religious groups are so aggressive in their opposition of gay people and their acts, while they tend to continously violate certain laws (even those that are included in the en commandments) like the passages that I have written above.
If they can interpret the Bible in such fashion that they can tolerate creating images of God and eating pork for example (you can esearch about this. it is plainly witten in the bible that all followers of God are forbidden to eat pork), then why can they not do so with the acts of the homosexuals? That might sound blasphemous but consider it.
Given these faults, should we then be swayed by how people interpret the Bible? Should gay people be ashamed that they are continously bombarded by “religious people”, given the fact that these people are not without flaw themselves? I think not. You say that my interpretation of the Bible is rather pathetic, under what authority do you speak? When the Bible as I’ve said, comes without a manual, and the interpetation of it depends on the rationality and beliefs of certain individuals. Do you consider your interpretation, then, as the right one? Maybe it is, or maybe it’s not. The same thing goes with my interpretation. All I know is that I can go to the depths of hell as payment fighting on how I perceive the Bible. For I do not, and will not, picture God as this unforgiving figure who sat on His throne waiting on people to commit mistake so that He can struck them.
I have read the Bible, and considering the fact that the God I met there is strict and indeed can be unforgiving, I can stand up to Him and say that He made me a homosexual. That’s because as early as kinder I already knew I was gay. Should I blame myself for this? Was I even at the capable age to understand and make decision that made me the full blown drag queen that I am today? Maybe not. All I know is that I’m fully ready to face punishment if ever I am indeed unworthy of the chance in Heaven. I though fear for those people who continously believe that they are righteous in their acts that they prosecute others, because they are the kind of people who tends to be blinded by such beliefs, unknowing that they are indeed paving their path towards where they believe people they coin as sinners are meant to be.
XOXO
Jerome
?October 4th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
@ GURU
Ang taray! Pansin mo rin pala yun? Ahihihi!
Thanks for taking the time to read my essay.
Go gay power!
Ahahaha!
XOXO
Jerome
?October 4th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
@ Kuwatro
yes we all hope for the same. one way or another we can pound hard enough to the thick skull of homophobes that us watching movies with our patners, dating them does not affect others. we only want tolerance, nothing more.
Ahihihi!
I still tend to get married! hopefully pag tanda ko legalized na ang same sex mariage. Hahaha
XOXO
Jerome
?October 4th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
What I’m saying is that you have randomly quoted Bible passages without considering the context. You said, for example, that homosexuality is forbidden based on Leviticus. Well, that is quite a shallow understanding the whole biblical sexual ethic. The Bible’s sexual ethic starts in Genesis 2:24 and goes all the way through Revelation. God’s standard is clear: one man, one woman in a covenant of marriage.
You talk about eating pork. Well, the New Testament clearly indicates that there are no eating restrictions under the New Covenant (1st Timothy 4:3-5). Let’s not compare that to homosexuality.
God, of course, has sent his Son to pay for our sins–we can experience eternal life if we repent and believe in the gospel. But repentance requires that we agree with God about the nature of sin–that God defines it and not us.
October 5th, 2008 at 10:28 am
@kuya kevin
actually there are many types of agnosticism, and the one that you talked about was strong agnosticism. A strong agnostic would say, “I don’t know whether God exists or not, and neither do you.”
and i categorize myself as a agnostic theist – the view of those who do not claim to know existence of any deity, but STILL BELIEVE in such an existence.
?October 5th, 2008 at 10:29 am
AN agnostic theist hehehe
?October 5th, 2008 at 10:33 am
@GURU
i feel the same way! i also am happy that when i came out, my family and friends embraced every inch of me (except for some, but i don’t care really about them). i think my being gay also helped me become a more mature person too because of the challenges i have to face during the most crucial part of my life, which I believe is adolescence. and now that i’m nearing to the threshold of adulthood (i’m 18), i know for sure i have the wisdom to aid me with the future trials im about to face, with or without a god.
GAY PRIDE!
?October 5th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
@ Kuya Kevin
Yes. That’s exactly my point in this essay. It is God who defines the nature of sin, not us human. I’m delighted that we can come at a same ground. That’s why I can’t stop myself from ranting on people who continously attack us with the word of God. For in the end, if ever we will be held punishable, we are the ones who will suffer for it, not them. Others should shut the hell up and focus on their own passport to heaven.
I’m glad that I’m able to talk about this with someone who knows the Bible. But I think you miss my other point. We all have different views and perception of the Bible. That’s why from a single book, there branched out several religious subgroups. Others approve of eating pork, others consider doing so punishable (Adventist). Others worship through Saints and statues (Catholics), others do not. Others approve of having gays, others kick them out if they can’t change (Iglesia). You definitely can’t say that all of these perceptions are right, for obviously this or the other is wrong. That’s why, I really believe, that no matter how intent we are in finding the right answers in the Bible, we can’t know if our interpretation is the right one. For God only knows. That’s why I, and many I think, interpret the Bible the way we perceive them rather than be continously isolated and pounded by religious fanatics. My issues will be dealt with God Himself in due time. I just don’t buy the idea that God put us here so that in the end He can send us straight to hell because we were born this way.
XOXO
?Jerome
October 5th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Yes Jansuing! GAY PRIDE!
?October 5th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Jerome,
If we can’t know right from wrong and truth from lies, then God will not hold us accountable for knowing either. I reject that notion.
I find it a little contradictory to argue that everyone who disagrees with you should “shut the hell up.” That’s quite intolerant.
October 5th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Ok I guess I was too vulgar. My apologies. Hahaha. It’s just my style of writing. And I wasn’t reffering to you, by the way. I am indeed sorry.
Anygay, I guess we can continue doing this for ages and still we won’t compromise our beliefs. You can start giving ideas and I would just contradict them. I guess all I can say is that it’s nice to meet someone like you who has firm grasp on his beliefs and would back it up not just with ideas, but with facts. Just like I do.
It was nice meeting you. I hope I didn’t come out as this insensitive homosexual that you might have perceived that I am.
XOXO
Jerome
October 5th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
I wasn’t offended–just wanted to challenge that statement.
Thanks for being willing to discuss this.
And for the record, I want to make it clear that I am a sinner saved by the grace of God.
KuyaKevin.com: Just Like You
October 6th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Well, that settles it. ;)
I don’t believe in the Bible either, but I believe in God.
The Bible was written by people, writing scriptures based on their own perception of what God wants, and not what God really wants. It cannot be considered as a basis of right and wrong, because right and wrong is very subjective. That is why we cannot achieve world peace, kasi ang tama at mali ay nasa kanya-kanyang pananaw, at walang iisang tama at iisang mali.
I am prooud to be lesbian. Ako rin gusto kong ikasal pag laki ko. Sana legal na nga yun by then! Haha ;)
October 6th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
*PROUD, not prooud. Typo error, sorry.
October 7th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Kwatro,
You don’t really believe right and wrong are completely subjective. Would it be OK for someone to pull out a gun and shoot you because he decided there’s nothing wrong with it?
October 7th, 2008 at 8:59 am
By the way, if you believe the Biblical authors were wrong in their perception of what God wants, do you also believe you could be wrong in your perception of what God wants?
October 7th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
but despite of the argument, sometimes GAYS are better than guys.. proven and tested..
October 11th, 2008 at 3:41 am
daming comments a
October 13th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Uu nga eh. hehehe. Mever thought it’d be that controversial. Thank you all for taking the tme to read this. There’s more to come!
XOXO
Jerome
November 21st, 2008 at 8:19 am
Let’s not merely base people’s stereotyping and tolerance to gay on bible passages. Bible or religion will always be debatable. All I know is that there’s this divine power that created order in our environment. Divine power that made the earth revolve around its orbit that when it becomes derailed may lead to destruction. I careless about the bible or who wrote it but I believe that whoever created men and women and their way to multiply themselves is so unearthly genius. But then being gay I think is also a part of the divine creation. We were given personalities and this personality is a product of how,where orfrom whom we were raised during our childhood years. Im basing this statement from some theorists of personality dev. Personality dictates our feelings towards something or someone consciously or unconsciously. The personality of a gay is a product of events that may be traceable during their childhood years. I heard some friends of mine saying they don’t want to be gay but they can’t help it. It may be a choice and maybe not for some. Gay people like straight paople are also in search for the natural order. Gay people like straight people as well deviates from the ethical principles written in the bible. Being a womanizer is more grave than being gay. Gay people dont hurt other people’s feelings just because of being gay itself.
November 25th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
why base on the bible? its merely like any other book made. What matters most I guess is how we all have different beliefs. Like me, I’m an Unitarian Universalist and I don’t believe the Bible is “the word of God”.
You just really have to stand up straight and face them all saying “I’m gay and I don’t care what you say” it’d be absolutely ridiculous if you let people step on you.
December 5th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Kuya Kevin,
Well, if someone shot me because he/she thought there was nothing wrong with it, then he/she does so at her own risk.
What I am trying to say here, Kuya Kevin, is that WHATEVER people choose to do, then it is to their own free will, and risk. You cannot just go on forcing your way and your beliefs (however subtle or agressive you may be) to other people, especially if they thought otherwise, because it would be hopeless, fruitless, and dumb.
So there. Live your own life, as I do mine.
January 1st, 2009 at 1:41 pm
mag talo man kayo boong mag hapon, hindi sila mawawala..
?infact dumadami pa sila… d naman sila na nganganak.. hihihi…
February 7th, 2009 at 11:58 am
First and foremost, I do believe in CHANGE.
1. Like what Kuya Kevin is reiterating. GOD LOVES US so He don’t want us to go astray. Regarding the Bible, “it is inspired by God” even though only humans wrote its contents. (II Timothy 3:16 comes to mind: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;” So we have a claim here. But a claim is not proof, is it? ) How could He manifest His existence by merely throwing a book from heaven down to earth. GOD is a God that uses people to glorify Him.
(For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world, and the despised, God has chosen, the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are, that no man should boast before God. 1 Cor.1:26-29. )
2. I don’t despise GAYS or LESBIANS. I may not be one of them but I do love them. I have lots of friends who belong to this part of society. Despite their sexual preference, I do mingle with them. I do believe that they are one of the reasons why God chose to come down to earth in the form of JESUS CHRIST; He indeed SAVES. =)
February 21st, 2009 at 2:25 am
hindi naman masama maging gay or lesbian..it’s innate and no one can change that….with regards to feelings, we all don’t have the freewill..will to choose whom to like or love..homosexuals only have the choices..maging decent na homosexual or maging wild..at dyan pumapasok ang morality..i think gays and lesbians can continue to be whatever they wanted to be as long as they don’t cross the boundary…ang pumatol sa samesex (and the other things na forbidden sa bible..like magdamit ng pambabae or lalake etc)..what im trying to say is that they can still love the samesex yun nga lng alam nating mali ang samesex relationship so wag pumatol..you can love samesex pero “wag na makipagrelasyon”…well it’s a self sacrifice…that’s life..napakahirap ng buhay ng mga homosexual..but it would be more complicated kung dadagdagan pa ng forbidden relationship…kung iisipin homosexual are destined to be like priest and nuns..
March 18th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
i DONT WANA TALK DERBY here..its quite conventional!Being a gay and a Lez is not a destiny its a Choice.. its beyond human intervention and how they deal with the matter per si.
Look you (of course me) us Human become more effective by being selective…Never confuse activity with productivity.till next installment 
?June 20th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
everybody believes that their opinion are true and i respect all of u. but of course to some commentator i can’t agree.
“homosexuality is innate” – when you say innate it is inborn or natural. many things affects the sexual orientation of a person like culture, the people around you, where you are frequently engaged. therefore it is not innate as it is not biological.
“bible’s interpretation is subjective” – to see is to believe and to believe is to see. so it depends.
“agnostic” – the existence of God is not provable. but not an atheist.
–faith for me would support everyones reason.
the faithful you are to God the higher you defend his ideals
the lesser you faith the more you contradict
–you think you’re doings things right theres no need for you to defend even if other poeple would criticize you. (perhaps you would oppose by: you have the reason to defend because you are on the right track) remember: it is better to live by your principles rather than revolving to others perceptions. i guess it is a never ending process of defending if they cant understand or emphatized with you.
–homosexuality for me- is not about your orientation today (gay / lesbian), its about your biology as a man and women by nature.
bible-for me serves a guide. just like religion – we have different religions but most of us are christians. what i mean is we believe in variable ways but still we faith as a christian. except for those who are atheist! go to hell….
——-i tried to be assertive and firm here. if i might offend others point of view. my apology…—— take care!
*INTELLECTUALIZE RATHER THAN RATIONALIZE*
June 25th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
ehhem.. im not a part of ur “FEU” clan guys… but im a gay! and
i think i have a right to give my opinion here..
im 18 yrs old, i’m a freshman of “ABE” BSIT .
it doesn’t matter kung anu ung gender mo what matter is totoo ka
tsaka wag n nating idamay ung bible..
hehe.. peace na sa mga di nmn homosexual!!
just keep ur ass off our sight so that we can avoid errors and sins!!
peace man!!
November 5th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Wow naman pag “gay issues” ang pinaguusapan napakadaming nagcocomment… eto lang ang akin, nothings wrong with being a gay… its a way of life… it a way of expressing individuality… what makes being a gay WRONG in the eyes of many ay whatever they see na hindi nagcocomply to their own standards and the society’s standards per se… isa rin akong BAKLA na nagmumula sa lupain ng mga BAKLA at ng mga CLOSET QUEENS… what we all need is RESPECT… RESPECT for individulity, way of life and one’s standards and morality definition… RESPECT…
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