Letter Twenty-Four:
Alternative Culture
My Dear Family,
In our home, we prefer not to identify people primarily by their sexual orientation, whether it be heterosexual, bi-sexual, lesbian, gay, trans, queer/questioning etc., because it is demeaning to the fullness of our humanity as divine image bearers. Primarily we identify ourselves as God’s children, disciples of Jesus. That we are all more than how we “do” sex most would agree. This question of self-identity is crucial.
The reasons for people identifying with the LGBTQ+ culture are many and varied, and I do not pretend to understand or make simple something so complex. However, it is legitimate to ask, what is at the core of this culture? I think it is safe to say that “obedience” is not a word generally used positively within the culture. Rather, it is more accurate to say that freedom defined as autonomy of the person in self-expression is fundamental to the culture’s identity. As such, it is an alternative culture to the Catholic culture.
The Kingdom of Heaven, as Jesus unrolls it, is a culture of freedom defined in a completely different way. Freedom equals responsibility. Liberty is the freedom to grow in virtue, empowered supernaturally to rise above our natural inclinations of self-gratification, unshackled from sin, free from rebellion. It is a culture of peace, where we do what is ordered and right not because we must, but because we want to.
Many in the LGBTQ+ community reject the above culture because they feel, by and large, rejected by it. They are afraid and feel judged. The Church can do far better in accepting all people and challenging sinful acts at the same time. More will be said on this in our next letter. Granted, many enter this culture because they find an acceptance there, safe from the scowls of family, a place where they can just be themselves. However, there is something else at work here – autonomy! The culture is very seductive in many ways for the very reason that it is forbidden. Autonomy is seductive; it is Eve taking the forbidden fruit. It is the “forbidden” that is so enticing.
Jesus is not threatened by this alternative culture. He knows no fear. He sees everyone as divine image bearers, and can navigate lovingly through their streets. Jesus is not amused by “gay jokes” that demean people. He hates violence toward anyone. In our household we must be just like our Master.
Yours in Christ,
Father John Worgul
Takeaway
The alternative culture is very seductive for many reasons, but primarily because it promotes personal autonomy. Jesus and His Church promote true freedom through obedience.
Discussion Questions
- How would you describe this alternative culture in contrast to the culture of Christ to someone who is sincerely asking you questions?
- In what ways do we as a church behave to validate the alternative culture’s beliefs or expectations of the church? How can we do better?