Christian words to a homosexual Page: 5 of 11
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part of the picture. But what is clear, thanks
to such investigations as those which we asso-
ciate with the name of Dr. Kinsey, is that a very
large number of men and women (particularly
men) have had some overt homosexual experi-
ence at some time in their lives, usually when
they were young. Most do not continue; some
do. Those who do cannot be held up as objects
of scorn and contempt; they are what they are,
for whatever reason, and they must be respected
as human beings whom others should try to
understand. Whether they are "latent" homo-
sexuals, who never act on their desires, or overt
ones, who do so, they are human beings. On
this all the experts in sexual matters are agreed;
and the Christian churches are now ready to
affirm that they are also God's loved children.
It is inaccurate to say that all homosexuals
are "out to seduce others," especially children
and adolescents. Recent studies have proved,
beyond a shadow of doubt, that this is not the
case. Most homosexuals are attracted to per-
sons of their own age or very slightly younger;
very few indeed are drawn to young children
or adolescents. Adolescents themselves may
engage in homosexual acts with one another;
but that is a different matter. The truth is that
homosexuals and heterosexuals are alike in this
respect, the experts tell us; only those with
some deep personality defect are likely to
seduce those of tender years, whether they are
male or female.
Finally, the homosexual condition is very
human in one respect if in no other. Like every
8other man or woman, the homosexual wants to
love and to be loved. So do all of us-it is the
mark of our human nature to desire to love
and to receive love from others. A Christian
should recognize that this is a part of God's
"image" in us. God is Love, as the First Letter
of St. John tells us. He is yearning, passionate,
seeking, active Love. He has made us for love
and he has made us to love. He intends that
everyone of his human children shall become
a "lover," one who gives herself or himself to, is
concerned for, and seeks loving relationship
with, others of the race.
A celebrated English Quaker pamphlet on
the subject has dared to remark that one reason
for homosexual prostitution and promiscuity,
which are inescapable facts in the general homo-
sexual situation, is that the homosexual's kind
of love is so widely rejected or condemned, that
the possibility of establishing a socially approved
long-time relationship with another is often
nearly impossibly difficult. The only way in
which he or she can experience even the fac-
simile of love is through these means. It is not
sheer physical lust which motivates such people,
so much as it is the "deep down desire" to love
and to be loved. That is why they seek another,
hoping to find relief from loneliness and fulfil-
ment of self. Alas, the results are sometimes
tragic. But they are not very different from the
similar case of the heterosexual who engages in
promiscuous acts or uses a female prostitute,
because he cannot find (or thinks he cannot
find) real love. It is real love, however, that
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Pittenger, Rev. Dr. W. Norman. Christian words to a homosexual, book, Date Unknown; Cincinnati, Ohio. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1787730/m1/5/: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.