On the quest to find causes of homosexuality

There are a number of different theories that attempt to explain why certain people experience homosexual inclinations.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that the origin of homosexuality remains largely explained. (CCC 2357).  Until 1973, the American Psychological Association considered homosexuality a mental disorder.  The board of trustees of the organisation decided to drop a one hundred year old psychological definition by a vote of six to four, which was confirmed by a membership vote.

Richard Fitzgibbons believes that the main origins of homosexual attractions and behaviours are “loneliness and sadness, mistrust and fear, profound feelings of inadequacy and a lack of self acceptance, narcissism, excessive anger, sexual abuse in childhood, and a lack of balance in one’s life couples with overwhelming feelings of responsibility.”  (The truth about homosexuality: the cry of the faithful, Fr John F Harvey OSFS, Ignatius, San Francisco, 1996, p307).

Father John Harvey believes that there are four main factors in what he prefers to call same sex attraction.  He has shown that “a vast corpus of clinical literature and child development research point to impairment of core gender identity or gender role identity in the etiology of homosexuality.”  (The homosexual person Fr john Harvey, Ignatius, San Francisco, 1987, p71).  He also believes that homosexuality does not originate in sexual gratification but an anxiety arising from a deep seated threat of isolation, helplessness and even disintegration. (ibid. p72).

The first factor is an inability to identify with a same sex parent.  This might come about because the parent is seen as distant or hostile.  As boys need fathers to grow a healthy sense of masculinity, girls learn from mothers what it means to be a woman and how to behave.  Ismond Rosen, a British Psychoanalyst writes, “For males, the presence of a good loving father during development is probably the best proof against homosexual development. I can think of no case of homosexuality I have had to deal with where such a father has been present in the childhood years of development.”  (the truth about homosexuality, p89).

The second factor is an over bearing relationship with a parent of the opposite gender.   This might happen through a relationship that is too close in the wrong context, or perhaps in relationships where children have become substitutes for parents.  Dr William Consiglio has highlighted the phenomenon of emotional over dependency.  “Homosexual women often have such fear of the opposite sex because of painful memories of the opposite sex parent.” (the truth about homosexuality, p106)

A third factor is an inability to identify with other colleagues of the same sex during adolescence and childhood.  Some boys feel inferior to others and will feel reluctant to play sports and might prefer girls as companions.  Boys may feel intimidated by competition from other boys but at the same time yearn for closer relationships with other males.

A four factor is emotional abuse such as neglect or sexual trauma.  This might happen through a father who neglects a younger son if he is less talented at sports.  Being a witness or victim of sexual violence may bring serious consequences to a child’s sense of sexual identity.

Many scientists have attempted to rationalize homosexuality by attempting to prove the presence of a ‘gay gene.’  Some researches believe that homosexual inclinations lie in brain structures, genetics or hormones.  At present there are no clear cut studies that demonstrate a link between homosexuality and genetics.

The Church has clearly distinguished between homosexual inclinations and homosexual acts.  A homosexual tendency or condition is not a sin, but a homosexual action is immoral.  Five clear references in the Bible show that homosexual actions are immoral (Leviticus 18:22, 20:13, Romans 1:27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 1 Timothy 1:9-10).  The Catechism states that those with homosexual inclinations should be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. (CCC 2358).

Father John Harvey is the founder of Courage, a Catholic organisation to help those with same sex attractions live a chaste life.  There are groups that meet mostly in North America to encourage friendship, prayer and community support.  Again, the Catechism recommends such ways for those with same sex attractions to reach perfection (CCC 2359).

The then Cardinal Ratzinger wrote beautifully about the meaning of the cross in a letter about homosexuality.  He wrote, “homosexual persons… are called to enact the will of God in their life by joining whatever sufferings and difficulties they experience in virtue of their condition to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross.  That Cross, for the believer, is a fruitful sacrifice since from that death come life and redemption.  While any call to carry the cross or to understand a Christian's suffering in this way will predictably be met with bitter ridicule by some, it should be remembered that this is the way to eternal life for all who follow Christ. … It is easily misunderstood, however, if it is merely seen as a pointless effort at self-denial.  The Cross is a denial of self, but in service to the will of God himself who makes life come from death and empowers those who trust in him to practise virtue in place of vice.  (Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the pastoral care of homosexual persons, Congregation of the doctrine of the faith, 1986, n. 12).

All those who experience same sex attraction are called to the virtue of chastity.  St Paul writes that, “You cannot belong to Christ unless you crucify all self-indulgent passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24).  The self mastery of chastity leads to an inner freedom that sets one free from the realms of a way of life that has potential to be profoundly destructive.  By speaking the “truth in love” on this issue (Ephesians 4:15), the “truth will set you free” (John 8:32).