any more. Of them all, the Catholic Church seemed to be the most aware of us, the Protestant Church the most anxious to "treat us," and the Jewish the most certain that because of the high value placed upon the family by its teachings that Jewish homosexuals must be very few.
Dear Sirs:
Mr. S.
North Bergen, New Jersey
If Christ were upon the earth today I am sure he would not consider the homosexual different from those of other sexual desires. He would be, as we say, Christ-like and love and respect all of his flock. I cannot conceive of his acting in any other way. These holierthan-thou clergymen should look around their own back yards before voicing their (usually wrong) opinions on homosexuality.
After reading Fr. Buckley's book, MORALITY AND THE HOMOSEXUAL, I can only say that the Roman Catholic Church has much to learn about Christianity, also, having studied for more than three years in one of the largest Catholic seminaries in this country my experience tells me they better not cast stones at others.
Dear Sirs:
Mr. Q.
Bronx, New York
May I quote to you from a column by Bishop Sheen? It might shed some more light on the Roman Catholic Church's views.
"When one falls into a perversion or an excess of any appetite, for example, alcoholism or carnal perversion, the remedy is not in the eradication of the instinct, but rather its transformation. Our Blessed Lord did not condemn love in the Magdalen which degenerated into erotic luxury; rather He transformed it, making her fires burn upward instead of downward .. Many a person who is a great sinner has the possibility of becoming a great saint on condition that he channels the energy into a different direction.
"The pleasure associated with the satisfaction of every instinct decreases with its exercise. That is why alcoholics and degenerates become caught in their excesses; they have to repeat their sins and intensify them in order to capture a diminishing pleasure."
It seems to me that the greatest service ONE is doing is making a lot of young men who read it realize that they are not alone in this problem. It must also be remembered, as I understand it, the Church also condemns as sinful heterosexual relations between unmarried persons. Homosexuals acts are considered a more serious sin because of being against nature, a perversion.
Mr. B.
North Adams, Mass.
one
Dear Sir:
I at least try to follow my religious faith, but it is extremely difficult to reconcile homosexuality and Catholicism, also, I have a great deal more yearning for young boys than for older men. I am not a complete homosexual. I still love a woman if the opportunity presents itself, however I seldom go out of my way to find a woman, but I'd drive hundreds of miles for a slim, good-looking affectionate young boy.
It would be much better in many ways, I realize, if I could find a good woman and marry. However, it is very debatable whether or not that would be any real solution. As I am now twenty-nine the chances are slim for my breaking away. I do not know whether it is possible for homosexual unions to be on a high and respectable plane.
Gentlemen:
Mr. F.
Maywood, California
David and Jonathan, and the Beloved Disciple, John, with the Master, Jesus, are examples of an infusion of inspired light that no psychiatrist or metaphysician, with their professional fees, could ever explain. The Holy Spirit infused into man is a gate that is straight and narrow. By it he knows the feelings and loves and passions of others, for he sees them all as a reflection of God's light and wisdom.
Sin is something relative. Sins are greater or lesser, depending upon the circumstances and upon individual or individual or collective opinion prevalent at the time. As I read Plato and Socrates, and then observe in my physique magazines the proper settings and poses of the younger youths, I am properly cautioned within my own conscience that I am gazing upon the image of God, a very magnificent creation, which most people cannot see.
There is need in this very sick, nervous and ailing world for those people who can think for themselves; reason for themselves; comprehend for themselves, away from the newspapers and TV programs and sermons that would dull men's minds and give them no incentive to use their own God-given attributes.
Mr. B.
Stockton, California
TENNIS ANYONE? Dear friends at ONE:
Mr. B. of Long Island (October, 1960) and I both own beautiful homes, yet have no one to share them with. However, I do not feel that pen pals are the answer. In "Annie Get Your Gun" she sings, "You Can't Get a Man With a Gun." You also can't get one by mailorder.
Mr. J. Dallas, Texas
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