THE CHURCH AND THE HOMOSEXUAL

by John J. McNeill ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 2, 1976

The officially permitted publication of this courageous, well-argued challenge to traditional Catholic attitudes toward homosexuality consummates years of struggle, during which McNeill was temporarily silenced, obliged to develop his views under critical scrutiny, and accorded media status as a major Catholic spokesman for gay rights. Much more than a cause cÉlèbre, his temperate but forceful essay makes a significant contribution to moral theology, articulating perspectives that could radically alter traditional sexual ethics. A Jesuit theologian, counselor, and co-founder of the N.Y. chapter of Dignity (a Catholic homosexual organization), McNeill contends flatly that the Church position must change. The accepted pastoral solutions--conversion to heterosexuality or total abstinence--fail to meet the real situation of those with a set homosexual orientation and even foster promiscuity by ruling out ongoing relationships. Further, the official treatment of homosexuality as ""objectively sinful"" rests on biblical, philosophical, and scientific grounds that are highly questionable. McNeill's contrary position: homosexuality is compatible with God's will, morally good homosexual relationships are possible, and the homosexual community can have a beneficial role to play (e.g., in exploring the potential of love between independent equals); ultimately, homosexual love should be judged by the same criteria as heterosexual love. Not the last word by any means, but a fine pioneering work that very much needed to be written.

Pub Date: Sept. 2, 1976

ISBN: 0807079316

Page Count: -

Publisher: Sheed, Andrews & McMeel

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1976

Categories: NONFICTION