Gymrats & Stalkers: "I Was Assaulted In A Public Restroom"

[Matt]

I haven't been active in this thread, but since you need a Catholic's viewpoint...

1) We have priests, not pastors

2) Most priests will not claim homosexuals are "dirt in Satan's naval." Most priests that I have met are very kind and compassionate, even to what they percieve as sinners. There are some who are just pricks, but no more so than in any other profession.

3) Pope Benedict contrary to popular belief is one of the more liberal Popes as far as homosexuality is concerned. He's even been open to the possibility that it is not a sin (while claiming it is still an objectable act)...trust me though, its a step. He has also on many occassions called for sympathy and compassion for the homosexual community and condemned homophobic crimes. A lot of priests have similiar view points.

On the downside, no priest will condone your significant other's action or give him the go-ahead unfortunately.

 

[JP]

Aw, sorry to hear all this Lightning. :heart:

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

I know you don't have a problem with it. Afterall, I know you have struggled with the exact same thing. I just don't think that Jason is going to get the answers he deserves from a pastor that is likely going to beat him down. You know?

Meh. It could go either way.

If the Church is more liberal the pastor could actually encourage Jason to pursue this thing. Some Catholic Churches are more lenient and accepting than others. Besides, there are many pastors and fathers who are secretly themselves gay or bisexual. They bash the bloody hell out of gays from the pulpit but once those robes come off? Watch the f*** out! LOL There are so many shocking stories about these men of God getting nuns pregnant and then burying the fetuses in private cemetaries and of course, playing with little boys. And who knows what kinds of relationships they might have with other priests. I am sure the media doesn't even report on half of what really goes on behind church doors these days.

So perhaps the pastor that Jase confesses to might possibly have feelings that lean that way and may be more sympathetic to his plight. I know that deep down that's what Jase is hoping for.

 

[Marx]

I just think it's unfortunate. Without getting into a full-fledged religious debate, I strongly believe that God is alot more accepting than some of his followers are willing to admit.

 

[Hound55]

For a crash course on the Catholic church... all you need to know is within.

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

I haven't been active in this thread, but since you need a Catholic's viewpoint...

1) We have priests, not pastors

2) Most priests will not claim homosexuals are "dirt in Satan's naval." Most priests that I have met are very kind and compassionate, even to what they percieve as sinners.

That's not so in the Baptist faith. To hear those reverends talk, we are the scum of the earth!

But that's my background, not Jason's so...yeah.

3) Pope Benedict contrary to popular belief is one of the more liberal Popes as far as homosexuality is concerned. He's even been open to the possibility that it is not a sin (while claiming it is still an objectable act)...trust me though, its a step. He has also on many occassions called for sympathy and compassion for the homosexual community and condemned homophobic crimes. A lot of priests have similiar view points.

Well, that's certainly good to know. Hopefully Jason's priest is one who subscribes to the thinking you're mentioning above. Apparently this priest has been overseeing the church since Jason was a little boy so Jase deeply respects his opinion and is attached to him. If he tells Jason that he's disgusting, trust me, it will crush him--and there will be no returning from that. Jason's faith means EVERYTHING to him...and any condemnation from his priest will shatter him worse than even what his parents might say.

On the downside, no priest will condone your significant other's action or give him the go-ahead unfortunately.

I don't think either of us is expecting Jason to get a blessing or anything. Just confirmation that God still loves him.

 

[-Arya-]

I just think it's unfortunate. Without getting into a full-fledged religious debate, I strongly believe that God is alot more accepting than some of his followers are willing to admit.

Not according to the texts.....and in the end this is only wish thinking.

 

[Marx]

Not according to the texts.....and in the end this is only wish thinking.

...the texts were written and adapted over time by man.

 

[-Arya-]

...the texts were written and adapted over time by man.

And?

 

[Marx]

And?

...and I'm trying not to hijack LS' thread with religion.

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

It just bothers me that Jason is pinning so much on this upcoming visit with his priest. Like this meeting will make or break our future. Jason is nervous about it, and it's actually making me a bit nervous/on edge too.

Faith is a powerful thing--and it can comfort those of us who believe. But it can definitely be shattered by the words and actions of others. Jason is so fragile right now as it is in terms of his sexual orientation and inner confusion...all it takes is the wrong statement from someone he reveres and it will truly be over for us.

And I hate that.

 

[Marx]

It just bothers me that Jason is pinning so much on this upcoming visit with his priest. Like this meeting will make or break our future. Jason is nervous about it, and it's actually making me a bit nervous/on edge too.

For someone who obviously values religion so strongly, I'm not surprised it's weighing so heavily on him.

 

[-Arya-]

...and I'm trying not to hijack LS' thread with religion.

Kind of difficult really.

 

[Marx]

Kind of difficult really.

This is true...especially with Jason preparing to go to confession.

 

[Matt]

I know it differs with many priests, but for the most part when I've gone to confession, the priests don't talk except for what is required. They see themselves as merely a vessel between you and God. Not a tip line.

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

I know it differs with many priests, but for the most part when I've gone to confession, the priests don't talk except for what is required. They see themselves as merely a vessel between you and God. Not a tip line.

So basically, Jase could end up going to see this priest, spilling his guts out, hear teh song of crickets and go home with nothing to show for it? How is that comforting?

 

[Matt]

They say the required stuff, that God loves you and absolves you of your sins. I dunno, maybe its just because I've always been the type to want to get in and out. I personally don't go to confession often. I believe I can talk to God without a priest, but still. If asked for advice he may give it. I dunno? But I think an old school priest would be inclined to go the vessel route, especially since this could be uncomfortable for him. Perhaps Jase would've been better off setting up an appointment to go to the Father's office.

 

[Matt]

I think what you need to be really concerned about is the penance. Usually its just, say some Hail Marys and Act of Contritions but sometimes priests will instruct you to correct your behavior as part of your penance. Being as Jase is highly religious how would he react if he is told to abstain from homosexual behavior as part of his penance (which is part of the absolving of sins).

 

[Hound55]

That's also if Jason's going the confessional route.

He could just go in to have a chat with the priest...

If he's going in for a confessional then all he'll receive is penance, if I'm right about the Catholic church.

In fact I'd suggest the chat route, far more likely to receive some feedback which it seems is what he's looking for.

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

I think what you need to be really concerned about is the penance. Usually its just, say some Hail Marys and Act of Contritions but sometimes priests will instruct you to correct your behavior as part of your penance. Being as Jase is highly religious how would he react if he is told to abstain from homosexual behavior as part of his penance (which is part of the absolving of sins).

What happens if he doesn't accept the pennance and abstain? Or what if he does but we end up having another "accident"? Jason says that every night he comes home from his shift I'm like temptation that is hard to fight. Yet, he doesn't want me to move out at all (even though I am).

Now, we tried to do it his way and took a break for almost a week. But then we had a relapse and had sex "accidentally" last night. Will he be damned for that?

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

That's also if Jason's going the confessional route.

He could just go in to have a chat with the priest...

If he's going in for a confessional then all he'll receive is penance, if I'm right about the Catholic church.

In fact I'd suggest the chat route, far more likely to receive some feedback which it seems is what he's looking for.

No, I don't think he's going for a chat. I remember him saying distinctly this morning that "I'm going to have to confess my sins to the church. I can't hide it anymore."

He said "confess".

 

[Matt]

No, he simply has to sincerely ask forgiveness again and God will forgive him. Of course, if he goes in thinking, "haha, I can just do it again and confess again," he is not being sincere. To be forgiven for your sins one must acknowledge their acts are wrong and ask for forgiveness. God will forgive them no matter how many mistakes they make.

 

[JP]

This is a whole new topic.

 

[Hound55]

What happens if he doesn't accept the pennance and abstain?

Not accepting the pennance, I would think (again, I'm not Christian - agnostic - and I was raised Anglican) that that would be seen as something of a slap in the face to God y the Catholic Church.

Accepting the pennance and trying to abstain only to falter on the other hand, whilst I figure they'd see it as far from ideal, would be acceptable and require confession again. Had an idea that Catholics were all too aware of the weaknesses in man.

Or what if he does but we end up having another "accident"? Jason says that every night he comes home from his shift I'm like temptation that is hard to fight. Yet, he doesn't want me to move out at all (even though I am).

Another trip to the confessional...

Now, we tried to do it his way and took a break for almost a week. But then we had a relapse and had sex "accidentally" last night. Will he be damned for that?

Back to the confessional, I'd think.

But yes... if the same thing continued to happen and he mentioned in the booth that it continues to happen his penance would likely include something that would separate him from his own temptation (THIS IS NOT CATHOLIC SPIRITUAL ADVICE ) I would think.

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

Well it looks like Jason is gonna be making a lot of trips to confess then. Because the longer I stay here the more difficult it's gonna be for both of us to "abstain".

I already volunteered to move back into the penthouse that Dave and I own for the time being, but Jason insists that I stay with him because of the "danger". Yet, we haven't heard a peep from Dave since he returned to Los Angeles. All I'm saying is, staying in separate rooms is agonizing for both of us...especially with the religious thing standing in our way. When something is taboo it's all the more desirable. For example, the other night, I got up around 4am to go use the bathroom in the hallway, and he was standing in front of the kitchen fridge--practically butt-ass nekkid--drinking a glass of juice. And all he could say was..."sup man?"

It was sexy as hell. And I'm like, "Get me the f*** outta here."

It's The Last Temptation of Caliph.