Thanks for your kind words, and thanks for sharing! You maintain the Romish Graffiti blog, right? I tried to go there a few times, and I can't get there anymore. Did you take it down?
I agree with Scott W., excellent work Fr. Hollowell. Most (if not all) of those who shared (those with SSA) mentioned having suffered abuse. Is there a disproportionate number of people with SSA that have suffered abusive relationships prior to realizing their SSA?
Also, for me, it is like pressing the "refresher" button! Having lived a life deep in mortally wounding sin, and one day coming face-to-face with Truth, with Jesus, and realizing the depth of my own sin and the even deeper/greater love and mercy of God...such freedom! That is what comes through loud and clear...may this effort on your part and all of those who have shared profoundly impact the lives (and souls) of many! God bless you, Fr. Hollowell
Mariann (and anonymous) I would be hesitant to accept the statistics offered by the Southern Poverty Law Center which is quick to brand as "hate groups" organizations that suggest that homosexual activity is wrong or that marriage is between a man and a woman.
Try taking a look at this article as well: http://catholiceducation.org/articles/sexuality/ho0039.html . You'll find documentation for several studies that suggest a higher incidence of abuse among same-sex attracted persons.
And here is lots more about the science: http://www.couragerc.net/Informed_Consent.html
We are living in strange, strange time, where science and real health care is being subverted to emotionalism and media hype. Studies that don't reinforce the politically correct mantras are shot down with no consideration for their scientific legitimacy. Physicians and mental health care professionals are muzzled when they want to offer legitimate care to their patients. Scientists and physicians who dare to challenge the powers-that-be risk their careers. Take a look at the website of Dr. Miriam Grossman at http://www.miriamgrossmanmd.com/about/ to see what I mean.
Fr. Hollowell, this film is terrific! You enlisted the help of a number of the best of the best on the subject, including Fr. Mike Schmitz who has an exceptional ability to be able to speak the truth with great love. I'm sharing it with every priest I know.
Maria, Do you have any evidence that supports your conspiracy theory of a massive cover-up of medical facts? We will need proof that is not speculative or anecdotal, so your evidence so far is not up to par. As it is right now all major medical and psychological associations in America disagree with you assumption that homosexuality is caused by abuse. Please share your insight because if you can break this story it will be headline news for weeks.
I would note that the Church has never said it is caused by abuse. In fact, the Church teaches in its document "Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons" that the causes of homosexual attraction remain largely unknown.
In our film, we didn't ask people before interviewing them "were you abused or not?" We simply interviewed everyone that would sit with us. Not all of the people in the film were abused sexually. Joe Prever talks about how he had a normal childhood, Catholic school, loving parents who tried to give him the best, etc.
The Church doesn't say that child abuse causes homosexuality, and neither does our film say that either
God did not create it. Rather, all inclinations toward sexual contact outside of the context of a man and women married to each other are consequences of Original Sin and the Fall of Man.
Would it be a fair statement to say that God created the homosexual orientation? If you believe that God is the creator of ALL things, then it would stand to reason that God is the creator of the homosexual orientation. Having that said, would it be a fair statement to say that God has the ability to inform us of the root cause of the homosexual orientation, and to inform us of the path to take to successfully change anybody afflicted with the sour orientation?
Man's rebellion brought sin, death, disease and all kinds of aberrations that didn't exist when he had sanctifying grace. Now, an interesting philosophical question is that since God created man with the potential for rebellion, doesn't he bear some culpability for Man's Fall? But that's getting us off track.
Of course God has the ability to inform us. His Law, the Prophets, the Apostles and the Incarnation all testify to that. But He hasn't demonstrated the will. Who knows the reason for this, but I'd point out that it is not necessary for Him to inform us.
Let's stop picking on homosexuality for a moment and consider the typical heterosexual player. He has a psychological inclination to have sex with every beautiful woman he sees. It doesn't matter that he was "Born this Way" as the Lady Gaga anthem screeches; sleeping with every woman in sight isn't right. The thing to remember is that even if we somehow discover the origins of any sexual deviant behavior, those discoveries will only have explanatory power. They will NEVER have any justifying power. Even if you used brain mapping, DNA analysis, and genetic studies to explain with 100% certitude my inclination to get out of my car and punch the guy who cut me off in the face, none of that will ever make it right to do so.
As far as cures, I've read several testimonies of former practicing homosexuals who now lead happy married lives with children and none of them talked about being cured.
Anonymous, It said page not found. It had a lot, at the bottom that looked like links about "tolerance" and "hate speech" which isn't applicable to my question. If that is how it was taken, I ask forgiveness. Rather, did you watch Fr. Hollowell's movie? My question is phrased according to what I recalled following the movie. The number seemed high from those sharing. We are living in very harmful times. If I have asked wrongly, please share but don't send me to a link. It isn't beneficial to me.
I got the link to work. It's from the Southern Poverty Law Center. It said that it's a myth that people become homosexual because they were sexually abused as children or there was a deficiency in sex-role modeling by their parents. As a gay guy, I was never abused by anybody, nor has any other gay guy I know. I have a couple friends who were abused as children and they are straight. So claiming that people become gay because they were abused is baloney and laughable.
One more thing. Can I suggest you turn the comments off on the Vimeo site. It's starting to get messy there. Don't you think it would be better just to let the film stand on its own without a heated combox war to distract from its message. (No need to publish this comment.)
The link is to the southern poverty Law Center dispelling top 10 anti-gay myths. Myth number 3 addresses you question regarding gays suffering higher amount of abuse. The answer is no, gays have not suffered abuse disproportionately higher than straight people. It is an active link if you wish to look at it yourself, try copy and paste into your browser.
Thank you Father for this video! When I was a teenager I was in the high school with Regnum Christi and during my 3 and a half years there I had strong attachments to 3 of the Consecrated Ladies and also to another high schooler. I never said anything to anyone, and I came out of it unscathed, thank God! and am so very happily married for almost 6 years to the best man in the world! with our fifth baby due in September. I wonder if what I experienced is just a normal development of emotional maturity. This was over 15 years ago. I wonder if today's society pushes the normalizing of homosexuality so hard that young people get confused. Teenagers are so vulnerable...at least I was...and I'm not sure how I would have turned out had I been encouraged in this direction. I don't know if I missed anything in the video that may have addressed this, but Father, do you think that this may be a huge factor that our society is so hypersexualized and pushes hard for homosexuality that young people feel the confusion so much deeper? I wonder how many would have suffered this if they had been protected and sheltered from the world as I had been. I thank God for this and hope to give my children the same shelter from the storms out there!
Please forgive me Fr. Hollowell if my question has taken the focus from the magnificent work that was accomplished by your video. I pray that it touches many souls.
Well, he not only put a link on our parish website, but he wrote a whole paragraph in our bulletin directing us to watch the film! You can see his message by looking at the bottom of the "From the Pastor" message here. Thank you for your huge investment in making such a valuable resource accessible to us!
Father John H.
ReplyDeleteThat was powerful. Thank you for the loving work you put into this.
Thank you Theresa! I hope it brings a lot of healing to the world!
DeleteExcellent work. I am passing it along where I can.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words, and thanks for sharing! You maintain the Romish Graffiti blog, right? I tried to go there a few times, and I can't get there anymore. Did you take it down?
DeleteRight now it's in inaccessible storage mode (so I don't collect a bunch of spam) and I don't know if I will re-open it or launch another blog.
DeleteI agree with Scott W., excellent work Fr. Hollowell. Most (if not all) of those who shared (those with SSA) mentioned having suffered abuse. Is there a disproportionate number of people with SSA that have suffered abusive relationships prior to realizing their SSA?
ReplyDeleteAlso, for me, it is like pressing the "refresher" button! Having lived a life deep in mortally wounding sin, and one day coming face-to-face with Truth, with Jesus, and realizing the depth of my own sin and the even deeper/greater love and mercy of God...such freedom! That is what comes through loud and clear...may this effort on your part and all of those who have shared profoundly impact the lives (and souls) of many! God bless you, Fr. Hollowell
Mariann, see myth #3
Deletehttp://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-report/browse-all-issues/2010/winter/10-myths
Mariann (and anonymous) I would be hesitant to accept the statistics offered by the Southern Poverty Law Center which is quick to brand as "hate groups" organizations that suggest that homosexual activity is wrong or that marriage is between a man and a woman.
DeleteTry taking a look at this article as well: http://catholiceducation.org/articles/sexuality/ho0039.html . You'll find documentation for several studies that suggest a higher incidence of abuse among same-sex attracted persons.
And here is lots more about the science: http://www.couragerc.net/Informed_Consent.html
We are living in strange, strange time, where science and real health care is being subverted to emotionalism and media hype. Studies that don't reinforce the politically correct mantras are shot down with no consideration for their scientific legitimacy. Physicians and mental health care professionals are muzzled when they want to offer legitimate care to their patients. Scientists and physicians who dare to challenge the powers-that-be risk their careers. Take a look at the website of Dr. Miriam Grossman at http://www.miriamgrossmanmd.com/about/ to see what I mean.
Fr. Hollowell, this film is terrific! You enlisted the help of a number of the best of the best on the subject, including Fr. Mike Schmitz who has an exceptional ability to be able to speak the truth with great love. I'm sharing it with every priest I know.
DeleteMaria,
DeleteDo you have any evidence that supports your conspiracy theory of a massive cover-up of medical facts? We will need proof that is not speculative or anecdotal, so your evidence so far is not up to par. As it is right now all major medical and psychological associations in America disagree with you assumption that homosexuality is caused by abuse. Please share your insight because if you can break this story it will be headline news for weeks.
I would note that the Church has never said it is caused by abuse. In fact, the Church teaches in its document "Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons" that the causes of homosexual attraction remain largely unknown.
DeleteIn our film, we didn't ask people before interviewing them "were you abused or not?" We simply interviewed everyone that would sit with us. Not all of the people in the film were abused sexually. Joe Prever talks about how he had a normal childhood, Catholic school, loving parents who tried to give him the best, etc.
The Church doesn't say that child abuse causes homosexuality, and neither does our film say that either
Unknown to us. But not to God. God knows the root cause of it and how it can be successfully cured. Because he created it. Right Fr. Hollowell?
DeleteThe Church says nothing about "a cure" in the same way that we don't say there is a "cure" for heterosexual attractions.
DeleteBecause he created it.
DeleteGod did not create it. Rather, all inclinations toward sexual contact outside of the context of a man and women married to each other are consequences of Original Sin and the Fall of Man.
Would it be a fair statement to say that God created the homosexual orientation? If you believe that God is the creator of ALL things, then it would stand to reason that God is the creator of the homosexual orientation. Having that said, would it be a fair statement to say that God has the ability to inform us of the root cause of the homosexual orientation, and to inform us of the path to take to successfully change anybody afflicted with the sour orientation?
DeleteMan's rebellion brought sin, death, disease and all kinds of aberrations that didn't exist when he had sanctifying grace. Now, an interesting philosophical question is that since God created man with the potential for rebellion, doesn't he bear some culpability for Man's Fall? But that's getting us off track.
DeleteOf course God has the ability to inform us. His Law, the Prophets, the Apostles and the Incarnation all testify to that. But He hasn't demonstrated the will. Who knows the reason for this, but I'd point out that it is not necessary for Him to inform us.
Let's stop picking on homosexuality for a moment and consider the typical heterosexual player. He has a psychological inclination to have sex with every beautiful woman he sees. It doesn't matter that he was "Born this Way" as the Lady Gaga anthem screeches; sleeping with every woman in sight isn't right. The thing to remember is that even if we somehow discover the origins of any sexual deviant behavior, those discoveries will only have explanatory power. They will NEVER have any justifying power. Even if you used brain mapping, DNA analysis, and genetic studies to explain with 100% certitude my inclination to get out of my car and punch the guy who cut me off in the face, none of that will ever make it right to do so.
As far as cures, I've read several testimonies of former practicing homosexuals who now lead happy married lives with children and none of them talked about being cured.
Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteIt said page not found. It had a lot, at the bottom that looked like links about "tolerance" and "hate speech" which isn't applicable to my question. If that is how it was taken, I ask forgiveness.
Rather, did you watch Fr. Hollowell's movie? My question is phrased according to what I recalled following the movie. The number seemed high from those sharing. We are living in very harmful times. If I have asked wrongly, please share but don't send me to a link. It isn't beneficial to me.
I got the link to work. It's from the Southern Poverty Law Center. It said that it's a myth that people become homosexual because they were sexually abused as children or there was a deficiency in sex-role modeling by their parents. As a gay guy, I was never abused by anybody, nor has any other gay guy I know. I have a couple friends who were abused as children and they are straight. So claiming that people become gay because they were abused is baloney and laughable.
DeleteOne more thing. Can I suggest you turn the comments off on the Vimeo site. It's starting to get messy there. Don't you think it would be better just to let the film stand on its own without a heated combox war to distract from its message. (No need to publish this comment.)
ReplyDeleteThe link is to the southern poverty Law Center dispelling top 10 anti-gay myths. Myth number 3 addresses you question regarding gays suffering higher amount of abuse. The answer is no, gays have not suffered abuse disproportionately higher than straight people. It is an active link if you wish to look at it yourself, try copy and paste into your browser.
ReplyDeleteThank you Father for this video! When I was a teenager I was in the high school with Regnum Christi and during my 3 and a half years there I had strong attachments to 3 of the Consecrated Ladies and also to another high schooler. I never said anything to anyone, and I came out of it unscathed, thank God! and am so very happily married for almost 6 years to the best man in the world! with our fifth baby due in September. I wonder if what I experienced is just a normal development of emotional maturity. This was over 15 years ago. I wonder if today's society pushes the normalizing of homosexuality so hard that young people get confused. Teenagers are so vulnerable...at least I was...and I'm not sure how I would have turned out had I been encouraged in this direction. I don't know if I missed anything in the video that may have addressed this, but Father, do you think that this may be a huge factor that our society is so hypersexualized and pushes hard for homosexuality that young people feel the confusion so much deeper? I wonder how many would have suffered this if they had been protected and sheltered from the world as I had been. I thank God for this and hope to give my children the same shelter from the storms out there!
ReplyDeletePlease forgive me Fr. Hollowell if my question has taken the focus from the magnificent work that was accomplished by your video. I pray that it touches many souls.
ReplyDeleteIs it OK to post this video on our parish website? My pastor would like to do so.
ReplyDeleteThat is absolutely okay! Tell your pastor that I said "thanks for sharing this with others!"
DeleteWell, he not only put a link on our parish website, but he wrote a whole paragraph in our bulletin directing us to watch the film! You can see his message by looking at the bottom of the "From the Pastor" message here. Thank you for your huge investment in making such a valuable resource accessible to us!
Delete