The Roman Catholic and the Islamic Teachings on the Morality of Homosexuality

Master's Thesis , 2009 , 76 Pages

Theology - Comparative Religion Studies

This Thesis is focuses on the Catholic and Islamic teachings on the morality of homosexuality. Each religions will show its view on homosexuality based on the holy books.

Being from a conservative Arab country, the title of this thesis will undoubtedly raise many eyebrows. As an Arab and Muslim woman embarking on a difficult and bumpy journey, I have decided, despite the controversial nature of this topic, to choose it for different reasons. The secular or conservative condemns homosexuality in many Islamic countries. Islamic secular countries tend to tolerate homosexuality more than the conservative ones, where the death penalty is often handed down to homosexuals. In non-Islamic countries, the majority of people do not condone homosexuality. Nowadays, homosexuality has become a buzzword. Despite its condemnation, it continues to make inroads. From its clandestine status, due to harsh treatments, to a solemn recognition of its rights, gays and lesbians have achieved substantial gains for their rights, landmark legal rulings have been pronounced in its favor. Some countries have legalized the same-sex marriage. On the other hand, Islam continues to emerge as a staunch critic of homosexuality. This fight is relayed by the Roman Catholic, which condemns homosexuality but calls for more compassion for homosexuals. What are the views of Islam and the Roman Catholic on homosexuality? This thesis includes five main chapters:
Chapter 1: Deals with the story of the Prophet Lot and his people.
Chapter 2: Deals with homosexuality through history.
Chapter 3: Deals with the major positive in favor of homosexuality.
Chapter 4: Covers the Roman Catholic teachings on homosexuality.
Chapter5: Puts in exergue the Islamic teachings on homosexuality

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Chapter One: The Story of the Prophet Lot and His People
  • 1.1 The Story of the Prophet Lot in the Qur'an
  • 1.2 Animal Homosexuality
• Chapter 2: Homosexuality Through History
  • 2.1 Early History of Homosexuality in Greece
  • 2.2 The Roman Empire
  • 2.3 Early Christianity
  • 2.4 The Feudal Period and the Dark Ages
  • 2.5 Thirteenth and Fourteenth Century
  • 2.6 Eighteenth, Nineteenth and Twentieth Century
  • 2.7 Homosexuality in the Islamic World
• Chapter Three: Changing Religious Attitudes to Homosexuality
  • 3.1 A Response to the Bible
  • 3.2 Reinterpreting the Qur'an
  • 3.3 Other Reasons Why Muslim and Human Right Groups having Favorable Views about Homosexuality
  • 3.4 Rethinking Procreation
  • 3.5 Recognizing Orientation
  • 3.6 Homophobia
• Chapter Four: The Roman Catholic Teachings on Homosexuality and its Arguments against these Changes
  • 4.1 The Catholic Interpretation of the Bible Texts that Condemns Homosexuality
  • 4.2 Love, Sex and Procreation in the view of Catholic Teachings
  • 4.3 A Response to Recognizing Orientation
  • 4.4 Roman Catholic Church View on Homophobia
• Chapter Five: Islamic Teachings on Homosexuality and its Arguments against the Changes
  • 5.1 How Does the Main Four Schools of Thought and Jurisprudence Treat Homosexuality?
  • 5.2 The Islamic Interpretation of the Qur'an Texts that Condemns Homosexuality
  • 5.3 Some Muslims Views against Homosexuality by Muslims groups and Individuals
  • 5.4 Why Orientation is not Recognized in the Islamic World
    • 5.4.1 Homosexuality is not innate
    • 5.4.2 Choice or Destiny
  • 5.5 Excess of Passion (Hawa)
  • 5.6 What is the Purpose of Man Creation?
  • 5.7 God's Mercy (Rahman and Raheem)
  • 5.8 Islamic View on Homophobia

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis aims to explore the differing perspectives of the Roman Catholic and Islamic faiths on the morality of homosexuality. The work examines the historical context of these views, analyzes key scriptural interpretations, and delves into contemporary arguments surrounding the acceptance and recognition of sexual orientation. Key themes explored in the thesis include:

• The interpretation of religious texts, particularly the Bible and the Qur'an, in relation to homosexuality.
• The historical evolution of societal attitudes towards homosexuality within both the Christian and Islamic worlds.
• The ongoing debate surrounding the recognition of sexual orientation and the implications for human rights.
• The role of religious teachings in shaping and influencing contemporary attitudes towards homosexuality.
• The complexities of reconciling religious principles with evolving social norms and values.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The first chapter delves into the story of the Prophet Lot and his people as recounted in the Qur'an, exploring its significance in shaping Islamic views on homosexuality. The second chapter traces the historical development of attitudes towards homosexuality across various cultures and civilizations, from ancient Greece to the present day. Chapter three examines the changing religious attitudes towards homosexuality, focusing on arguments for greater acceptance and recognition of sexual orientation within both Christian and Islamic communities. Chapter four focuses on the Roman Catholic teachings on homosexuality, exploring the Church's interpretation of relevant biblical texts and its arguments against changing attitudes. Finally, chapter five delves into Islamic teachings on homosexuality, examining how the main schools of Islamic jurisprudence address the issue and exploring arguments against the recognition of sexual orientation within the Islamic world.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This thesis explores the complex intersection of religion, sexuality, and social norms through the lens of the Roman Catholic and Islamic teachings on homosexuality. Key areas of focus include scriptural interpretation, historical perspectives, contemporary debates on sexual orientation, and the impact of religious teachings on societal attitudes. The work examines themes such as procreation, the recognition of orientation, and homophobia within the context of both faith traditions.

• College: Gonzaga University
• Author: Anwaar Aldhamer (Author)
• Publication Year: 2009
• Pages: 76
• Catalog Number: V303453
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668019683
• ISBN (Book): 9783668019690
• Language: English
• Tags: roman, catholic, islamic, teachings, morality, homosexuality