Catholicism

Roman Catholicism is considered a part of, but not exactly the same as Christianity. Catholicism is typically considered to have started with St. Peter, who is generally seen as the first pope. Roman Catholic beliefs are not incredibly different from other Christian denominations. The Catholic the church is more rigidly structured and formal than other traditional christian churches. Roman Catholic beliefs that are distinctive in the christian community include the special authority of the pope, the ability of saints to intercede on behalf of believers. They also believe in the concept of Purgatory as a place of afterlife purification before entering Heaven, and the doctrine of transubstantiation - that is, that the bread used in the Eucharist becomes the true body of Christ when blessed by a priest. The Catholic Church because of its rigidness is often seen as less progressive than other denominations, yet they the Catholic church has a very strong, respected authority in the Christian community. Catholicism also requires Catholic priests to take vows of celibacy.

General attitude towards homosexuality, and same sex marriage:

The Catholic Church has a very similar view on homosexuality and same sex marriage as other Christian denominatinos. The Catholic church does not condemn homosexuals, but the do believe that homosexuality is a disorder. The Catholic Church does believe homosexuals should not be treated with any less kindness or respect than anybody else, but they also believe that homosexuals do not deserve the same rights as the heterosexual community. The Catholic Church strongly opposes the idea that they are homophobic. They state that all their views on homosexuality and gay marriage are just a matter of the churches point of view.

The Catholic Church does make some claims that maybe considered outlandish on why they believe that homosexuals should not be allowed to marry. The Church as stated that they believe that homosexuals should not be allowed to marry because it will further deteriorate the meaning of marriage. They also claim that the physical and mental benefits of marriage cannot be received by  homosexuals so there is no real reason to allow them to marry. The Church also believes that homosexuals cannot raise children in a marriage because incest in more common with homosexual parents, and also that the abuse of children is significantly higher in same sex partnerships. The Catholic Church has strong opinions on why homosexuals want to get married, and strongly believe that homosexuals, although deserving of respect are very deviant people. 

-- "They want societal acceptance. Others may be seeking absolution for a guilty conscience. Some probably want society to say that what they are doing is morally right. But you don't have to be a theologian, nor even religious, to understand that any form of behavior that cuts a person's longevity in half and comes with a lengthy list of venereal diseases is simply not right. You don't have to be the pope to see that. A thoughtful atheist can discover easily a completely secular natural morality that says: This behavior kills people. People should live. But homosexual behavior kills homosexuals. That's not right. Homosexuals need to live just like everyone else."- Cathloic.com

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Catholic Homosexuality
Catholic Gay Marriage