Examine and comment on the attitudes of the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches (or other churches) to homosexuality.

Introduction

First, define what is meant by an ‘attitude’ as well as what you think is meant by ‘comment’ (to assess how valid, or sound, these attitudes are). Then, describe 2 or 3 possible responses to the question, before giving your view on which of these responses is the most valid:

• Neither of the attitudes being analysed in your coursework are valid and thus should be rejected in favour of other non-religious attitudes
• These attitudes hold some truth and are valid to some extent, but neither is totally sound on its own
• One of these attitudes is valid and sound, whilst the other is not

Definitions

Using a range of sources, define technical terms which will be used in your coursework: homosexuality; heterosexuality; homosexual orientation; homosexual acts; homophobia; etc.

Historical and cultural background

Explore society’s attitudes towards homosexuality, particularly in those countries influenced by Christianity. You could highlight:

• What the law says about homosexual relationships: whether it is a crime; whether gay marriage has become accepted; whether the age of consent is the same as for heterosexuals; etc. Has the law changed? Why? You could mention here the influence of the 1948 Kinsey report as well as the work of geneticist Dean Hamer
• The way homosexuals are treated by groups and individuals in society: have they been victimised? In what way? What is homophobia and how is this relevant?; how are homosexual relationships portrayed in the media? How important are films such as ‘Brokeback Mountain’?

Introduce Roman Catholicism

What are their basic beliefs? How do they make moral decisions?

Roman Catholic attitudes towards homosexuality

• First, find recent statements from papal documents and leading RC writers which portray the general attitude. Here, you will have to differentiate between attitudes towards homosexual orientation and homosexual acts
• Then, examine the basis for this attitude: analyse the relevance of the theory of ‘Natural Law’; describe the relevant Bible passages, such as the story of Sodom, and the writings of St. Paul

Comment on the RC attitudes

Is the RC attitude valid and sound? Is it appropriate, in the light of other insight and research? You need to provide a clear counter-argument to the RC attitude, highlighting such points as: the idea that ‘Natural Law’ is out-of-date; according to geneticists being gay could be natural; the meaning of these Bible passages is open to interpretation. Plenty of research has been done on these ideas. Try the writings of Michael Vasey.

Introduce Anglicanism (or an alternative Church)

What are their basic beliefs? How do they make moral decisions?

Anglican attitudes towards homosexuality

• First, find recent statements. Is their attitude similar towards orientation and acts, or different? Is homosexuality seen as being of equal value to heterosexuality? On Anglicanism, make sure you quote the church document ‘Issues in Human Sexuality’
• Then, examine the bases: what have Anglican writers said about the purpose of sex? What Bible teachings have they referred to?

Comment on the Anglican attitudes

Is the Anglican attitude valid? Is it more sound than the RC view? Give an account of the counter-argument that traditionalists might suggest, as well as a secular approach such as that of ‘feminists’ or ‘libertarians’. It could be argued that Christian attitudes are out-dated and unhelpful and that the progress of society towards acceptance and inclusion has taken place in spite of church attitudes.

Final summing up and evaluation of church attitudes