Shame on us for rationalizing intolerance
Letter to the Editor
I am writing this letter in response to Nathan Shay. I have to be honest, I'm not usually the type of person that reads The Observer's aggravating Viewpoint section or writes letters to the editor, but in this particular case, I feel like I have to respond.
This may sound harsh, but I feel embarrassed for anyone as closed-minded as Nathan Shay. Sure, many students came to Notre Dame because it reflected their personal religious beliefs. I am also one of them. But I think, Nathan, you should take the time to figure out just what those beliefs are. You are claiming to uphold the morals of Catholic teaching. You tell the author of a previous letter to the editor to "think about re-enrolling in Theology 101." In response, I think that maybe you should consider rereading your Catechism. Homosexual tendencies in and of themselves are not immoral. The Catechism teaches a doctrine of tolerance with respect to this issue. If you came to Notre Dame to hide from reality, or find an acceptable forum for discrimination, then I hope that you're at the wrong school.
"The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity.
"Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition," (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2358).
The issue at hand is the contradiction between the Notre Dame family and the hostile environment created by ignorance and hatred, not the University's decision to ban ads. Shame on us for rationalizing intolerance.
Sarah Dempsey
Senior
Pangborn Hall
September 8, 1999
All Viewpoint Stories for Thursday, September 9, 1999
