Homosexuality & the Catholic Church: Clear Answers to Difficult Questions

by John F. Harvey

Book review: "Read this book and rejoice that the work of the Holy Spirit still continues in our confused world." --Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R.  Book Description: As the founder and director of the Courage and Encourage support groups, Fr. John Harvey is aware of the sensitive nature of homosexuality. With his extensive experience ministering to couples with same-sex attraction, Fr. Harvey presents the Church's teaching in an objective and pastorally-sensitive manner. Priests, religious, and laity alike will benefit from this many questions considered here including: What is the basis of the Church s teaching regarding homosexuality? What do many consider to be the cause of same-sex attraction. Can a person overcome same-sex attraction? Why is it important for civil law to limit marriage to one man and one woman? How can a person live the virtue of chastity joyfully? 100 Questions & Answers. Clear Answers to Difficult Questions

Genres: Catholic

251 pages, Paperback

First published December 10, 2007

About the author

Father John Harvey, O.S.F.S., is the founder of Courage and was involved with the pastoral care of persons with a homosexual orientation for almost twenty years. He is also the author of the books The Homosexual Person: New Thinking in Pastoral Care and Homosexuality and the Catholic Church

Reviews

[Fr Adam Zettel]

This is an excellent and very thorough treatment of how the Church views homosexuality. He states many things in a matter-of-fact way, to the point where I doubted it would be pastorally helpful. But Fr John Harvey has such extensive experience in working pastorally with people with same sex attraction and it became clear that stating Church teaching plainly is actually helpful, when one can defend it as he does. He also explains the way to a healthy chaste life for people struggling with SSA. It seems his ministry, Courage International, is a great path for Catholics with SSA and I would readily recommend that organization along with this book to anyone who needs it.

[scott turnbull]

A compelling read

Interesting review of the Catholic Church's position on homosexuality as it applies to the Theology of the Body and how it relates to people with same sex attraction and their inclusion in the church. A complementary study of same sex attraction and how the catholic church views issues of abstinence and chastity when it comes to SSA and how the support group COURAGE, a 12 step program, helps to create a sense of community among those who struggle with same sex attraction.

[Erin]

Very informative.