In his Oct. 9 Letter (“Shouldn’t ask, shouldn’t matter”), Andy Hills claims “If someone says he or she has nothing against homosexuals but agrees with the Catholic Church’s teaching on homosexuality, it is a lie.” His argument begins with the assumption that as Catholics we “have something against” anyone who sins. In reality, as any priest who hears confessions would tell you, disapproving of a sin has nothing to do with demonizing an individual.

Hills continues by saying that asking gay people not to act on their feelings is “a slap in the face”. However, homosexuals certainly do not have a monopoly on sinful inclinations. Premarital sex, divorce, birth control, and abuse of alcohol are all sins that I’m sure many would like to see disregarded. According to Hills the refusal of the church to base its teachings on our feelings is “tyrannical” and “nearly evil”.

Should the Catholics then try to play “catch up” with superior secular morality as Hills suggests? If we are to be truly genuine about this endeavor I suggest that in addition to supporting homosexual lifestyles, the church endorse extramarital sex because let’s face it, none of us like controlling our sex drive. For that matter, I move that cursing and getting drunk should be approved of as well, since the majority of the population seems to do both frequently and quite enthusiastically. Basically, the church needs to drop this whole “morality” complex altogether and just forget about the sins that are difficult for us to avoid. And as for the University, why stop at a group that supports homosexual lifestyles? I’d like to start the PAU (Pornography Aficionados United) and the CSA (Catholic Swingers Association). Speaking for the male population on campus, I have to say these would enjoy a widespread popularity. The University needs to drop their “ancient prejudices” against these widely accepted activities.

As individuals we all have the freedom to live as we deem fit. We do not have the freedom to demand that everyone around us change to endorse our choices or risk being labeled intolerant. Bigotry is a two way street Mr. Hills.

Christopher Harrington

alumnus

class of 2008

Oct. 12