In an unexpected turn of events, a teenager from a Catholic high school, who has chosen to remain anonymous, was assigned to write a paper opposing homosexuality. Instead, he produced an extensive 127-page essay titled “Gay Marriage Is Fabulous.” The paper meticulously argues that neither Jesus, God, nor the Bible condemns same-sex marriage. It asserts that the church has often cherry-picked scripture to justify its exclusionary stance.
Sharing His Experience
Sharing his experience on Reddit, the student, known as AverageJoe, recounted how the assignment originated. “In class, we were instructed to select three topics we were passionate about and examine their ethical implications in relation to the church,” he explained. “I chose gay marriage along with Justified War and Nuclear Armament.” Students were given time to prepare their main arguments. “If I recall, my thesis was along the lines of ‘If Jesus were alive today, he would advocate for gay marriage,’” AverageJoe noted.
Teacher’s Expectations
Given the recent support from Pope Francis for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in the church, the subject felt particularly relevant. However, the student’s teacher had different expectations for the assignment. “In the following class, I was told I had to argue in favor of the church’s viewpoint and substantiate its teachings,” he wrote. “While I can write from perspectives I don’t agree with, this situation felt inappropriate for me.”
Challenging Institutional Beliefs
Navigating such a long-held institutional belief might seem daunting, but AverageJoe felt compelled to challenge it. His goal was not just to express his views but to provide a resource for others grappling with similar issues. “I recently came out, and I thought this would be a powerful way to show my peers that homosexuality is not a problem,” he said. He aimed to impress his grandfather, a devoted Catholic, with insights that might help him understand his grandson better.
A Beacon of Hope
Above all, the teen wanted his work to serve as a beacon of hope. “I wanted to create a resource that would help people understand that being Catholic and pro-gay can coexist, spreading a bit of love and enlightenment.” With over 100 citations, he reached a poignant conclusion: “When you deny marriage based on outdated prejudices, you stray from God’s intentions for love. Are you wiser than God?” He reminded readers that love transcends traditional definitions: “Marriage is not merely between a man and a woman; it’s about love itself. Love is pure, love is not a mistake, love is simply love.”
Conclusion
In summary, AverageJoe’s essay stands as a testament to the evolving conversation around LGBTQ+ acceptance within the church, challenging long-standing beliefs with well-researched arguments and heartfelt intentions.