Topic > Taoism and Roman Catholicism on Homosexuality - 1731

This article will attempt to compare and contrast ideas of homosexuality within Taoism and Roman Catholicism. In an attempt to do so, Taoism and Roman Catholicism will be discussed regarding their initial views on homosexuality. Both show ideas of naturalness and homosexuality, expressed in opposite ways. Then, both of their opinions on the purpose of sex will be used to completely compare and contrast opinions. The texts of Taoism are, intentionally, vague in their writing. The interpretation of how to live according to the Tao must be discovered by individuals throughout their lives. The main points to focus on in discovering the Taoist view on homosexuality are the beliefs about the balance of yin and yang energies and the purpose of sex (which will later be simultaneously compared with Roman Catholic views). Although these two focuses seem simple, their interpretations vary. Yin and Yang Liang Shi (2013) describes yin and yang as “equal and interdependent” and as “…the two forces are in constant flux and capable of transforming into each other” (p. 765). Because yin and yang are constantly evolving and can transform into each other, this Taoist school of thought does not view homosexual sex as an imbalance of yin and yang. Yin and yang are not in perfect balance in any place or person, which means that while men may, primarily and traditionally, be associated with yang, men also have yin. This same concept applies vice versa to women. Through this constantly changing balance of yin and yang, yin and yang levels can be balanced in partners who have same-sex sex; one partner takes on the dominant (yang) role and the other takes on the submissive (yin) role. Further exploration of this school of thought, Liang ...... middle of paper ...... ntal handicap and sexuality. Studies in Christian Ethics, 17(3), 11-26. Retrieved June 14, 2014, from the Academic Search Premier database. Hanigan, J. P. (1998). The centrality of marriage. The Ecumenical Review, 50(1), 54-63. Retrieved June 11, 2014, from the Academic Search Premier database. Loughlin, G. (2004). Gathered at the altar: homosexuals and human rights. Theology and sexuality, 10(2), 73-82. Retrieved June 16, 2014, from the Academic Search Premier database. Shi, L. (2013). Rubbing the Mirror: A Critical Genealogy of Premodern Chinese Female Homosexual Eroticism. Journal of Homosexuality, 60(5), 750-772. Retrieved June 11, 2014, from the Academic Search Premier database.Wawrytko, S.A. (1993). Homosexuality and Chinese and Japanese religions. Homosexuality and World Religions, n/a, 199-230. Retrieved June 16, 2014, from the ATLA Religion Database.