How do you come to terms with...?

Question

I was raised Catholic and understand a good deal of it's teachings and precepts, but I can't come to terms with the fact that I have some really different sexual interests. They would be explicitly forbidden, but the fantasies are something I can't shake.

What would you do?

Answer 1

Well...you could repress your very natural and normal sexual urges and end up like many priests (child molesters).

Or...you could realize that sex is healthy normal part of being human and learn to enjoy it. Whatever your "different interests" are, I'm sure there are plenty of other healthy adults you can find to enjoy it with you. That's why God created the internet.

Answer 2

I have had to deal with inappropriate thoughts before too. Almost everyone has. It is not uncommon. But in the end, a sin is a sin. You have to make the decision to either follow Christ and try your hardest not to sin (it is impossible not to sin, but dern if you can't try) or not to follow Christ and live life for yourself. But you know the outcome of the latter. The point is, every Christian is going to face temptations that "they just can't shake." But that's when you buckle down, do a lot of praying, and look for something else to replace your sin. i.e. When a smoker quits smoking, they have to replace their habit with another one, like eating or chewing gum. You just need to find something that you can do everytime you start to have these fantasies. Like pick up the Bible. It is pretty hard to have these fantasies when you are reading about the miracles of Jesus Christ. There are other things you could do as well, but that is just a suggestion. Also, remember, it takes 20 days to make or break a habit. So make a habit that takes the place of your inappropriate fantasies. Your own dedication to Christ will really be the deciding factor here. And if you need to, find someone else who is going through a similar problem and become an acccountability partner. That may help too. Good luck.

Answer 3

Everyone has fantasies but the ones that encourage us to fantasize about ungodly things (things that are in direct rebellion to God's word) are the ones we must be strong against. Have you ever heard the saying "The idol mind is the playground of the devil?" Well, that may not be a direct quotation from the bible but it is very true. You see, all of our actions are a direct manifestation of the things we think or meditate on everyday. The more you meditate on something, the more likely you will do it at some point. Now, the bible does say "Greater is He that is in me than he (yourself, other people, or the devil) that is in the world." If you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior then the Holy Spirit is greater in you in power and in overcoming ungodly thoughts than the thoughts that the devil or even you own flesh runs ramped through you mind. But you must fill your mind with what God has laid down in His word for you life. The bible say's "Ask and you shall receive, Seek and you will find, knock and the door will be open onto you. For everyone who asks receives and he who seeks will find and to those who knock, the door will be opened." God is waiting for you to seek Him out and fill your heart and mind with His word so that he can empower you against the things that displease Him and ultimately destroy your walk with Him. The bible say's we are to "Cast down every imagination and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God into the captivity of Christ." What that means is that when those thoughts come across your mind you supposed to have the word of God in you to speak and declare against it. Remember when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by the devil? Well, each time the devil attempted to tempt Jesus, Jesus answered Him with "It is written...." You must do the same. I hope this helps.

PS: If you are wondering what God thinks of homosexuality you wil find it in Romans 1:18-32. The best breakdown of the scriptures into lehmans terms comes from "The Message Version." There it is in plain up to date English and can't be mistaken.

Answer 4

You are a sinner. That is why you fantasize. If you read the Bible and grew closer to God, the sin would become less appetizing.

1 Corinthians 10:6-14
6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry." 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did--and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test the Lord, as some of them did--and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did--and were killed by the destroying angel. 11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Answer 5

What God and the Bible say about your lifestyle choices are what really matter. Your obvious sexual obsessions are your real gods. A god that suites individual lifestyles is not a god at all.
The Bible teaches we are to be born again and not to conform to the world but be transformed to the likeness of Jesus and not get entangled with the world its passions and lusts.

Answer 6

Interesting in that you don't specify what those 'interests' are. There are all kinds of 'sexual desires' which are not only sin, but also illegal.

I'd speak to a professional counselor. There are, of course, sexual interests, as you put it, that are very harmful to you, as well as to others. You may not be capable of 'shaking' them yourself, but may with assistance.

Answer 7

Talk to your priest. There not taboo, like most Christian's. They understand that todays generations are changing. I'm saying they will understand, not because so many think they like little boys either. It's their job to stay up with the hype and advise.

Answer 8

Switch to a denomination that is less restrictive, like the United Methodists, Epicopals, Unitarians, Quakers, etc. You don't have to renounce membership in the Catholic Church (if you don't want to), but it probably isn't a good fit for you.

Answer 9

Life is too short to not be happy...

As long as all parties are willing, enjoy.

But then, I'm not Catholic and never was. ;-)

Answer 10

From one sinner to another...
The bible aint gonna help!! LMFAO!!!