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What does the moral theological term "objectively disordered" when applied to homosexual people, mean?

User Didxga
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Final answer:

The term "objectively disordered" in moral theology usually denotes that homosexual acts are viewed as inherently against the 'natural law' and thus morally wrong, regardless of context. This perspective is contested, and modern understandings of psychology, sociology, and biology provide different insights into human sexuality and behavior.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term "objectively disordered" when applied to homosexual people within certain moral theological frameworks, particularly within some Christian teachings, suggests that homosexual acts are inherently against the 'natural law' as traditionally interpreted by these belief systems. This concept means that such acts are morally wrong irrespective of any particular situation or intention because they do not align with the perceived natural purpose of human sexuality, which these frameworks often define as being directed exclusively toward procreation within heterosexual marriage.

It is important to note that this view is not shared universally and is subject to considerable debate both within religious communities and broader society. Some argue, drawing from Natural Law Theory, that morality should be understood in terms of alignment with natural purposes or functions, suggesting that if a trait like homosexuality occurs in nature, which it does in various species, it could be considered naturally purposed and not disordered. From the perspective of Conflict Theory or evolutionary biology, it is recognized that human behavior is complex and influenced by a variety of factors beyond simple biological imperatives, implying the inability to apply a universal moral rule derived from nature to homosexual behavior.

Furthermore, the past view of homosexuality as a mental disorder has been widely discredited within modern psychology and is acknowledged as a harmful stigma. Legal and societal acceptance of same-sex relationships and the ability for same-sex couples to parent challenges older functionalist views that exclusively link sexuality with procreation.

User Raychz
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