Commonweal: Theology as Survival

This week I read a Commonweal interview with a homosexual theologian, Father James Alison. Journalist Brett Salkeld comments that since he himself is "sympathetic to the plight of gay Catholics, but unconvinced by arguments of change in church teaching on related questions," it was an interesting combination of interviewer and interviewee. Father Alison admits that, in the 1970's, he came close to committing suicide. He understands that he took a peculiar position by joining a religious order as a gay man, but maintains that the love of an old religious classmate combined with the intercession of Padre Pio left him with a sense of grace that "blew him into the Church."


Homosexuality in the Catholic Church often defeats gay men and women, and for Father Alison, "theology was a matter of survival." Salkeld decided to title the article "Theology as Survival." I like that the interview was titled this because these words coming out of a person in a religious order definitely resonate. Why, if he always struggled with theology, did Father Alison devote his life to it? Apparently, the teachings of René Girard has given Father Alison an intrinsic passion regarding the "intelligence of faith." Girard's beliefs have allowed Alison to come to an understanding about Jesus' death as a form of salvation without putting vengeance on Christ. He devotes his spirituality to God, Salvation, and Scripture. Further, he is hopeful that Pope Benedict is leaning towards change in the area of homosexuality. 


When asked if there was anything that goes on in the Catholic Church that drived Father Alison crazy, he responded,  "The silence of those in positions of influence in the church who know, or have a strong suspicion, that being gay is a nonpathological minority variant in the human condition drives me crazy, far crazier than I am driven by any loud-mouthed purveyor of hateful nonsense." Father Alison does not indulge his thoughts into the question, how did being gay "happen," rather he focuses on how he can enrich his life at the point where he is. 


The interview that Brett Salkeld had with Father Alison is jam packed and brings a new insight on homosexuality in the Catholic Church. I found it very interesting to have a homosexual of religious order comment on one of the most controversial deliberations in today's society. Since it was an online article, I was able to read the comments. One person commented, " Mr. Alison's situation is sad, but the problem is with him, not the church.  I pray for his conversion and healing." As a young adult struggling with my faith, comments like these make me want to run away from the Church. This narrow minded view shows hate and rejection - exactly the opposite of how I was raised to act. However, it is refreshing when people bite back at this nonsense. Another commenter rebutted with: "How can you say this? The problem has often been with the church and the church has reviewed and changed over the centuries its teaching on usury, slavery, evolution and medicine (to name just a few). Why has there not been a similar advance in understanding of human sexuality?" I always opt to read online articles when possible so I can read the comments. Personally, I respect Father Alison for accepting these ignorant views in exchange for being a man of religious order. It takes an exceptional person to do this.






Theology as Survival