[net.religion.jewish] Compassion and Rationalization

samet@sfmag.UUCP (A.I.Samet) (05/13/85)

> > The fact that he may have latent tendancies [sic] which were
> > not chosen is doesn't prevent him from controlling himself.
> > If you tell them that it's a "valid" way of life, you just make it
> > easier for them to sin.
> > (Y. Samet)

> The Talmud recognises that there are people who cannot prevent themselves
> from controlling some urges...
> This attitude does in no way make it "valid" to sin, yet shows more
> understanding of human nature (hence compassion) than the above writer.
> (M. Fingerhut)

I was responding to an article which asserted that someone who has
homosexual tendancies is a homosexual, and that no choice is involved.
That view towards self control is totally antithetical to the Torah,
which teaches us to control and overcome our weaknesses. 

Compassion for someone who cannot control himself is another issue.
Comapassion would require us to help someone learn to control himself,
by teaching him that his behavior is wrong, and by helping him psychologically
if necessary. Condoning homosexual behavior (which is a capital crime)
by supporting the  rationalization that it is an acceptable way of life is
corruption not compassion.
				Yitchok Samet