Why do people believe that homosexuals are unnatural, when in the days of Rome and Sparta (yes Sparta, don't believe the movie hype) Homosexual relationships were not only tolerated, but encouraged?
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ANSWERS: 10
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They also encouraged slavery, crucifixion and world domination. Doesn't make it right.
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I think that homosexuality is a normal part of the whole spectrum of human sexuality. Until recently (a few hundred years) it wasn't viewed as abnormal..and in many parts of the world it still isn't.
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To say that it was tolerated and encouraged without giving a timeframe for either Rome or Sparta could be a bit misleading. However, in general, you are correct. Quite a lot has happened in human history since Rome and Greece, and the spread of Christianity and its Abrahamic anti-homosexual dogma shouldn't be considered the least of it. I'm not sure I'm following what the beliefs of ancient Romans and Spartans have to do with the beliefs of modern societies. Most of our beliefs do not come from these civilizations. (Even those Western beliefs that can be said to have come from Rome come from the Holy Roman Empire, which is quite different than pagan Rome.)
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In Sparta homosexuality was encouraged so the Spartans of the phalanx formation formed a tighter bond that just friends. The phalanx was all about who would break first and if you were standing next to someone you loved or had relations with then you would not break, or it would decrease chances of breaking.
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To each their own but thank god I dont live in Acient Rome. Not only were they homesexual they were pedophiles also.
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I not sure if I would use "the days of Rome and Sprata" as a test for truths or correct morals. I believe that were also such things as enslavement, tyranny, ect that was encouraged. As to the question of "unnatural" in regard to homosexuals I seriously doubt you will find a definative answer here - most will believe as they want using the rational that supports their view.
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Cultural differences. So close to being a two word answer...
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THEY PROBABLY BELIEVED THAT IT WAS THE WORK OF THE GODS. THEY ALSO BELIEVED THAT THEY SHOULD NOT QUESTION OR GO AGAINST THE DECISIONS OF THE GODS.
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I found my own reaction to this question interesting -- I am gay, but the idea of gay relationships being "encouraged" rather than "accepted" actually bothers me a little bit. People are who they are, and they love who they love, and "encouragement" implies pushing somebody in a direction they wouldn't otherwise go. I'll settle for acceptance, followed by respect for however it turns out.
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rome and sparta would not be my first choice for civilizations to emulate. both were cruel, unjust societies where the majority of it's citizens (slaves) were commonly subjected to the most outrageous and immoral treatment. both were hedonistic societies where all sorts of shocking behavior was acceptable, including (and certainly not limited to) human sacrifice as amusement and sexual relations with animals. if you want to bolster your argument that homosexuality is "natural" (whatever that is supposed to mean) use another example
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