Veritatis Gaudium: Multidisciplinary Journal of Postgraduate Studies

This work critically examines the Catholic Church’s theological and social-scientific arguments concerning homosexuality, same-sex marriage, and the institution of heterosexual marriage. Drawing on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, natural law theory, and a wide range of empirical studies in sociology, psychology, public health, and family science, the article evaluates claims about the health benefits of heterosexual marriage, the purported harms of legalizing same-sex unions, and the Catholic understanding of human sexuality as ordered toward procreation and spousal unity. The discussion is structured around four interrelated themes: (1) the theological and sacramental significance of marriage in Catholic doctrine; (2) the empirical evidence regarding the health, psychological, and social benefits of heterosexual marriage; (3) the perceived threats to the institution of marriage posed by divorce and same-sex unions; and (4) the scientific and moral arguments marshalled against homosexual “marriage.” The article concludes that, from a Catholic perspective, marriage must remain exclusive to one man and one woman, grounded not merely in religious conviction but in demonstrable social science evidence. Implications for public policy, family law, and pastoral care are discussed.

Open Full Text (PDF)