by Halley of The Healing Well
Natural law theory is an antiquated moral philosophy, with roots in ancient Greece and brought to fruition during the Christian medieval period. Natural law theory is based on casual observations of nature with a projection of cultural values imbued into these observations. According to natural law theorist all nature is divided into two sexes (male and female) and all animals pair off and raise happy nuclear families. Heterosexuality is the norm and any variation of sexual expression is perverse and “unnatural”. This is often the world-view that is presented in children’s stories, where animal families mirror contemporary human families. Thus our heads are filled with the imagery of natural law theory very early in life.
The basic problem with this theory is that it is a false doctrine. We know this because 200 years of scientific observation of Nature have proven the error of this theory. Objective, non-value laden, scientific investigation and observation have revealed the truth of Nature (a truth that many native and earth-based cultures have know for a long time), and that truth is that Nature is diverse in Her manifestations as She is diverse in Her expression. We know that the natural world is NOT neatly divided into male and female. We know that many animals (and all of the higher primates) exhibit homosexual behavior. We know that animal “family” structure is diverse and does not parrot our cultural definition.
Nature herself has revealed for us the glory of diversity and the falsehood of Nature Law theory. Why then is it important for us to address this antiquated and erroneous doctrine. The answer is simply that Natural Law Theory continues to be used as a defense for oppressing trans/gay/lesbian/and Bi peoples.
The recent Supreme court case, involving the Colorado amendment, is a good example. Justice Scalia, in his dissenting opinion, repeatedly referred to natural law theory as a defense for promoting the bigotry that was institutionalized in the Colorado amendment. In fact, judges and legislators, regularly refer to this false doctrine, in blind attempts to promote ignorance and maintain discrimination.
This is why we must be aware of the error that natural law theory is, and be ready to cut off its ugly lying little head everytime it rears itself in society by proclaiming the true natural law which is DIVERSITY. Remember, nothing in nature can be “unnatural”, all is blessed by Our Loving Mother, all is Her manifestation, all is Her expression, or as the sages teach - the One is in the Many and the Many are in the One.
Q-zone
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Last modified: 1/3/97