But as I wrote the piece I was keenly aware of a paradox. First, it's clear that a large number of Americans are afraid to share their views, and for good reason. A recent CATO Institute survey found that 62 percent of Americans agree that "the political climate these days prevents me from saying things I believe because others might find them offensive."

"This counterfeit religion is Moralistic Therapeutic Deism," stated Ms. Bratton, "a worldview that has quickly gained prominence and given many Americans a theology that looks nothing like historical Christianity, despite what they may claim." She then goes on to cite the recent work of George Barna, whose February survey showed that Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD), or -- watered-down, feel-good, fake Christianity -- is the most popular worldview in the United States today.

The bishops are asked "not to support, participate [in] or recommend treatments" implemented by Truth and Freedom or other Catholic groups offering healing to homosexuals because "the methodology and the objectives followed are wrong."

"We also invite those who consider themselves damaged to file a civil complaint, since, from the canonical point of view, we cannot intervene in what they do," the instruction urges.

But how and why have the terms "gender" and "sexual orientation" become primary markers of identity? Carl Trueman in his book "The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self" charts the recent intellectual history of the west and shows how there has been a total transformation in how society understands 'the self'.