Major Religions’ Attitudes to LGBT

Religion and LGBT

Historically, religion and sexual orientation have appeared to clash significantly. The religious condemnation of homosexual persons as well as homosexual acts has been unquestioned for centuries. The strongest demographic predictor of whether an individual disapproves of homosexuality or not, lies in regular participation in organized worship, particularly in the United States. The relationship between religion and sexual orientation is complex and has fluctuated considerably over time. Additionally, every religion holds a different view on sexuality that has come to influence how individuals perceive sex (Baldwin & Baldwin, 2012). Sometimes, such convictions are continually adjusted as individuals adapt to the diversity of sexual expressions around the globe. There are common stances on LGBT in regards to religion, and they include rejectionism, modified rejectionism, and full acceptance. 

Rejectionism refers to a religious system that objects entirely to the idea that the LGBT community deserves equal rights. Such a religious stance is commonly held by Judeo-Christian denominations that embrace a more Biblical interpretation of sexuality. Moreover, many predominantly Islamic nations also object to the idea that the LGBT community deserves equal rights. For instance, some states such as Iran, Yemen, Mauritania, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates have legislations that criminalize acts of homosexuality (Max & Darla, 2016). As such, individuals caught engaging in homosexual practices are tortured or even put to death. The rejectionist philosophy varies widely among its proponents depending on the particular stance on sexual orientation. Most of the religious sects believe that homosexuality is an individual choice that can be reversed with enough guidance. The majority of the Christian denominations believe that homosexuals can be forgiven by God if at all they repent for the sin of their unacceptable sexual orientation. 

The modified rejectionism is a system that is guided by the philosophy that advocates for loving the sinner and hating the sin. According to this system of belief, the LGBT community should be treated with an equal amount of respect, but the homosexual practices are not tolerated. This kind of philosophy accepts that sexuality cannot be altered but an individual can only be obedient to a higher power if he or she abstains from acting on his or her desires. 

The full acceptance belief system asserts that the LGBT community is entitled to the same civil and social rights as their heterosexual counterparts. The ideology asserts that the sexual practices of the LGBT community are not a sin and that God accepts them just as the heterosexual people. Such an ideology has developed due to the increased campaigns by the LGBT community demanding for recognition in the society that has traditionally discriminated against them. For instance, various churches have even been created under the egalitarian ideal of full acceptance. In 1968, the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches was founded by Troy Perry in the United States. The creation of the church demonstrates how inclusive spirituality can be. The Metropolitan Community Church, in particular, identifies itself as a world movement of spiritually and sexually diverse individuals who acknowledge God’s enduring love (MCC, 2013). Such Christian organizations have attempted to popularize their stance regarding the LGBT community, including gender and racial diversity. Individuals have been able to effectively straddle the wall between religion and sexuality by building a community and affirming the normalcy of the religious LGBT people.

Religious Discrimination

For many centuries, religious ideals have influenced legislations to restrict sexual acts like sodomy and polygamy. For example, the United States had laws against sodomy in the majority of the states up until the twentieth century. It is important to realize that such harsh ordinances are as a result of strict religious practices that advocated for celibacy, heterosexuality, and monogamy. Therefore, such religious ideals do not accommodate the LGBT community. The emphasis on piousness significantly establishes a hierarchy of purity where normal and healthy sex is defined as heterosexual. Consequently, homosexuality has been labeled as repulsive, abnormal, and something that should be sufficiently punished by law. Therefore, the LGBT rights are never upheld in such societies that view heterosexuality as the only normal sexual orientation. 

Despite the various negative religious attitudes towards the LGBT community, the world is continually progressing, and people are beginning to appreciate the fact that the LGBT community should be accorded equal civil and social rights. However, there are several individuals, religious sects, and governments that still hold negative attitudes towards homosexuality. For instance, many people use their religious beliefs an excuse for their homophobia. Such people fail to exercise tolerance in a society that should embrace diversity. Unfortunately, their religions provide justification for their unbecoming attitudes against the LGBT community. Some of the religious ministries have devised prayer-based conversions aimed at changing the sexual orientation of the LGBT people. However, the American Psychological Association concluded in 2009 that there is no evidence pointing to the effectiveness of such prayers. On the contrary, such attempts may be harmful and cause increasing signs of depression as well as suicidal tendencies. 

The LGBT persons, who actually fall out of the religious box, may feel extremely anxious about the fact that their sexuality does not align perfectly with various spiritual mandates. Additionally, when an individual’s ethics are based entirely on their faith, it may directly conflict with his or her identity as a homosexual. It should be realized that mitigating tensions between one’s religion and sexuality can be extremely difficult. However, recognizing that LGBT and religious identities can coexist harmoniously can be significantly helpful. Although people may not actually follow their religious doctrines to the latter in terms of sexuality, it is important for them to realize that they can still structure their life around the premises of love and respect which form the foundations of many religions around the world. 

Major Religions’ Attitudes to LGBT

Various religions have taken a wide range of perspectives regarding sexual orientation. The different well-known religions across the world are explored in terms of their attitudes towards the LGBT community.

Christianity

Christianity has had the most outspoken and prominent views on LGBT rights around the world. Most of the Christians beliefs regarding sexuality are based on scriptures. Some Biblical statements sum up how the majority of the Christian denominations perceive sexuality. For instance, some texts from Corinthians, a book in the New Testament, comments on sexuality indicating that a man should have his wife. This clearly indicates that the Bible approves only of heterosexual relationships. Therefore, homosexual and lesbian couples are excluded in the majority of Christian denominations. The Catholic Church, for a long time, has excluded same-sex couples from the sacrament of matrimony. 

However, it is important to realize that Christianity encapsulates a wide variety of views. As such, there are many different groups and individuals who hold to different views although they belong to the same Christian faith. One of the denominations that have taken radical stances regarding sexual orientation is the Catholic Church. The highest authority of the Catholic Church, the Pope, has in the recent past asserted opinions that are different from those of his predecessors (Hale, 2015). The current Pope, Francis, has stated that he does not judge gay people if at all they maintain their faith. This demonstrates the church’s commitment to sexual inclusivity.

Judaism 

The Jewish views on LGBT rights are found mainly in the Old Testament of the Bible. The Jews believe that sexuality is a gift to be used responsibly and in obedience to God’s will. Therefore, any sexual orientation that gets approved in Judaism should meet the ideals laid down by the religion. The religion features pervasive themes relating to the significance of intimacy and procreation in a union between a male and female (Tracey, 2011). Therefore, it is clear that Judaism recognizes heterosexual relationships among its members and homosexuality is scorned. Historically, the Canaanites, who were rivals of the Israelites, openly performed mating rituals and temple prostitution. Therefore, the culture of the Canaanites displeased the Israelites, and they were considered enemies. Consequently, the Jewish Law began to regulate any foreign sexual behavior such as homosexuality. Therefore, Judaism views any variation in sexuality as a potential threat to the harmony of the group. Therefore, the LGBT community still struggles with full acceptance in Judaism.

Islam

Due to the fact that Muslims lack a single central source of authority, there is a great deal of variety in the Islamic faith in terms of homosexuality. The Muslim texts generally take a more sex-positive stance. The religion views sexuality primarily as a mechanism for pleasure and secondarily as a means for procreation. Sex in marriage is believed to be the highest good of human life. The religion of Islam sanctions polygyny as men are allowed to marry many wives. 

However, the sex-positivity of the religion does not actually extend to homosexuality. The central religious text of Islam alludes to homosexuality in the form of a particular Biblical story of Lot. According to Islam, the people of Lot practiced homosexuality and they were punished severely by God (Akyol, 2015). Additionally, Prophet Muhammad also disapproved homosexuality although there is no record of one being punished for homosexuality. Therefore, the Islam religion’s attitudes towards the LGBT community are negative as it associates acts of homosexuality with evil (Akyol, 2015). Despites such attitudes, it is important to realize that the LGBT community deserves the right to be treated with the same dignity like heterosexuals. 

Hinduism 

The Hindu religion is one of the most sexually inclusive religions in the world. Unlike the majority of the religions, Hinduism does not view homosexuality as a sin. The religion acknowledges the fact that each individual has his own personal romantic and sexual attractions. As such, the religion does not discriminate against one's sexual orientation, and homosexuality is considered one of the many possible expressions of human desire (Khaleeli, 2014). Additionally, many Hindu temples display carvings of both women and men engaging in homosexual sex. Sexual tolerance has significantly permeated the Hindu religion, and the LGBT community is accepted in the society. 

The Growing Acceptance of the LGBT

Despite the institutional disapproval of homosexuality in many religious sects, there has been a growing progress in the acceptance of the LGBT community, particularly among the Catholic and Christian faithful. Such trends are as a result of progress in behavioral science and an attempt by the society to redefine what is normal and natural. Therefore, there is a significant need to avoid judging homosexuals in the society. They should be accorded respect and dignity much like their fellow heterosexual counterparts. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are numerous religious outlooks on homosexuality just as there are numerous religions and belief systems. Despite the fact that many religious views are discriminatory towards the LGBT community; many religious sects are re-examining and modifying their stance on the various sexual orientations. Many religions are seeking to be more inclusive and adaptable to modern sexuality in terms of all of its expression. As religion and sexuality continue to evolve, steady progress is being made towards aligning religious views and sexual orientation. Religion and sexuality are important facets of an individual’s identity. Therefore, there is a need for the two to coexist peacefully to achieve personal satisfaction and fulfillment. 

References

Baldwin, J., & Baldwin, J. (2012). Topics in Sexuality: Advanced Studies . McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Metropolitan Community Churches. (2013). Vision Statement. MCCChurch.org

American Psychological Association. (2009). Resolution on Appropriate Affirmative Responses to Sexual Orientation Distress and Change Efforts.  

Tracey, R. (2011). Jewish attitudes towards sexuality . JewFAQ.org 

Khaleeli, H. (April 16, 2014). Hijra: India’s third gender claims its place in law. The Guardian

Hale, J. (July 28, 2015). The Pope Francis statement that changed the Church on LGBT issues. Time Magazine

Akyol, M. (July 28, 2015). What does Islam say about being gay? The New York Times

Max, B., Darla, C. (June 16, 2016). Here are the 10 countries where homosexuality may be punished by death. The Washington Post