For individuals in the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, the use of religious texts to justify homophobia is not only incredibly hurtful but also illogical. The underlying argument is that an all-knowing, all-loving God intentionally creates individuals to be a certain way and then labels their very existence as sinful. This contradiction raises a glaring question: why would anyone worship a deity who seemingly sets them up for suffering? If such a deity were analyzed by a psychologist, they might even be characterized as a psychopath. The inherent narcissism in the statement, “I love you, but if you don’t return that love, you’ll face eternal damnation,” only adds to the absurdity.
However, many religious individuals who hold homophobic beliefs do not view their stance as hypocritical. They genuinely believe in a literal hell and the need for repentance to avoid it. This belief leads to a mindset where they feel that saving someone’s soul is the ultimate act of love. To them, refusing to support their child’s queerness stems from a place of concern for that child’s spiritual well-being. Thus, when we express anger towards these parents for not exhibiting unconditional love, it’s incomprehensible to them; they equate their actions with the deepest kind of love.
The Divergent Views on Queerness
Another fundamental disagreement lies in the perception of queerness itself. For those in the LGBTQIA+ community, queerness is an integral part of their identity—inseparable from who they are. In contrast, religious conservatives often view queerness as a behavior that can be changed. They liken it to the struggles of addiction, believing that the pain of resisting “temptations” is worth it to avoid hell.
For many, this perspective isn’t rooted in cruelty; rather, they see themselves as saviors trying to rescue others from spiritual peril. This disconnect in how we perceive reality leads to conversations that often feel circular, as we’re not starting from the same foundational beliefs.
The Existence of Christian Allies
It’s important to acknowledge that there are Christians who actively support LGBTQ+ rights. From my observations, these allies tend to fall into two groups. The first group recognizes that certain biblical passages are outdated or problematic. For instance, many Christians overlook verses that dictate wives must obey their husbands or that advocate for stoning women who have premarital sex. They may view the biblical condemnations of homosexuality as part of a broader set of antiquated ideas.
The second group believes that the biblical texts condemning homosexuality have been misinterpreted. They argue that the original Greek does not convey the same meaning as modern translations. While I have examined these claims and find that the texts do indeed categorize homosexuality as a sin, I appreciate allies who choose to disregard the parts of the Bible that have been deemed harmful over centuries.
Engaging with Religious Homophobia
So, how do we engage with those who utilize religion to justify their homophobia? For many deeply committed conservative Christians, convincing them otherwise may be a challenging task. They have surrendered their reasoning to religious doctrine, and questioning it can be seen as a lack of faith. However, some individuals can be persuaded if they can understand two key points: first, queerness is not merely a behavior, but an essential aspect of one’s identity, and second, we already selectively interpret the Bible, so why not extend that practice to include affirmation of LGBTQ+ lives?
Another angle is to emphasize individual freedom. While they may hold onto their religious beliefs, they should not impose these beliefs on others’ right to live authentically. Advocating for systemic change is crucial for protecting LGBTQ+ individuals. If you identify as an ally, consider reading this article for helpful tips on how to support us and combat the wave of legislation threatening our rights.
This is a vital moment for allyship, and we sincerely appreciate the support.