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For those in the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, leveraging religion to justify homophobia is not only offensive but also nonsensical. At its essence, this argument suggests that an all-knowing, ever-present, and all-powerful God intentionally designs individuals to be a certain way and then labels that very design as sinful. For queer individuals and their supporters, this line of thinking is fundamentally flawed. Why would anyone want to worship a deity who sets people up for misery? If such a god were to be evaluated by a psychologist, they might be diagnosed with psychopathy. (Not to mention the inherent narcissism in the notion, “I love you unconditionally, but if you don’t reciprocate, you’ll suffer eternally.”)
However, religious individuals with homophobic beliefs often do not perceive their stance as hypocritical. They genuinely believe in a literal hell where unrepentant souls are condemned. It does not matter that we can reason through the ethical issues of coercing entry into heaven; human logic doesn’t apply when one is acting on divine dictates. They believe certain actions lead to specific outcomes and thus adjust their behavior accordingly.
To them, saving a person’s soul is the ultimate act of kindness. For an Evangelical Christian parent, their refusal to accept their child’s queerness stems from a desire to safeguard their child’s eternal spirit. When we express anger towards these parents for their lack of unconditional love, their perspective is incomprehensible; they see their actions as the deepest form of love.
Another fundamental disagreement lies in how queerness is defined. For those within the LGBTQIA+ community, queerness is an integral part of their identity, inseparable from who they are. In contrast, many religious conservatives view queerness as a behavior that can be altered. They perceive resisting these “temptations” as a moral duty, believing that no earthly pleasure is worth eternal damnation.
Most religious conservatives are not deliberately cruel; they genuinely believe they are acting in the best interest of those they perceive as lost. Thus, our worldviews diverge significantly. We do not share the same beliefs about existence, the afterlife, or the nature of queerness. This disconnect often leads to unproductive discussions.
It’s essential to recognize that there are Christians who stand as allies to the LGBTQ+ community. Anecdotal evidence suggests that these allies often reach one of two conclusions: some acknowledge that various biblical passages can be selectively ignored, such as those calling for women to obey their husbands or for stoning women who engage in premarital sex. Others argue that passages condemning homosexuality have been misinterpreted and do not reflect the original texts accurately.
Personally, I prefer the allies who choose to disregard the problematic portions of the Bible altogether, as doing so aligns with a more inclusive understanding of faith.
So, how can we engage with those whose homophobia is deeply rooted in their religious beliefs? For conservative evangelical Christians who are heavily invested in their faith, reasoning can be challenging. Many have relinquished their critical thinking to adhere to their church’s teachings. Questions may be seen as a lack of faith, and nothing is more critical than maintaining that faith to avoid eternal suffering.
Some may be swayed if they grasp two key points: first, that queerness is an intrinsic part of a person’s identity, and second, that we already pick and choose which biblical teachings to follow. This could lead to an understanding that it’s acceptable to leave out the hateful rhetoric.
Ultimately, the conversation can shift to matters of liberty. Hold onto your religious beliefs, but don’t let them infringe on others’ rights to live authentically. We can push for systematic change to protect LGBTQ+ individuals, and we appreciate the support of those who stand with us. For more resources on how to effectively advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, check out this excellent resource from UCSF.
Summary
This article discusses the disconnect between religious beliefs and LGBTQ+ identities, arguing that many Christians approach the Bible selectively, similar to a buffet. It highlights the challenges in reconciling differing worldviews and encourages allies to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights while respecting individual freedoms.
SEO Metadata
Many Christians Approach the Bible Like a Buffet, LGBTQ+ Hate, Religious Beliefs, Homophobia, Allies, Queerness, Faith, Advocacy