Homosexuality and Religion: Bridging Gaps in Acceptance

By now in society, homosexuality is increasingly recognized as a valid sexual orientation. However, resistance persists, especially in comparison to the broad acceptance of heterosexuality. Homosexuality, defined as the attraction or sexual desire directed towards individuals of the same sex, continues to be a subject of contention in societal and religious debates. Despite growing acceptance, many homosexual individuals face challenges in achieving full inclusion, particularly within religious institutions, where traditional beliefs often perpetuate exclusion.

Historically, society and the Christian community have often viewed homosexuality negatively—a perception that lingers in some contexts today.

Certain churches continue to oppose gay marriage and condemn homosexuality in their teachings. Similarly, societal acceptance has progressed slowly; homosexuality remained illegal in the United States until the late 20th century, and some states prohibited gay marriage until 2003. (Farah)

Biblical Interpretation and Controversy

Kenneth A. Locke, in his article “The Bible on Homosexuality: Exploring Its Meanings and Authority,” argues that the Bible addresses same-sex relationships in only a few passages. These include the destruction of Sodom, prohibitions in the Torah, and statements by the Apostle Paul. Locke notes that some Christians interpret these passages as proof that God condemns homosexual behavior. However, he highlights that the Bible does not explicitly condemn homosexuality as a concept, since it was not recognized in its historical context. Instead, biblical texts describe same-sex encounters without considering individual orientation. Locke, aligning with Martti Nissinen, suggests using the term "homoeroticism" to better capture the broader scope of same-sex interactions in the Bible.

After reading this article, this provided more information for me to further affirm my thesis of how homosexuality in the Christian community, meaning those who believe God condemns homosexuality from those passages from the Bible stated earlier, but more specifically within biblical texts, have been seen in a negative light. The Bible does not say that homosexuals are condemned because it is a very different world now than when the Bible was written. In the literal sense, the very term, ‘homosexual’ was not used yet so they focused on the sexual acts by persons of the same sex.

Analysis of Sodom and Interpretations

The story of Sodom is frequently interpreted as reflecting a divine preference for heterosexuality. In this account, the men of Sodom demanded to “know” two male angels staying in Lot’s house—a phrase often interpreted as having sexual connotations. Lot’s offering of his virgin daughters further underscores the sexual nature of their request. Some interpret Sodom’s punishment as a condemnation of same-sex behavior, while others argue it reflects judgment for the men’s hostility and violence toward visitors. These interpretations demonstrate the complexity of biblical texts and the challenges of applying ancient contexts to modern debates.

Negative Perceptions in the New Testament

Numerous passages in the New Testament further contribute to negative perceptions of homosexuality. For example, Romans 1:26-27 describes men and women engaging in "dishonorable passions" and states that those who abandon "natural relations" will face consequences. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 6:9 groups "men who practice homosexuality" with thieves, adulterers, and other "unrighteous" individuals who will not inherit the kingdom of God. Such passages have often been cited to support the belief that homosexuality is incompatible with Christian morality, although interpretations vary widely.

This is a very straightforward statement saying that anyone who is unrighteous in any way will not get into the kingdom of God. This verse also puts homosexuals in the same category with thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers and swindlers. Another verse that clearly supports the negative view of homosexuals is 1 Timothy 1:9-10. “Understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.” (1 Timothy 1:9-10) This verse is another example of how the Bible has thrown homosexuals into categories with awful groups of individuals. All these different passages from the Bible are clear examples of how homosexuals have been portrayed as very negative and inferior to those that are heterosexuals.

Societal Stigma and Mental Health

The stigma surrounding homosexuality significantly affects mental health. Fleming and Burns, in their article “Online Evaluative Conditioning Did Not Alter Internalized Homonegativity or Self-Esteem in Gay Men,” emphasize that societal negativity places unique stressors on individuals identifying as homosexual or bisexual. From a young age, children often internalize the notion that same-sex attraction is “unnatural” or “wrong,” leading to self-stigma and increased mental health challenges. Their study revealed that societal conditioning continues to impact even openly gay men, highlighting the enduring effects of such stigmas.

So, Fleming and Burns conducted a research survey by recruiting gay men online by emailing responsible parties in the homosexual community such as college groups, social clubs, and performing arts groups. The study was described as “an online research study to learn more about attitudes about sexual orientation and the ways people perceive themselves.” There were eligibility requirements that the participant had to meet to be able to participate in the study. 1) the individual had to be at least 18 years old, 2) the individual had to be of male birth sex and male gender identity, 3) the individual had to identify as gay, and 4) the individual had to be located in the United States.

After reading this article about how different society stigmas affected homosexuals, it further proved my thesis of how society has shed a negative light on homosexuality. Just the fact that there was a study done for homosexual men on how they respond to seeing words like “gay” on a screen and how they internalize feelings about that shows us that there is something wrong. Children grow up in a world where they are taught, maybe indirectly, that it is “weird” or “not normal” to be in a same-sex relationship and that is the root of all the societal judgements, negative connotations, and stereotypes homosexuals face in today’s world. In the study done by Fleming and Burns, they used a technique called evaluative conditioning (EC) which “comprises modifying the affective evaluation of one stimulus by pairing it repeatedly with other stimuli that elicit either positive or negative affective responses, resulting in modi?cation of individuals’ implicit likes and dislikes.” This was to test the internalized homonegativity within the participants in the study that were homosexual men and the results found that even gay men have internalized homonegativity because of the society around them. This is a prime example of why homosexuals experience higher mental disorder rates than those that are not homosexuals because of the world that they were raised in together.

Progress and Remaining Challenges

While progress has been made in societal acceptance of homosexuality, challenges remain. A Pew Research study found that the percentage of Americans with favorable views of gay men and lesbians has increased significantly over the past decade. However, just over half of Americans hold these positive views, leaving a substantial minority still resistant to acceptance. Notably, 19% of parents in the study expressed that they would be very upset if their child identified as gay or lesbian, a sharp decline from 64% in 1985. These figures highlight both the strides made and the obstacles yet to be overcome in achieving full societal acceptance. (Drake)

The fact that a parent would change their view of their child because they were homosexual baffles me but over the years, as society evolves, so has the number of understanding parents. According to the Pew Research study, the number of Americans that know someone who is gay, or lesbian is growing. “An overwhelming percentage of Americans (87%) say they know someone who is gay or lesbian, compared to 61% who said so twenty years ago.”

I would infer this is due to the increase of homosexuals ‘coming out’ compared to the past. This also could be from more well know individuals ‘coming out’ as gay or lesbian, for example Ellen DeGeneres, and making it easier for others to follow in their footsteps. Now not all the statistics found in the Pew Research study were positive. When surveying LGBT adults, many saw religious institutions as unfriendly towards them in their community. “About three-in-ten (29%) said they had been made to feel unwelcome at a place of worship or religious organization at some point in their lives.” In a world that sheds so much shade on them, some homosexual individuals might turn to the church for refuge, yet some might yet again be turned away. And it is not just Christianity. “The Muslim religion (84%), the Mormon Church (83%), the Catholic Church (79%) and evangelical churches (73%) were viewed as more unfriendly than the Jewish religion or non-evangelical Protestant churches.” And finally from the Pew Research study, a great point is made that directly correlates the discouragement of homosexuality and religion is, “when the nearly one-third of Americans who say homosexuality should be discouraged are asked in an open-ended question why they feel this way, by far the most common reason, given by 52%, is that homosexuality conflicts with their religious or moral beliefs.” This directly ties back to my thesis of how homosexuality has and still is seen in a negative light, by society with all the previous statistics given, but also by Christian community and religion in general by the latter statistic of the study.

Another main reason I chose this topic of homosexuality and the relations between it and society and the Christian community is because I have had real life experiences involving the topic. I knew in middle school what homosexuality was, but I did not know anyone that identified as one. It was not until high school where other students in my school started to embrace their sexuality more and those who were comfortable enough, started to ‘come out’. Although I do not identify as homosexual, I have witnessed the challenges faced by individuals who do, especially during my high school years. High school life often defines the experiences and struggles of students, particularly for those navigating their sexual orientation in a judgmental environment. There was always someone judging another in some way or another. And there was always someone getting consumed with what others thought about them. But I would not be lying if I said that students who came out as gay or lesbian, had it the hardest at times. By just being in the halls during passing periods, in the cafeteria during lunch time, in the classroom, or even in the bathroom, it was not hard to miss the judgement thrown at these individuals. The stares, the whispers, and the exclusion they received on a daily basis from their fellow classmates was not fair.

But at the same time, it was not the same for all the students who had come out as gay or lesbian. The students who received the most attention like described above were the students who wore their homosexuality on their shoulders, loud and proud. But there were also students who had came out but were very much wallflowers. And these students received attention as if they were invisible. No one would really acknowledge them, no one would really care what they had to say, as if they did not even exist. I do not know what would have been worse, the constant stare from society or the lack of recognition as a whole. Granted, there was some students that had come out as gay or lesbian in our school and did not receive much backlash at all. Everybody loved them and were friends with them and I wish that was how it was for everyone, but that just was not the case. It has also carried into my college years but not as much as it was in high school. Nowadays, a lot of the hate I see towards homosexuals is the slang terms thrown around casually in society. “That is so gay!” or “no homo” or “what’s up fag?” These are all phrases I hear almost every day. People say these things without hesitation and they never know when someone is around that will be very offended by these statements. Myself not even being gay, feel a sense of being offended so I know individuals who are gay, or lesbian would be very offended.

Conclusion

While progress has been made in societal and religious attitudes toward homosexuality, achieving full equality and acceptance requires continued effort. Historical and cultural biases still marginalize many individuals, perpetuating judgment and exclusion. A more inclusive world depends on actively challenging these stigmas, promoting empathy, and ensuring that every individual—regardless of sexual orientation—feels valued and supported in their communities and faiths.

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