The integration of the Bible into one's life is essential to Christian spiritual development, but how does it work for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ)? Are there ways that these individuals can form their faith while also honoring their identities? Can they find meaningful fellowship within their congregations? What are some potential obstacles to LGBTQ spiritual growth and formation? This paper will explore how traditional Christian values shape queer identity and community, why inclusion is crucial to LGBTQ spiritual formation, what challenges may arise from exclusion, and potential future models of spiritual formation that center queer identity as sacred.
Traditional Christian Values Shape Queer Identity and Community
Christian values have shaped societal attitudes towards gender roles and sexuality since ancient times. The Judeo-Christian tradition emphasizes heterosexual marriage and procreation as the ideal way to achieve holiness and be faithful to God. As a result, non-heteronormative sexualities and relationships have often been labeled sinful and unworthy of belonging in the church.
Many LGBTQ Christians still seek to integrate their faith with their lives, even if their churches exclude them based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Patterson and Watts found that gay men experience "spiritual disorientation" when trying to live up to conservative biblical values while also pursuing same-sex relationships. Some turn to "spiritual activism," engaging in social justice causes like HIV/AIDS awareness and advocating for LGBTQ rights to counteract the oppression they face. Others focus on their personal relationship with God through private prayer or meditation.
Exclusion Impedes LGBTQ Spiritual Formation
Unfortunately, the absence of affirming communities can harm an individual's spiritual life.
Researchers found that religious exclusion was linked to lower psychological wellbeing among LGBTQ people. They felt rejected by their families and congregations and suffered from low self-esteem due to negative messages about queerness. Those who internalized these stigmas reported higher levels of depression and anxiety than those whose faith community embraced them fully. The rejection may lead to isolation and feelings of shame, making it difficult for LGBTQ believers to form meaningful relationships within Christian institutions. Even so, some individuals find comfort in smaller groups that provide support and encouragement outside of the formal church setting.
Future Formation Models Center Queer Identity as Sacred
Including queer identities in traditional formation models could be challenging, but several emerging approaches emphasize sacredness rather than sinfulness. These include feminist, liberationist, and womanist perspectives that question gender norms and power dynamics within Christianity.
Many LGBTQ Christians have found solace in nontraditional spiritual practices like yoga, Reiki, and other forms of holistic healing. This approach recognizes the body as a source of divine connection and seeks to integrate physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
The concept of radical hospitality encourages churches to welcome all people without judgement or condition, creating safe spaces for dialogue and growth. It is crucial to recognize the complexity of LGBTQ identity and community and offer affirming resources that meet their unique needs.
How is spiritual formation for LGBT believers affected by inclusion or exclusion, and what future formation models might center queer identity as sacred?
In contemporary Christianity, there has been much debate surrounding the acceptance of LGBT individuals within church communities. While some denominations have actively welcomed LGBT members into their congregation, others have maintained strict stances against homosexuality and same-sex marriage. The impact of these differing perspectives on spiritual formation can be far-reaching, affecting everything from an individual's sense of belonging to their overall wellbeing and faith journey.