The "dark night" is an experience that many religious practitioners have reported throughout history, which involves feeling spiritually empty and abandoned by God. It is often described as a time when one's faith is put to the test, where they must find strength within themselves to continue their spiritual journey despite the absence of external support from God. For queer believers who are struggling with their identity and sexuality, this can be particularly challenging. They may feel isolated and misunderstood by both their community and society at large, making it difficult to find meaning in their relationship with God. In this article, I will explore how the mystic's dark night mirrors the existential struggle of queer believers seeking divine meaning.
Let us examine what the mystics mean by the term "dark night". The phrase comes from Saint John of the Cross's book, Dark Night of the Soul, where he describes a spiritual journey that begins in the darkness of doubt and despair before finally leading to union with God. According to him, this process requires complete surrender to God's will, even if it means being stripped of all comforts and pleasures. This idea resonates with queer believers who may feel like they are constantly fighting against social norms and expectations. They may struggle to reconcile their sexuality with their faith, feeling that they cannot fully express either aspect without compromising the other. This can lead to feelings of isolation and shame, leaving them wondering whether or not they belong in their communities or churches.
We can see parallels between the mystics' dark night and the existential struggles of queer believers. Both involve questioning one's place in the world and searching for deeper meaning. Queer believers may feel alienated from mainstream religions that promote heteronormativity, but they also may have difficulty finding solace in LGBTQ-friendly communities that do not necessarily emphasize spirituality. This can create a sense of dissonance, where one feels torn between two competing identities.
Both experiences require a certain amount of courage and resilience. The mystic must persevere through the dark night despite the pain and uncertainty, while queer believers must face discrimination and rejection as they pursue their faith.
The mystics' "dark night" mirrors the existential struggle of queer believers seeking divine meaning in several ways. Both involve grappling with questions of identity and belonging, as well as requiring strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. By understanding this connection, we can better support those who are on these journeys by providing resources and community support.
We all share the human experience of longing for connection and meaning, regardless of our sexual orientation or religious beliefs.
In what sense does the mystic's “dark night†mirror the existential struggle of queer believers seeking divine meaning?
The dark night is an experience common among both mystics and queer believers. It represents a time when one feels abandoned by God, left alone with their doubts and insecurities, as if they are being punished for some unknown sin. For the mystic, this can be seen as a test of faith, a period of purification that must be endured before reaching enlightenment.