How does engagement with sacred literature influence queer believers' construction of self and moral identity?
Queer believers are those individuals who identify themselves as LGBTQ+ and adhere to religious belief systems that reject their identity. Despite this rejection, many queer believers continue to read and study their faith's sacred texts in an effort to understand their place within it and find acceptance. This article will examine how engagement with sacred literature influences queer believers' construction of self and moral identity by exploring the ways in which sacred texts shape their understanding of gender roles, sexual norms, and ethics.
Sacred literature has historically been used to uphold traditional gender roles and heteronormative ideals, which can be problematic for queer believers who do not fit these expectations.
The Bible states that marriage should be between one man and one woman, thereby excluding same-sex couples from the institution (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6). This can create feelings of alienation and shame among queer believers who wish to marry their partner but cannot due to their faith.
Some queer believers interpret these passages in a way that allows for greater flexibility, such as interpreting "man" and "woman" as simply referring to two people or seeing marriage as a covenant between any two people who love each other. By engaging with sacred texts in this manner, queer believers can challenge dominant narratives around gender and sexuality and construct their own identities on their own terms.
Engagement with sacred literature also shapes queer believers' understanding of sexual norms. Many religious traditions have strict rules governing sexual behavior, including prohibitions against premarital sex, extramarital affairs, and homosexuality. These rules can cause queer believers to feel guilty and ashamed about their desires, leading them to suppress their identity or try to change it through conversion therapy.
Some queer believers find ways to reconcile their sexuality with their faith by focusing on spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation rather than sexual acts. Others may interpret sexual norms in a more progressive light, arguing that God created all humans with unique sexual orientations and genders and that sexual expression is a natural part of life.
Engagement with sacred literature influences queer believers' construction of moral identity. Religious belief systems often emphasize certain values, such as compassion, justice, and self-discipline, which can be used to frame discussions around morality.
Many Christian denominations focus on the idea of repentance, which involves acknowledging one's sins and seeking forgiveness from God. Queer believers may use this concept to acknowledge their same-sex attraction while still adhering to traditional religious teachings around sexuality. By engaging with sacred texts, queer believers can explore their relationship to these concepts and create a moral framework that allows for both their sexual orientation and their faith.
Engagement with sacred literature has the potential to empower queer believers by giving them tools to challenge dominant narratives and construct their own identities. While it can also lead to feelings of alienation and shame, those who persist in their study can find meaning and acceptance within their faith communities. This article shows how reading and interpreting sacred texts can provide queer believers with the opportunity to build bridges between their identities and their faith, allowing them to live authentically and holistically.
How does engagement with sacred literature influence queer believers' construction of self and moral identity?
It is important to acknowledge that the conceptualization of queerness and its implications for religious beliefs and practices are highly individualized. This means that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to exploring how engagement with sacred texts influences an individual's sense of self and moral identity as a queer believer.