Sexual attraction between individuals has been discussed within Christianity since ancient times, though early Christians largely believed it to be sinful due to its association with lust and promiscuity.
This view has shifted significantly throughout history, especially following the emergence of modern queer theology. This paper will explore how the changing understanding of sexuality within the Christian tradition has influenced the development of queer theology.
The earliest Christian texts discuss sexuality primarily in terms of procreation, emphasizing the importance of heterosexual marriage for producing children. These writings often condemn homosexual behavior as unnatural and sinful.
Paul's Letter to the Romans states that "men who have sex with men" are "abandoning natural intercourse" and should receive punishment from God (Rom. 1:26-27). Byzantine thinkers expanded upon these ideas by suggesting that homosexual acts were immoral because they did not lead to procreation or family life, which was necessary for creating social order.
During the Middle Ages, Augustine developed his doctrine of original sin, which suggested that all humans are born with a sinful nature and must struggle against their base impulses. This perspective heavily influenced Christian teaching about sex, leading to an increased focus on chastity and abstinence. At the same time, some medieval writers began to challenge traditional views on sexual morality, arguing that intimacy could be a means of spiritual growth rather than simply a physical pleasure.
Bernard of Clairvaux wrote that love is "the very image of God" and can only be understood through divine grace.
Throughout the Renaissance and Reformation periods, Protestant reformers reinterpreted Christian teachings about sex, emphasizing its role in marriage and family life while downplaying its significance elsewhere. Martin Luther, for example, argued that marriage was essential for procreation and companionship but also had significant symbolic meaning. John Calvin similarly viewed sex as a way to strengthen relationships between spouses and create new members of society.
In the modern era, many Christians began to question traditional attitudes toward sexuality, especially after Darwin's theory of evolution challenged biblical accounts of creation. Some scholars, such as Karl Barth, embraced queer perspectives by arguing that gender and sexual identity are fluid concepts shaped by cultural norms rather than biology. Others, like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, emphasized the need for Christians to accept others regardless of their identities or experiences.
Modern queer theologians have built upon these ideas to develop a more inclusive understanding of human sexuality. They argue that God created humans with diverse bodies and desires, which should not be suppressed but celebrated within committed relationships.
Sally McFague suggests that eroticism can provide a deeper connection between people, allowing them to experience the divine more fully.
Historical changes in religious teachings on sexuality have significantly influenced contemporary queer theological perspectives. By recognizing the importance of intimacy and eroticism, modern scholars seek to expand our understanding of what it means to love one another in faithful and loving relationships.
In what ways does historical evolution in religious teachings on love and intimacy shape contemporary queer theological perspectives?
Historical evolution in religious teachings on love and intimacy has shaped contemporary queer theological perspectives through an increased emphasis on personal autonomy and self-expression as key components of spiritual growth and development. This shift away from traditional norms around sexuality and gender expression has led many individuals to seek out alternative religious communities that embrace diverse forms of devotion and worship.