There is a lot to be said about how certain beliefs can shape one's outlook on life. For many people around the world, their faith plays a major role in shaping who they are as individuals and how they interact with others. One such group of people that has faced persecution for centuries due to their identities and lifestyles is the LGBTQ population. While some religions have come to terms with homosexuality, there are still those that believe it to be against God's will and therefore condemnable. In this essay, we will examine how narratives of divine purpose or predestination inform coping strategies, life planning, and moral reasoning in LGBTQ populations.
The Importance of Narrative
Before diving into how religion shapes the lives of LGBTQ individuals, it's important to understand what narrative means in this context. Narrative refers to the stories and mythologies that explain why things happen the way they do. They provide an explanation for seemingly random events and help make sense of chaos. Many religious traditions rely heavily on narratives, often rooted in scripture, to justify their beliefs and practices. These stories can also be used to reinforce certain values and behaviors that may not align with contemporary morality.
Divine Purpose
One common narrative within Christianity is the idea of divine purpose. This suggests that everything happens according to God's plan, including hardships and tragedies. It also implies that every individual has a specific role to play in God's grand scheme. For LGBTQ people who were brought up in these faiths, this can create a sense of comfort and belonging. They feel like they have a place in the world and are part of something bigger than themselves.
It can also lead to feelings of guilt if one believes that being gay goes against God's will.
Predestination
Another popular narrative in many religions is predestination. This concept holds that everything that happens was already written by God before it happened. Some interpretations even suggest that God determines whether someone goes to heaven or hell before they are born. This can be a source of anxiety for LGBTQ people because it takes away any sense of free will or agency. If your fate has already been decided, then there is nothing you can do to change it. This can make coping with life's challenges much more difficult.
Coping Strategies
Despite the challenges that come with these narratives, some LGBTQ individuals still find ways to cope. One way is by embracing their identity while also staying true to their religious beliefs. Many queer Christians, for example, believe that God loves them just as they are but may not approve of certain behaviors. This allows them to live their lives authentically without sacrificing their faith. Others turn to counselors or support groups to help them reconcile their identities with their religion. Still, others leave their faith altogether to find acceptance outside of organized religion.
Life Planning
When it comes to life planning, these narratives can have mixed results. On the one hand, knowing that everything happens according to a divine plan can provide comfort and peace during difficult times.
It can also lead to fatalism and a lack of action. For those who believe in predestination, taking risks or making big decisions can seem pointless since the outcome is already known. Instead, many focus on living day-to-day and enjoying each moment as it comes.
Moral Reasoning
When it comes to moral reasoning, these narratives can be both helpful and harmful. Some LGBTQ people use these stories to justify homophobia and transphobia. They argue that being gay or transgender goes against God's will and should therefore be punished. Others use it as a call to compassion and empathy. They see LGBTQ people as individuals created in God's image and worthy of love and respect regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.
While religious narratives can be powerful tools for coping with adversity, they can also create conflict and confusion. It's important for LGBTQ individuals to explore all aspects of their identity and belief system to find what works best for them. As we continue to progress as a society, let's work towards creating a world where everyone feels safe and accepted no matter their faith or sexual orientation.
How do narratives of divine purpose or predestination inform coping strategies, life planning, and moral reasoning in LGBTQ populations?
Narratives of divine purpose or predestination have been shown to inform coping strategies, life planning, and moral reasoning in many religious communities including those with LGBTQ members (e. g. , Carroll & Bader, 2018; Coleman et al. , 2015).