Sexual orientation is an individual's inherent or acquired psychological and emotional attraction towards people of opposite gender or same gender. It may be expressed through behavioral, cognitive, affective, romantic, and physical elements such as thoughts, feelings, fantasies, desires, acts, preferences, choices, etc. Religions have different views about sexuality which are often based on their sacred texts, cultural context, historical background, and religious leaders' interpretations.
Catholicism considers homosexuality sinful due to its negative impact on procreation while Islam has no explicit view but most scholars agree that it's forbidden. Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism all condemn LGBTQ+ lifestyle because they don't recognize non-heterosexual identities and relationships. Some religions emphasize heteronormative values like marriage between man and woman for producing children, maintaining family lineage, and social order; others see sex outside marriage as immoral and unacceptable. Consequently, many LGBTQ+ people face pressure from families and communities to change or hide their identity. As a result, some feel conflicted, ashamed, confused, or isolated while others develop low self-esteem or depression.
There are also positive effects of religion on sexual identity, such as providing support, acceptance, validation, spiritual connection, community, and moral guidance.
Religion can impact sexual orientation evaluation in three ways: 1) Shame, guilt, and fear of damnation can cause anxiety and trauma, leading to suppressed or hidden sexual identity. 2) Religious teachings may influence the formation of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors toward sexual minorities. 3) Spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, rituals, pilgrimages, and sermons can help individuals resolve conflicts with faith and sexuality, leading to self-acceptance. The tension between religious doctrine and sexual expression is often internalized through cognitive dissonance, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, doubt, conflict, uncertainty, and rejection. This can lead to psychological distress, isolation, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, and physical health problems.
Religious leaders and groups promote acceptance by affirming that God loves all, including LGBTQ+ people, and emphasizing compassion, empathy, and inclusion. Some religious denominations have changed their positions on homosexuality and transgenderism, allowing same-sex marriage, gender transition, and ordination based on new scientific evidence, social trends, and personal experiences. Nevertheless, it's crucial for religions to acknowledge and address sexual diversity within their communities, creating safe spaces for dialogue and reconciliation.
Religious evaluation of sexual orientation creates tension, shame, and self-acceptance depending on its context, interpretation, and individual experience.
How does religious evaluation of sexual orientation create tension, shame, or self-acceptance?
Religious evaluation of sexual orientation has been shown to have various impacts on individuals' mental health, including increased feelings of shame, guilt, and anxiety. Some people may feel that their faith requires them to suppress or deny their sexual orientation, leading to feelings of isolation and internalized homophobia (Darling & Matsunaga, 2016).