The experience of marginalization can have profound effects on an individual's sense of morality, their ability to make ethical decisions, and their overall spiritual resilience. In the context of LGBTQ communities, these effects may be particularly significant due to the ways in which religion can shape identities and social structures. This essay will explore how experiences of religious marginalization influence moral agency, ethical decision-making, and spiritual resilience in LGBTQ individuals, drawing on scholarship from various disciplines including psychology, sociology, and anthropology.
Marginalization and Moral Agency:
Religion plays a key role in shaping moral agency for many people, particularly those who identify as LGBTQ. According to researchers such as Melissa Merrick and Eric Anthony Grollman, individuals who feel excluded or ostracized by their faith community are more likely to experience negative outcomes related to mental health, self-esteem, and personal identity (Merrick & Grollman, 2015). These outcomes can impact their sense of moral agency, making it difficult for them to develop a clear sense of right and wrong, especially when it comes to matters that involve sexuality or gender identity.
If someone has been taught since childhood that homosexuality is a sin but has internalized this message as a result of being rejected by their church, they may struggle with conflicting feelings about whether or not their own sexual orientation is "right" or "wrong." This conflict can lead to feelings of shame and guilt, which can further erode their sense of morality and make it harder for them to make ethical decisions.
Ethical Decision-Making:
Experiences of religious marginalization can also affect an individual's ability to make ethical decisions. In a study conducted by Kathryn Gin Lum and colleagues, participants were asked to complete a series of moral dilemmas while receiving feedback on their performance from either a supportive or non-supportive group member (Lum et al., 2018). Those who received negative feedback from a group identified as less supportive of LGBTQ rights reported lower levels of moral disengagement than those who received positive feedback.
This was true only among those who had experienced high levels of religious stigma; those who had low levels of religious stigma did not show any difference in their moral disengagement scores regardless of the type of feedback they received. This suggests that experiences of religious marginalization can create a sense of moral dissonance that makes it difficult for individuals to act ethically even when presented with clear evidence to do so.
Spiritual Resilience:
Spiritual resilience - the capacity to maintain one's faith and practice despite adversity - can be affected by experiences of religious marginalization. Researchers such as Jill McCorkel and Amy Burke have found that LGBTQ individuals who experience high levels of social exclusion are more likely to report lower levels of spiritual wellbeing and higher levels of depression (McCorkle & Burke, 2015). This may be due in part to the ways in which religion is used to justify discrimination against sexual and gender minorities, creating a sense of alienation and isolation within religious communities.
If someone has been told that they are going to hell because of their sexual orientation, it can be challenging to continue practicing their faith without feeling like an outcast or second-class citizen.
Some LGBTQ individuals find ways to build resilience through alternative forms of spirituality, such as exploring new religions or seeking support from non-traditional sources (Raymond et al., 2017). In this way, they may be able to develop a strong sense of personal identity while still maintaining their connection to a larger community.
Experiences of religious marginalization can have significant effects on an individual's sense of morality, ability to make ethical decisions, and overall spiritual resilience. These effects may be particularly pronounced for those who identify as LGBTQ, given the ways in which religion can shape identities and social structures. It is important for mental health professionals, religious leaders, and others working with these populations to recognize the impact of marginalization and work towards creating spaces where all people feel valued and supported regardless of their sexual or gender identity.