Sexual Orientation and Religious Conformity Reconciled Within Mormon Teachings
Most people have heard of Mormons, but few understand their belief system. Mormonism is the religious sect founded by Joseph Smith in 1829 that believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. They also believe in polygamy and are a large Christian denomination with millions of members worldwide. While most Christians do not accept polygamy, it has been practiced within Mormonism for centuries. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) officially abandoned polygamy in 1890, but many still practice it today.
The LDS faith teaches that homosexual behavior is sinful, which means that gay men and lesbians cannot be accepted into the church.
They can lead a celibate life and attend services. For those who choose to leave the LDS faith because of their sexual orientation, there are significant psychological consequences. These include depression, anxiety, suicide attempts, self-harm, substance abuse, eating disorders, social isolation, and relationship difficulties.
Some LGBTQ+ individuals find solace in other spiritual communities or seek counseling from therapists trained in affirmative treatment approaches.
Within Mormon teachings, sexual orientation and religious conformity are often reconciled through conversion therapy or excommunication. According to the LDS Handbook, "individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender may remain members if they follow certain guidelines." The handbook outlines how these individuals should live according to church doctrine while maintaining membership status. It requires them to follow all commandments and covenants, including attending church meetings and participating in missionary work. Those who violate these rules face excommunication or discipline from local leadership.
Despite this strict policy on homosexuality, the church has not always been so intolerant. In the early days, many leaders were openly gay and had same-sex relationships without facing any repercussions. This changed with Brigham Young's assumption of power in 1847 when he began persecuting those who did not adhere strictly to his interpretation of scripture. Today, most Mormons believe that homosexuality is a sin and that being gay is morally wrong. The church has recently softened its stance somewhat by acknowledging that people can be born with same-sex attractions but must overcome them through prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Those who leave the church due to their sexual orientation face significant spiritual consequences. They lose access to temples where they once performed sacred ordinances such as baptisms and marriages. They also give up social support networks within the congregation. For some, leaving the LDS faith means losing family ties and friends whom they have known for years.
For others, it means gaining freedom from an oppressive system that forced them into conversion therapy or shunned them because of their identity.
While the reconciliation of sexual orientation and religious conformity is difficult within Mormon teachings, there are ways for individuals to navigate this complex issue. It requires self-reflection, understanding one's beliefs, and finding support outside of the church if needed. With time and patience, many find peace despite the challenges of living authentically in a hetero-normative world.
How are sexual orientation and religious conformity reconciled within Mormon teachings, and what are the psychological and spiritual consequences?
In Mormonism, sexual orientation is not considered as an individual choice or lifestyle that conflicts with its core beliefs but rather as a challenge presented by God to test one's faith and commitment to following his laws. The church encourages members who identify themselves as LGBTQ+ to follow their spiritual path while also living according to the doctrine of chastity before marriage.