What is existential anxiety? Existential anxiety is a deep fear that something horrible might happen to oneself or someone else without any apparent cause. This can be due to many factors such as natural disasters, diseases, violence, or even death. It's often described as an intense feeling of dread that one may experience when confronting life's most fundamental questions like "Who am I?" "Why am I here?" "What is the meaning of life?" or "How will I die?" While some people find comfort in religion, others don't. Queer believers are those who identify as LGBTQ+ and believe in a higher power. For them, feelings of divine absence or silence can lead to depression and existential anxiety. In this article, we explore how these feelings impact queer believers and their faith.
The Bible says that God created man and woman for companionship and love. But what happens if you feel rejected by your partner or family because they don't accept your sexuality? How do you deal with feeling alone and unloved? How does it affect your belief in God? According to a study, up to half of all gay and bisexual men have experienced rejection from their parents, while lesbians face similar rates of parental disapproval (Crosby & Douglas, 2016). Feelings of isolation, loneliness, and abandonment can be overwhelming and lead to depression and anxiety.
Existentialists argue that our existence precedes our essence. We create ourselves through our actions and choices. If there's no absolute truth, then everything is meaningless, including our lives. For queer believers, this can mean questioning their identity and faith. They might wonder why they were born this way if God doesn't approve of them. The fear of living an empty life without purpose leads to existential anxiety. It's like standing on the edge of a cliff without any support. You may feel lost and hopeless. This can lead to thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
But not all queer believers experience divine absence or silence. Some find comfort in community, relationships, and spiritual practices. Prayer, meditation, and service help them connect with God and others. They learn to embrace who they are and live authentically.
Some LGBTQ+ Christians join affirming churches where they can worship freely. Others form support groups and online communities. These provide emotional support and a sense of belonging.
Feelings of divine absence or silence can cause depression and existential anxiety among queer believers. But it's important to remember that there are ways to cope and thrive despite these challenges. By connecting with others, finding your voice, and embracing yourself, you can build resilience and strengthen your faith. Remember, you are loved by God just as you are.
In what ways do feelings of divine absence or silence influence depression and existential anxiety among queer believers?
Feelings of divine absence or silence can have a significant impact on mental health, particularly for individuals who identify as queer and hold religious beliefs. For many queer people, their faith is an integral part of their identity and sense of belonging within their community. When they experience God's silence or withdrawal from their lives, it can lead to feelings of abandonment, isolation, and hopelessness, which are often associated with depression and existential anxiety.