Many religious communities believe that God has called them to specific purposes in life, which they are expected to pursue through their work and daily activities.
Some individuals from marginalized communities have unique perspectives on how this call is expressed and understood.
Many queer believers experience a heightened sense of isolation due to societal discrimination and stigma surrounding their identity, resulting in different approaches to conceptualizing divine calling, vocation, and purpose. This article explores how queer believers may perceive these concepts differently than cisgender heterosexual peers based on personal experiences and interpretations of sacred texts.
Queer Belief and Calling
The concept of "calling" refers to the inner voice that directs an individual towards a particular path or profession in life. In traditional Christian circles, it is often equated with being chosen for a particular mission or task by God.
The way queer believers understand this idea can differ significantly from their straight counterparts because of various factors such as social pressures, internalized homophobia, and spiritual experiences.
Calling in Queer Communities
In LGBTQ+ communities, calling can be shaped by experiences of rejection, exclusion, and oppression. Some members may feel that they have been denied access to certain professions or careers due to their sexuality or gender expression. Others might struggle to find support within religious institutions that reject non-heteronormative relationships or identities. As a result, queer individuals may seek alternative ways of expressing their faith and finding meaning in life, such as through activism or volunteering work.
Vocation and Purpose
Queer believers' understanding of "vocation" and "purpose" may diverge from mainstream views. While some may view their career choices as part of God's plan, others see them as opportunities to make a positive impact on society.
A gay man who works in healthcare may focus on providing compassionate care to all patients regardless of identity rather than using his position solely to serve the needs of cisgender heterosexual people.
Many queer believers may prioritize community involvement over personal achievement, valuing connection and interdependence over individual success.
Interpretation of Sacred Texts
Another significant factor affecting queer believers' perception of divine calling is how they interpret sacred texts. Many traditional Christian teachings emphasize procreation, marriage, and family, which conflict with LGBTQ+ values.
Some queer Christians argue that these passages can be interpreted differently when read through a queer lens, highlighting themes like justice, love, and liberation instead. This approach encourages members to use their unique perspectives to explore spiritual truths and formulate new understandings of God's will for their lives.
While the concept of divine calling remains integral to many religious communities, it takes on different meanings among marginalized groups like queer believers. By acknowledging this diversity, we can create more inclusive spaces where individuals can fully embrace their identities while pursuing meaningful work and relationships.
How do queer believers conceptualize divine calling, vocation, and purpose differently than cisgender heterosexual peers?
Queer believers have been reported to approach their sense of purpose and divine calling from a unique perspective due to their gender identities and sexual orientations (Goldenberg & Stanton, 2019). They may not be able to find themselves fitting into traditional religious roles that are often associated with heteronormative ideals and values. In addition, they might also feel alienated by the dominant discourse on spirituality that emphasizes conformity and obedience.