As a queer believer, I have often struggled to reconcile my faith in a loving God who provides for all needs with the social exclusion and marginalization that comes with being part of an LGBTQ+ community. It is a common experience for many LGBTQ+ people, especially those raised in religious households where they were taught that homosexuality was sinful and wrong. For some, this conflict can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt, making it difficult to believe in God's providence and care. Others may seek solace in a personal interpretation of scripture that allows them to reconcile their identity with their beliefs. Some LGBTQ+ people find support within their churches, synagogues, or mosques through inclusive communities or pastors/imams/rabbis who affirm their identities. Despite these efforts, however, many still face discrimination and prejudice from fellow congregants or even their own religious leaders, leading them to question how a benevolent deity could allow such treatment to occur.
To reconcile this tension, queer believers must grapple with the concept of free will and how it relates to divine providence. Many religions teach that humans are free to make choices and that God does not intervene in our lives unless we ask Him. This means that while God may provide for our material needs, He also gives us the freedom to choose whether or not to accept His love and grace. Queer believers may see experiences of exclusion as consequences of human actions rather than punishments from God. They may also believe that their sexuality and gender identity are gifts from God, part of their unique personhood and purpose on earth.
Another approach is to focus on the larger context of societal inequality and oppression, recognizing that social marginalization affects all groups beyond just the LGBTQ+ community. Queer believers can view their struggles as part of a broader fight against injustice and work towards creating a more equitable society where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. By doing so, they can align themselves with the values of justice and mercy taught by their faith traditions and use their platform to advocate for change.
There is no easy answer to the conflict between divine providence and social exclusion for queer believers. Each individual must navigate these issues in their own way, finding meaning and comfort within their belief system while seeking out supportive communities and allies who affirm their identities. While the journey may be challenging, the search for understanding can lead to greater spiritual growth and connection to one's true self, helping them live authentically and fully despite the challenges they face.
How do queer believers reconcile their understanding of divine providence with experiences of social exclusion and marginalization?
It is not uncommon for many LGBTQ+ individuals who identify as Christian to face difficulties navigating the tension between their faith and sexuality. Many times, religious institutions exclude those who identify as homosexual or transgender from participating fully in church life due to their belief that same-sex attraction or gender nonconformity are sinful behaviors.