Religious education is an important aspect of upbringing that has been around for centuries, and it continues to shape how people perceive their lives and the world around them. It has played a significant role in shaping societal norms, values, and belief systems, including those related to morality, gender, and sexuality.
Little research has focused on its impact on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth who are often marginalized within religious communities due to their non-heteronormative identities and experiences. In this article, we will explore how religious education influences internalized beliefs about morality, gender, and sexuality among LGBTQ youth.
Religious Education
Religious education involves teaching individuals about religion through various means such as reading from scriptures, attending worship services, and practicing rituals. It is crucial because it provides people with moral guidance, spiritual nourishment, and social support. Religions have different views on sex, sexuality, and gender, which may be transmitted to followers through religious teachings.
Christianity considers homosexuality as sinful and unnatural while Islam sees same-sex relations as punishable by death. Judaism also frowns upon gay relationships but does not condemn them like other religions. On the other hand, Hinduism accepts homosexuality, and Buddhism promotes monastic celibacy.
Internalized Beliefs
Internalized beliefs refer to the ideas or convictions that one holds true regardless of whether they have been taught explicitly. They shape how an individual perceives themselves and others in relation to society's norms and values. Most LGBTQ youth have been exposed to religious teachings since childhood, which has led to the formation of negative internalized beliefs about themselves and their sexual orientation/gender identity. Such beliefs can lead to poor mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Morality
Morality refers to the principles that guide human behavior and decision making based on societal expectations. Religious education plays a significant role in shaping morals by instilling moral standards through religious teachings. Some faiths consider certain behaviors immoral, including premarital sex, adultery, and non-reproductive sex acts such as masturbation and pornography viewing.
Some religions are more liberal and tolerant of these behaviors.
Christianity views abortion as wrong but permits contraception. Muslims believe that men should marry four wives and have unlimited sexual partners, while Catholics prohibit both practices. The Jewish faith discourages marriage outside the tribe, but Christians and Muslims encourage interfaith marriages. These differences affect how individuals perceive what is right and wrong regarding sex and relationships.
Gender
Religious education also shapes gender roles, expectations, and identities.
Islamic culture promotes patriarchy where men are superior to women in power, authority, and social status. It encourages men to marry multiple wives and be polygamous. On the other hand, Judaism values equality between genders and encourages respect for women's rights. Hinduism considers women inferior to men but values their devotion to family life.
Conservative religions like Islam and Judaism promote traditional male-female heteronormative relationships. They see homosexuality or transgender identity as contrary to nature and punishable by death, while Buddhist and Catholic monastic traditions frown upon them. Such norms can lead to internalized beliefs about one's gender role and sexual orientation/identity among LGBTQ youth, impacting self-esteem and personal development.
Sexuality
Sexuality refers to an individual's sexual attraction and behavior towards others. Religious teachings often influence sexual desires, preferences, and behaviors. Conservative faiths such as Christianity consider same-sex attractions immoral and sinful and believe that it should not be acted upon under any circumstances.
Liberal faiths such as Unitarian Universalism accept same-sex relationships and advocate for marriage equality.
Most religions discourage premarital sex, including masturbation, pornography viewing, and extramarital affairs. Some cultures, such as Hinduism, permit these activities if they occur within a committed relationship.
Some religions encourage them as long as they are mutually agreed upon by both partners. These differences affect how individuals perceive what is appropriate regarding sex and relationships.
Religious education influences internalized beliefs about morality, gender, and sexuality among LGBTQ youth. It shapes their views on right and wrong, gender roles, sexual orientation, and identity, which may negatively impact mental health outcomes. Understanding these factors helps in providing support and resources to LGBTQ youth, enabling them to live fulfilling lives despite facing societal stigma and discrimination due to non-heteronormative identities and experiences.
In what ways does religious education influence internalized beliefs about morality, gender, and sexuality among LGBTQ youth?
Research suggests that religious upbringing plays an important role in shaping individuals' moral values, gender roles, and sexual identities. Studies have shown that people who grow up with strong religious backgrounds tend to hold more traditional views on these issues compared to those with no religious affiliation or minimal exposure to religion.