The concept of "sexual orientation" is a relatively recent one, coined in the late 19th century to refer to an individual's emotional, romantic, physical, and/or sexual attraction to members of their own gender, the opposite gender, both genders, or neither gender. Prior to this development, most societies conceived of sexual behavior in terms of either a male/female binary or a heterosexual/homosexual dichotomy, which left little room for other types of desires. Today, however, many people identify themselves as bisexual, pansexual, demisexual, asexual, polysexual, etc., presenting new challenges for religious communities that rely on traditional moral frameworks based on biblical teachings. This article will examine how these communities have adapted to meet those challenges.
Biblical Teachings On Sexuality
In the Bible, sex is often framed as a gift from God meant to be enjoyed within marriage between a man and a woman.
Proverbs 5:18-19 states, "Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always with her love." Similarly, Song of Solomon describes the joys of married life as including "the embrace of the lips" (7:2).
Paul writes in Ephesians 5:3-4, "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place."
Contemporary Issues With Traditional Frameworks
Despite this positive portrayal of heterosexual monogamy, the Bible also condemns certain forms of sexual behavior outside of marriage, such as adultery (Leviticus 20:10), incest (Genesis 19:5), and bestiality (Exodus 22:19).
Modern interpretations of these passages have led some religious leaders to argue that they apply only to intercourse and exclude other types of intimacy, leaving them ill-equipped to address issues related to consensual non-intercourse activities like mutual masturbation, erotic massage, and cuddling.
The Bible makes no explicit mention of bisexuality or homosexuality, leading many Christians to interpret it as sinful but unclear on how to define the boundaries between permissible and impermissible behaviors.
1 Corinthians 6:9 states, "Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men." This verse has been used to support both the criminalization of sodomy and its decriminalization, depending on the interpretation of the word "men" as referring to male prostitutes or all males engaging in same-sex activity.
Examples Of Religious Communities' Responses To Sexual Diversity
Some religious communities have responded by embracing a more flexible approach to sexual ethics, recognizing that individuals may experience attractions outside of their marital relationships without condemning them for it. The Unitarian Universalist Association, for instance, affirms that "we covenant together to affirm and promote:. respect for the interdependent web of all existence," which implies acceptance of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. Similarly, the Presbyterian Church (USA) recently revised its Book of Order to include protections for LGBTQ+ members, including the right to marry regardless of gender identity. Other groups have taken a less progressive stance, maintaining strict biblical interpretations and using exclusionary practices like conversion therapy to try to change people's sexual orientation or even expelling those who identify as gay or transgender from the faith community altogether. Some churches have attempted to navigate these issues by offering mixed messages, condemning homosexuality while accepting bisexuals or pansexuals into membership.
Religious communities are grappling with how to reconcile traditional moral frameworks based on biblical teachings with modern understandings of sexual orientation and intimacy. While some have chosen to embrace a more inclusive approach, others remain committed to strict adherence to biblical principles.
These debates will continue to shape the future of religion in America and beyond, as we seek to balance our spiritual values with our evolving understanding of human behavior.