Religion plays an important role in shaping the values and belief systems of many people around the world. For many individuals who identify as part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ+) community, religion can be both a source of comfort and support and a source of conflict and discrimination. The doctrine of submission and obedience is one such issue that has long been central to many religions' teachings, but it also complicates internal reconciliation for those within the LGBTQ+ community who seek acceptance and understanding from their faith communities.
The idea of submission and obedience within religious contexts typically involves following the rules and teachings of a higher power or authority figure. This can take various forms, including obeying laws, adhering to moral codes, and submitting to social norms.
When these doctrines are applied to sexuality and gender identity, they can create tension and conflict between individuals' personal identities and their religious beliefs.
Some religions may teach that homosexuality is sinful or immoral, while others may teach that gender is binary and fixed at birth. These ideas can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and self-doubt among LGBTQ+ individuals who feel conflicted about their own identities and their religious beliefs.
Those who openly identify as LGBTQ+ may face rejection, exclusion, and even violence from their religious communities.
This conflict can have significant implications for internal reconciliation within the LGBTQ+ community. Many individuals may struggle with feeling torn between their personal identities and their religious beliefs, leading to emotional turmoil and psychological distress. Some may choose to leave their faith communities altogether in order to find greater acceptance and support elsewhere. Others may try to reconcile their identities with their religion by modifying their behavior or beliefs to fit into the existing doctrine.
The doctrine of submission and obedience complicates internal reconciliation for many LGBTQ+ individuals who seek acceptance and understanding from their faith communities. While there are no easy solutions to this issue, it is important for religious leaders, communities, and individuals to work towards greater understanding and empathy towards all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
How do doctrines of submission and obedience complicate internal reconciliation for LGBTQ+ religious adherents?
The doctrine of submission and obedience can create several complications during the process of internal reconciliation for LGBTQ+ religious adherents. The individuals who identify themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other related categories often face discrimination from their families, friends, society, and even religions that they follow (McNeill & Gagnon, 2016).