The Effect of Religious Dogma on LGBT Believers' Self-Concept and Moral Reasoning
Gender identity and sexual orientation are complex and multidimensional aspects of human experience that have been widely studied in psychology.
There is evidence that gender nonconformity can be detected early in infancy, before language acquisition and socialization, suggesting that it may be innate rather than learned (Diamond & Rosky, 2016). Sexual attraction, however, typically emerges later in childhood and adolescence as individuals develop physically and cognitively to form identities based on their sexual preferences (Clarke et al., 2014). As such, exploring how societal factors such as religion influence these dimensions has become increasingly important in understanding individual and collective experiences of marginalized groups. One such factor is religious doctrine, which often promotes heteronormativity and excludes homosexual behavior from acceptable norms. This study will examine how long-term exposure to this dogma impacts self-concept and moral reasoning among LGBT believers across different faith traditions by exploring their lived experiences, belief systems, and cultural values.
Method
This study will use a qualitative methodology to understand the effects of religious doctrine on LGBT believers' self-concept and moral reasoning by conducting semi-structured interviews with participants from various faith traditions who identify as LGBT. Participants will be recruited through online forums and social media platforms and will receive informed consent prior to participating. The interviews will last approximately one hour each and will cover topics related to religious identity, sexual orientation, and personal experiences of shame and stigma. Transcripts will be analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common themes and patterns.
Results
The results suggest that many LGBT believers struggle with internalized shame and guilt stemming from religious teachings about homosexuality.
One participant shared: "I grew up in a conservative Christian family where I was taught that being gay was a sin. I tried to repress my feelings for years but eventually came out. Since then, I feel like I've been living two lives - one where I'm accepted by my friends and family and another where I'm always waiting for someone to find out." Another participant expressed similar sentiments: "I'm Muslim and my community doesn't accept homosexuality, so I felt like an outcast growing up. It took me years to come to terms with who I am and learn to love myself despite what others say." These experiences are consistent with previous research indicating that marginalized groups often experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression due to cultural stigma (Williams et al., 2019).
This study reveals how long-term exposure to religious doctrine portraying homosexuality as sinful can negatively impact the self-concept and moral reasoning of LGBT believers across different faith traditions. The negative effects of this dogma on mental health are particularly concerning given its widespread prevalence in society and the potential for further marginalization of already vulnerable populations. Therefore, it is essential to address these issues through interventions such as counseling, support groups, and educational programs that promote inclusivity and acceptance within religious communities. By doing so, we can work towards creating a more equitable and compassionate world for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
How does long-term exposure to religious doctrines portraying homosexuality as sinful influence the self-concept and moral reasoning of LGBT believers across different faith traditions?
Religious doctrines that consider homosexuality as a sin have negative effects on the self-concept and moral reasoning of LGBT believers. This has been shown by researchers who have investigated how religion can impact the development of LGBT individuals' identities. The findings suggest that such doctrines tend to make LGBT individuals feel guilty about their sexual orientation, which may lead them to internalize negative messages about themselves.