The main theme that this article will explore is how religious hierarchies resist or adapt to the inclusion of LGBT perspectives. It will discuss the history of religious teachings about homosexuality, transgender identities, gender nonconformity, and same-sex marriage from the beginning of recorded human history until today. This includes the beliefs and practices of major world religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Sikhism, Shintoism, and Zoroastrianism. The author will also analyze recent developments within these religious groups regarding their acceptance or rejection of LGBT people.
The article will offer suggestions for future research directions related to the integration of queer perspectives into religious institutions.
Early Religious Teachings
In the earliest written records of ancient civilizations, including those of Mesopotamia and Egypt, there are few references to sexual behavior outside of heterosexual procreation.
There were some examples of homosexuality in mythology and art. In ancient Greece, same-sex relationships were accepted in certain circumstances but criticized by philosophers like Plato and Aristotle. During the rise of Christianity, St. Paul wrote against same-sex desire in his letters. Throughout the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church condemned homosexuality while permitting marriages between men who could not have children. After the Renaissance, Europeans began to view homosexuality through a medical lens, arguing that it was an abnormal disease that required treatment.
Modern Religious Teachings
During the 19th century, many Western countries decriminalized sodomy. This shift led to changes in how Christians viewed homosexuality. In America, Protestant denominations generally supported anti-sodomy laws while Catholics opposed them. In response to this cultural change, the Vatican issued its first encyclical on homosexuality in 1867 called "On the Unity of the Human Race." It argued that homosexuals should be treated with compassion while also affirming the traditional family structure. Other denominations such as Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses also took strong stances against LGBT people. Today, most major religions still maintain strict teachings about sexual morality, including the prohibition of gay marriage and monogamy. Some religious leaders have spoken out against LGBT rights, while others are more tolerant or even supportive.
Recent Developments within Religious Groups
Some churches and temples are beginning to embrace LGBT members and their families.
The Episcopal Church has ordained openly gay bishops since 2003 and performed same-sex marriages since 2015. The Presbyterian Church (USA) voted to allow ministers to marry gay couples in 2014. In Asia, Buddhists have held same-sex weddings for centuries, and some Hindu temples now perform blessings for queer couples.
Not all religious groups have embraced LGBT inclusion. Orthodox Jews continue to reject homosexuality and transgender identities, and many Muslim communities condemn homosexual behavior.
Some Protestants remain critical of same-sex relationships and gender nonconformity.
Future Research Directions
The author suggests several areas for future research related to integrating queer perspectives into religious institutions. First, scholars could explore how religious hierarchies interact with secular governments regarding LGBT issues. Second, they could examine how religious organizations respond to individual cases where members come out as LGBT or transition genders. Third, they could analyze how different denominations within one religion approach these topics differently. Fourth, they could investigate whether there is a correlation between accepting LGBT people and other progressive stances on social justice such as racial equity and immigration reform.
They could consider the role of technology in changing attitudes about sexual morality among young people who identify as both religious and queer.
How do religious hierarchies resist or adapt to the inclusion of LGBT perspectives?
The resistance towards including LGBT perspectives in religious hierarchies has been persistent over time due to various reasons such as cultural norms, traditional beliefs, and dogmatic teachings. While some religious leaders have opposed these inclusions based on their deeply held personal convictions, others have adopted them as they are aware of the need for change in society.