The experience of divine absence is often considered to be a major obstacle for religious believers who identify as LGBTQ+. Many people feel that their faith and sexual orientation are at odds with each other, leading them to question whether God even exists or cares about them. In this article, we will explore how queer believers experience divine absence and how it shapes their spirituality.
Many LGBTQ+ people have been raised in conservative religious communities where they were taught that being gay was wrong or sinful. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and rejection from both society and God. Some may turn away from religion altogether, while others try to find ways to reconcile their identity with their beliefs. For some, this process involves seeking out supportive faith communities or reinterpreting traditional teachings to be more inclusive. Others may reject organized religion entirely, but still maintain a personal relationship with God outside of institutional structures.
Regardless of how queer believers approach the issue of divine absence, the experience can be deeply painful. It can lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness, feeling like there is no one to turn to for comfort or guidance. This can also lead to doubts about the existence of God or questions about why God would allow such suffering to occur.
Many LGBTQ+ believers find strength and resilience in their faith despite these challenges. They may rely on their community for support, draw upon their own experiences of love and connection, or seek solace in nature or art.
The experience of divine absence can shape the spirituality of queer believers in many different ways. Some may become disillusioned with organized religion and turn away, while others may deepen their commitment to their faith by finding creative ways to navigate its limitations. Regardless of how it affects them, all LGBTQ+ people deserve understanding and compassion as they grapple with issues of faith and sexuality.
How does the experience of divine absence shape the spirituality of queer believers?
According to studies on queer spirituality, the experience of divine absence can have significant effects on their sense of belonging and identity formation within religious communities (Walters & Whitehead, 2019). Queer individuals often face stigma and rejection due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, which can lead them to feel excluded from traditional religious practices and teachings that reinforce heteronormative norms (Szymanski et al. , 2017).