The question of how to understand sin from a theological perspective has been an issue that has generated much debate among Christians. For centuries, Christians have believed that sin is a transgression against God's will, which separates mankind from God's love.
Recent years have seen the emergence of a new understanding of sin that takes into consideration the experience of LGBTQ+ individuals. In this paper, I argue that psychological theories of shame and resilience can inform a theological rethinking of sin for LGBTQ+ believers.
It is important to define what shame is. Shame is defined as a negative self-evaluation resulting from internalized social stigma. It is characterized by feelings of humiliation, embarrassment, or disgrace that stem from perceived shortcomings, failures, or flaws. According to John Bradshaw, author of Healing the Shame That Binds You, shame is "a deeply painful feeling or experience of being unworthy because of one's personhood." From a Christian perspective, this definition resonates with the idea of sin as something that separates us from God's love. Just as people feel ashamed when they fall short of societal expectations, so too do we feel separated from God when we commit sins.
Psychologists have studied the effects of shame on human behavior extensively. One such study, conducted by researchers at the University of California-San Francisco, found that shame was associated with decreased levels of psychological well-being, including lower self-esteem and increased anxiety and depression. This suggests that experiencing shame can lead to negative mental health outcomes. Similarly, another study found that shame can lead to self-silencing behaviors, whereby people suppress their thoughts and emotions in order to avoid judgment or punishment. This suppression can prevent individuals from seeking help or support, further exacerbating the negative effects of shame.
Not all experiences of shame are created equal. Some individuals may be more resilient to shame than others. Resilience refers to an individual's ability to recover quickly from adversity, trauma, or stress. According to psychologist Sal McIntosh, resilience involves three key components: social connection, personal competence, and positive coping strategies. Social connection refers to the presence of strong relationships with family, friends, and community members who provide support and encouragement. Personal competence is the belief in one's own abilities and strengths, which helps individuals overcome challenges. Positive coping strategies involve finding meaningful ways to cope with difficult situations, such as through humor, spiritual practices, or positive thinking.
These findings suggest that psychological theories of shame and resilience can inform a theological rethinking of sin for LGBTQ+ believers. By understanding how shame impacts human behavior, we can begin to see sin as something that separates us from God's love but also provides opportunities for growth and healing. We must recognize that our flaws and failures do not define us, but they can be used to deepen our relationship with God if we approach them with humility and repentance.
By cultivating resilience, we can learn to cope with the shame associated with our sins and continue growing in our faith.
Psychological theories of shame and resilience offer valuable insights into the experience of sin from a theological perspective. By understanding how shame affects human behavior and how resilience can help individuals overcome it, we can reimagine sin as an opportunity for growth and healing rather than a source of condemnation. This new understanding of sin can empower LGBTQ+ believers to live authentically and confidently in their faith despite societal pressures and stigmas.
How can psychological theories of shame and resilience inform a theological rethinking of sin for LGBTQ+ believers?
Psychological theories of shame and resilience suggest that individuals who experience high levels of shame may be more likely to develop feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt, which can negatively impact their mental health and overall well-being. For many LGBTQ+ believers, this can also apply to their religious beliefs and identity. The concept of "sin" is often associated with feelings of guilt, shame, and judgement in traditional Christian teachings.