How do internalized feelings of guilt and shame intersect with spiritual aspiration to shape ethical decision-making in LGBT believers? This question has been explored extensively by scholars who have attempted to understand how individuals' experiences of guilt and shame can influence their religious beliefs, practices, and moral judgments. In particular, researchers have examined the relationship between these negative emotions and the ways in which they might impact people's perceptions of themselves and others within religious contexts, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or otherwise non-cisgender. In this article, I will explore some of the key findings from this literature and consider how they might inform our understanding of ethical decision-making among LGBT believers.
Guilt and shame are often conceptualized as negative emotional responses to one's own actions or characteristics, but they can also be felt when we perceive ourselves to fall short of social norms or expectations.
LGBT individuals may experience both positive and negative emotions related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or other aspects of their lived experience. These emotions can interact with spirituality in a number of ways, ranging from heightened senses of sinfulness to increased commitment to faith-based ethics. One study found that LGBT Christians who experienced more internalized homophobia were less likely to report feeling guilty about engaging in same-sex behavior, suggesting that guilt was not necessarily always associated with negative self-perceptions (Dodd et al., 2019). Another study showed that religiously conservative LGBT individuals tended to feel greater levels of discomfort with their sexual desires and expressions than did those who identified as liberal, potentially leading to increased feelings of guilt and shame (Mays & Parsons, 2008).
Shame can play an important role in shaping moral judgments, particularly when it is directed towards specific groups or behaviors. A recent review of research on religious shame argued that it can lead people to distance themselves from groups and activities that they deem immoral, including sex work, drug use, and adultery (Brown et al., 2017). Similarly, LGBT believers may be more likely to avoid certain situations or practices due to fears of being shamed by others within their communities. This could have implications for ethical decision-making, such as whether to come out to family members or colleagues, attend a Pride parade, or participate in political activism. On the other hand, some scholars suggest that shame may also motivate positive change, encouraging individuals to reflect on their actions and make amends where necessary (Brown et al., 2017).
In addition to its effects on individual behavior, shame can impact social relationships and group dynamics. One study found that LGBT Christians who experienced shame were less likely to discuss their sexuality openly with friends and family, even if they considered themselves highly integrated into their faith community (Parker et al., 2014). This suggests that negative emotions like shame can create barriers to authentic connection and shared identity formation, potentially limiting opportunities for ethical engagement.
Some studies have identified ways in which LGBT believers may challenge these norms, such as through affirmative preaching, supportive counseling, and inclusive spiritual practices (Ellison & Lee, 2008; Thompson et al., 2015).
Research suggests that internalized feelings of guilt and shame can play an important role in shaping ethical decision-making among LGBT believers, but the exact nature of this relationship is complex and multifaceted. Future studies should seek to examine how different religious and cultural contexts influence the experience and expression of these negative emotions, as well as the strategies that people use to manage them.
It will be important to consider how these processes might intersect with other forms of discrimination, such as racism or ableism, to produce unique experiences of marginalization and oppression. By better understanding the intersections between internalized guilt and shame and spiritual aspiration, we can begin to develop more effective approaches to supporting LGBT individuals' ethical development and empowerment.
How do internalized feelings of guilt and shame intersect with spiritual aspiration to shape ethical decision-making in LGBT believers?
The intersection between feelings of guilt and shame and spiritual aspiration can be a complex one for members of the LGBT community who are also religious. These individuals may experience conflicting beliefs and values that can make it difficult to navigate their personal faith while still embracing their sexual orientation or gender identity. Guilt and shame can arise from various sources, including societal pressures, familial expectations, and internalized homophobia.