The idea that God created man and woman to join together in holy matrimony is an integral part of most Christian traditions.
This does not necessarily mean that all Christians view homosexuality as sinful. In fact, many modern churches have come out in support of LGBTQ+ rights, including the United Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church USA. Even so, there are still plenty of denominations which do consider it a grave transgression against their religious doctrine. This can lead to difficulties when trying to form healthy romantic relationships within these communities.
Catholicism
One example is the Roman Catholic Church. The Catechism states unequivocally that "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered" and that those who engage in them should abstain from sexual activity altogether. It also condemns same-sex marriage as "contrary to natural law." This has caused immense suffering for gay Catholics, who may feel excluded from full participation in the church community despite their best efforts to follow its teachings. For some, this includes celibacy, while others leave the faith entirely.
Protestantism
Protestant Christianity is more diverse than Catholicism, but there are still significant differences between denominations on this issue. Some, like the Southern Baptists or Seventh Day Adventists, maintain that any sex outside of marriage is forbidden by scripture, regardless of gender identity. Others, such as the Episcopalian Church or the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), have become increasingly welcoming towards LGBTQ+ members over time.
Even within ELCA there remains disagreement about whether or not homosexuals should be allowed to serve as clergy or marry within the church.
Islam
Muslims believe that Allah created Adam and Eve as male and female; thus, any other sexual partnership would go against divine will. While there is no official doctrine prohibiting homosexuality per se, many imams interpret certain passages from the Qur'an as condemning it. This can make dating difficult, especially since parents often play a large role in arranging marriages. In addition, Sharia law often criminalizes homosexual acts with harsh penalties, including death in some cases.
Judaism
Jewish law also discourages same-sex relationships, though there is room for interpretation here. The Talmud states that "a man shall not lie with another man as he lies with a woman," which has been interpreted as meaning that intimate contact is forbidden but intercourse itself is not. Many Jewish communities today support gay rights, both politically and religiously. There are even synagogues specifically catering to queer Jews. Nevertheless, traditionalists may struggle with accepting their children's sexual orientations, leading to tension within families.
How do Western European religious doctrines affect sexual orientation acceptance, identity formation, and the ability to engage in fulfilling sexual relationships?
According to research, religious doctrines can have different impacts on sexual orientation acceptance, identity formation, and the ability to engage in fulfilling sexual relationships across various cultures. In Europe, for instance, some religions such as Catholicism may promote conservative views about sexuality, which can create barriers to accepting one's sexual orientation or forming an identity that aligns with it.