Can you be religious and queer?
“It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity. One never feels two-ness, –an American, a negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled striving; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder.” — W.E.B. DuBois, The Souls of Black Folk
We all experience a divided self to one degree or another. We have identities within and identities without. DuBois calls this dividing line the “Veil.”
Homosexuality presents an additional layer of complexity, a three-ness perhaps, particularly for people in religious communities: to be a religious person in a modern world is already somewhat counter-cultural; it requires some courage. To be gay within that community requires even more, because of the additional sensation of otherness.
And yet isn’t God there for us precisely when we feel most alone, most threatened? Aren’t those the moments we yearn for something or someone to comfort us, to validate us and remind us of our humanness? Gayness thus presents one of the most fundamental challenges to religious communities. Can these two identities be reconciled, and if so, how?
I can’t imagine that it is within any religion’s values to deny someone their very essence in order to participate in a faithful life. The purpose of any religion is to make people more whole and better able to serve the world. Marginalizing someone’s sexual identity prevents a full expression of ones true self. The psychological and emotional damage this inflicts inhibits fully engaging the world. We can certainly debate specific religious texts and leviticus, but ultimately the totality of these documents indicates that religion is above all about performing good deeds and treating each other with respect. Isolating specific passages (that responded to an archaic conception of homosexuality linked with aberrant sexual promiscuity) fails to undermine the values and spirit that undergird most if not all religions.
I find that one’s jewish identity is not reduced or lessened by their sexuality. If one has a strong, healthy, loving relationship towards god, there is no reason why it should matter if their significant other is of the same sex. Love is a beautiful thing and religion should support people to share this love which we are all capable of. I find that this issue is more of a social issue than religious.
I believe yes you can be queer and religious. However, I also acknowledge that my stance is colored by the fact that I am a reform Jew. After watching the movie “Trembling Before G-d” and reading bits of Leviticus, I see how complext and complicated answering such a question can be. Regardless I still staunchly believe it is possible to meld both lifestyles. As we look through any Jewish text, we see that various Rabbis have come up with a plethora of takes and interpretations of the texts– I believe the same can be done for portions of the Torah which perhaps can be seen as “anti-queer.” Along with that I would also like to note that the torah also says people should not committ adultery or steal. I acknowledge that in the sphere of constitutional society this is wrong, but how often is it that someone who follows this path is unable to reconcile their deeds with religion? Probably pretty rare. Being gay should be no different. There is no reason why such a lifestyle should go against religious affiliation. At the end of the day I think of Judaism as a religion that promotes community and openess– I don’t see how shunning a specific group can accomplish this.
I personally believe that someone can be religious and queer. I don’t feel that sexual orientation and religiosity are inextricably tied to each other. I believe that an individuals personal relationship with G-d is not altered by their sexual orientation. However, this question addresses not only a person’s individual feelings towards their dual identity, but also a communities understanding of how a “queer” person can fit within this religious framework. The movie “Trembling Before G-d” touches upon the social constructs of religion by showing various people’s struggle to identify themselves as both an Orthodox Jew and queer. An interesting theme emerged throughout the movie. Many of these men and women were comfortable with themselves being religious and queer; however, the religious community they were part of disregarded this self- acceptance of their dual identity. Isn’t religion suppose to accept our differences? Shouldn’t religion promote unity of our similar belief in G-d, instead of ostracizing community members for their sexual orientation?
I do believe that everyone can have faith. However to believe and act contrary to one’s beliefs would be lying to oneself. If one’s belief does not support one’s lifestyle then something is not working out. Either find a new faith or reinterpret the original to one’s own needs.
And yes Z is my actual nickname, which I go by, not a pseudonym.
It’s interesting to see that everybody is interpreting “religion” as “Christianity.” But there are other religions that are much more generous to homosexuals than God of Bible. Take Buddhism, for example.
But the intention of the question seems to be: can you be Christian and queer? Maybe. But if Bible is correct, you’ll definitely go to hell.
Consider the following passage from the Book of Exodus:
“Moses replied to the Lord, ‘Please, my Lord, I am not a man of words, not since yesterday, nor since the day before yesterday, nor since You first spoke to Your servant, for I am heavy of mouth and heavy of speech.’ Then the Lord said to him, ‘Who makes a mouth for man, or who makes one dumb or deaf, or sighted or blind (or gay or straight)? Is it not I, the Lord? So now, go! I shall be with your mouth and teach you what you should say.’” (Ex. 4:10-11, with one addition)
Modern science has proven the speech impediment to be a biological disposition. It has also proven homosexually to be a biological disposition. In the passage quoted above, God chides Moses for complaining about a biological disposition that God had given him in the first place.
If Moses’ disposition couldn’t prevent him from worshiping God, how can a homosexual’s disposition prevent him or her from worshiping God, as well?
Oi people
I really love the layout of http://www.askbigquestions.com. Looks good, keep it up!
anyways..
Im a very “strong” christian and I guess I have a couple questions on my mind..
I’ve been thinking a lot about dating.. but im not sure where to go with that.
My brothers have been telling me christian dating is the way to go.. so I’ve done a little research on fort collins christian dating and found some stuff on google
Would be sweet to hear your input.
I also believe yes you can be religious and queer. Religion and sexual identity is the privet choice of every person. I think no one can judge weather you should believe or not.
