Multiple Identities

“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?

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Can you be religious and queer?

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  1. Sam Schiller: 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. ... Read more

  2. Michelle: 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 ... Read more

  3. Allison: 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 ... Read more

  4. Lexie: 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 ... Read more

  5. Z: 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 ... Read more

  6. sk: 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 ... Read more

  7. Micah Shapiro: 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, ... Read more

  8. christian dating: Oi people
    I really love the layout of www.askbigquestions.com. Looks good, ... Read more

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