Monotheistic vs. Polytheistic Beliefs

Many ancient and non-Western spiritual traditions, such as those of Hinduism and various Native American cultures, embrace polytheism, worshiping multiple deities. Generally, these belief systems attribute analogous traits to their gods.

A notable aspect of polytheism is the view that deities are created beings who experience aging, reproduction, and even sexual relationships with humans. This perspective fosters a fluid understanding of the universe, often resulting in blurred gender categories. For instance, some male deities can give birth, while some female deities wield significant power, and there exist more than two recognized genders.

In contrast, monotheistic religions, particularly those within the Abrahamic tradition (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), conceive of the Supreme Being as eternal, without origin or end. This deity, viewed as perfect, exists entirely independent of humanity and transcends the natural world.

This notion also implies that the Creator lacks sexual desire, as such needs are seen as incompatible with perfection, leading to a strict separation between the Creator and the created.

Just as the Creator is distinct from creation, monotheistic faiths delineate clear binary gender roles, providing adherents with a structured understanding of their societal roles in relation to their God and fellow humans.

The Diversity Within Religious Communities

Fortunately, there is no singular interpretation of religion. Some faith communities actively embrace LGBTQ individuals, advocating for their rights and working diligently to dismantle the oppression they face.

Historically, however, many have used “religion” as a basis for justifying the marginalization, harassment, and even murder of entire groups of people based on social identities.

Over time, various individuals have selectively interpreted religious texts to uphold hierarchical power structures over those deemed as 'others'. Before the establishment of a singular God and the creation of sacred texts, condemnations of same-sex relationships were scarce. This drastically changed with the advent of the Jewish Bible, the Christian gospels, and later, the Quran.

Fundamentalists often refer to specific biblical passages to rationalize their opposition to LGBTQ rights, despite significant scholarly debate surrounding these interpretations. Key texts addressing same-sex relationships and gender non-conformity include:

Jewish Texts

From the Hebrew Bible (often referred to as the "Old Testament"), the narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah is frequently cited:

Genesis 19: 1–25: This account is often used to condemn same-sex relationships, though interpretations vary. Some scholars argue that the sin of Sodom pertains to inhospitality rather than sexual conduct.

Leviticus 18:22: "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination."

Leviticus 20:13: "If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them."

Another commonly referenced text is 1 Kings 22:46: "And the remnant of the Sodomites, which remained in the days of his father Asa, he took out of the land."

Christian Texts

In the New Testament, several passages are interpreted as condemning same-sex relationships:

Romans 1:26: "For this reason God gave them up to degrading passions. Their women exchanged natural intercourse for unnatural."

Romans 1:27: "And the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another; men committed shameless acts with men and received in their own persons the due penalty for their error."

1 Timothy 1:10: "For fornicators, for those who defile themselves with mankind, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching."

1 Corinthians 6:9: "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality..."

Roman Catholic Church Teachings

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

2357: "Based on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as grave depravity, tradition has always declared that homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered. They are contrary to natural law..."

The phrase “gravely disordered” refers to the act of engaging in same-sex relationships, rather than to the individuals themselves, reflecting the age-old notion of "love the sinner, hate the sin."

For those who cannot conform to heterosexual norms, the Church imposes a call to chastity, advocating for a path toward spiritual perfection through self-mastery and community support.

Pope Francis emphasized this stance at a Vatican conference in November 2014, asserting that marriage is between a man and a woman and reiterating that children have the right to grow up in a family with both a mother and a father.

In a notable press conference during his first international trip, Pope Francis stated, "If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?"

However, this sentiment contrasts sharply with many of his subsequent statements and the Church’s continued stance on LGBTQ issues.

Natural Law Considerations

The concept of "Natural Law" has been pivotal in shaping Catholic ethics since the 13th century. Originating from the works of Thomas Aquinas, this doctrine posits that morality is aligned with the constraints of human nature, deeming same-sex relationships as violations of divine will.

Historically, similar arguments have been employed to justify the subjugation of marginalized groups, illustrating how religious doctrine can be misused to perpetuate oppression.

Southern Baptist Convention Resolutions

In 2010, the Southern Baptist Convention passed a resolution affirming that homosexual behavior is intrinsically disordered and sinful, while also acknowledging the promise of forgiveness for all sinners, including those engaging in same-sex relationships.

The Evangelical Covenant Church also expressed the need for compassion towards individuals involved in sexual sins, recognizing the potential for such behaviors to become addictive.

Latter-Day Saints' Stance

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints asserts that homosexual behavior is contrary to divine commandments and that those who engage in such acts are subject to Church discipline.

In 1995, church leaders reinforced their opposition to same-sex marriage, stating that marriage is ordained between a man and a woman.

Islamic Perspectives

While the Quran does not directly condemn same-sex relationships, it addresses the story of Lot as a demonstration of divine power rather than a condemnation of male same-sex acts.

However, in some Islamic countries, severe penalties, including death, are imposed on LGBTQ individuals, particularly under strict interpretations of Sharia law.

What If?

Speculating on the implications had certain biblical texts not existed raises questions about the foundations of religious justifications for discrimination against LGBTQ individuals. Biblical scholar Idan Dershowitz suggests that some contentious passages may have been added later, reflecting the evolving nature of religious texts.

Ultimately, the interpretation of religious doctrines has significantly shaped societal attitudes towards LGBTQ individuals, often leading to oppression and violence.

Religious leaders must be held accountable for the harm caused by their interpretations of sacred texts, especially when these interpretations incite discrimination and violence against marginalized groups.

In conclusion, while individuals are free to hold their beliefs, when those beliefs infringe upon the rights of others, they cross a critical line into oppression.