| Homosexuality Through the Eyes of Christianity and Islam | Written By: | Duckens Saint Preux | | Introduction to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Studies Dr. Kristian Kahn Winter Session 2012 13 January 2012 | Homosexuality in religion has always been a controversial issue in many societies structured by religion and politics. Many believe that biblical fundamentalism and political conservatism are substantially more conflicting to the inspiration of homosexuality. Many varied heteronormative societies believe that religion plays an integral part in the way in which individuals in an economy structure their lives. In the article, Christians, Homosexuality, and the Same-Sex Marriage Question by John Zerilli, “Opposition to homosexuality, in whatever form it appears, indicates not so much a lower intelligence in the individual but participation in a consensus of opinion which represents a lower order of intelligence attained by civilized man” (Zerilli 32). He highlights the importance of uncovering one’s own personal perception of something or someone, rather than adhering to and supporting the majority’s.
The words of the Bible as they have been translated from language to language have been proven unjustly and their meaning no longer holds true valor to the argument that homosexuality is wrong in the eyes of God. It is clear to see the changes that occur in the meaning of scriptures as the verses are restated in their true context without outside influence set upon them. The end result proving that society has been taught through smoke filled mirrors the lessons and laws of the Bible. Making it easy to point fingers at those unnatural without truth and living a life where their own stones are overturned without consequence. With these facts, gay marriage should not be considered an abomination nor a sin.
His rebuttal made a valid point that lead you to question the sanctity of marriage. Pointing out arranged marriages, Keith Olberman, pushed the envelope even further by questioning the love and respect that we have for one another. As Olbermann’s argument came to a close, he “de-fined” marriage, by pulling the religion card right from under Proposition Eight’s nose. He continued to press the meaning of love and the meaning of why we are alive. He questioned the religious aspects of what is considered to be wrong, to mortality for what is
Polygamy within the Christian, Islamic and Mormon beliefs The issue of polygamy has caused great controversy in North American since reports of abuse surfaced from a Fundamentalist Mormon Sect in British Columbia, Canada. Even though the Fundamentalist Mormons have stressed that their practice of Polygamy is strictly religious devotion and their interpretation of God’s words for men to “go forth and multiply”; their practice of polygamy contradicts the established societal laws of North America and as a result, generated much conflict. In fact, the practice of polygamy has caused great disagreement among other religions as well, mainly Christian and Islam faith. Since the issue of polygamy within the three religions seems to be related the groups’ religious beliefs, it is critical to examine the correlation between their beliefs and ways of life. Christianity, Mormonism and Islamic faith all convey different perspectives toward polygamy in terms of their beliefs.
As well as discussing human sexual behaviour, they also regulate the proper religious attitude on homosexuality and other alternative lifestyles. Broadly speaking, sexual ethics relate to community and personal standards regarding the conduct of interpersonal relationships. Over the centuries, Christianity has divided into numerous denominations with each denomination having its own distinctive beliefs, practices and ethical teachings. The Roman Catholic Church, being the largest Christian denomination, upholds a firm stance on same-sex marriage, but is by no means as militant as Jehovah’s Witness, or sympathetic as The Uniting Church. The current secular debate regarding same-sex marriage concludes that the majority of citizens are in favour of marriage equality [1], but political format and order so far prevents any further action being taken in the development of nationwide, legal and religious same-sex recognition.
The understanding of sodomy or homosexuality was based on the violation of this collaboration, since it was not possible to procreate with two men interacting (Nesvig, 2001). Michelle Vovelle defines this territory as both ideology and mentality. In this model ideology represents the more formalized discussions that bear on a particular subject. Mentalities are less definable, more fluid, and derive from collective representations. Mentality concerning homosexuality includes popular attitudes, social customs, response to Church teachings, reaction to law, as well as beliefs, customs, and concerns of homosexual and bisexual men (Nesvig, 2001) The long-cherised assumptions of patriarchy and male-dominated sexuality have guided the historiography of homosexuality in Latin America.
Homosexuality and Cultural Diversity Homosexuality and religious beliefs The influences of religious beliefs greatly affect the controversies with addressing homosexuality. This holds true for many American views. Even with the multitude of cultural differences between ethnic groups, religion seems to be at the center of issues regarding sexuality. According to Olson and Cadge (2002, pp. 155): It is a prism through which all of the denominations’ central questions and issues reflect and refract… homosexuality is about scripture: How is the Bible to be read, interpreted, and understood?
I Do Not Want To Be A Homosexual: Sexual Reorientation Therapy Sexual Reorientation Therapy (SRT) also known as reparative therapy and conversion therapy “aims to modify the sexual orientation of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people into that of heterosexuals” (Reparative Therapy 29). Although SRT has been criticized for being harmful by most professional organizations, these treatments persist on. The belief that acting sexually upon same-sex attraction is disorderly and sinful can be found within the “theologically conservative wings of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism” (Benoit 309). There have been a considerable number of people belonging to one of the “conservative wings” who argue against SRT. It is not surprising that these
Does everyone have the same definition too? People’s fear of crossing that line lies within this theory as well, once you cross that line there is no going back. Her most popular idea that there is only one proper way to have sex. Society is ignorant to other relationships, just because one couple does not participate in some sexual act does not make is ‘bad’. Rubin points out that we have learned to accept other cultures religions and customs but we fail to accept an understanding other ideas of love.
In any religion, more often than not, followers or members are conveyed messages that certain actions and thoughts are sinful while others are not. Within these religions there may be denominations, those that support homosexuality, some with exceptions, and some who strictly oppose homosexuality all together. In the United States, both Christianity and Judaism have a continuum of denominations that accept, deny, or make deviations for homosexuals, and they have reacted or dealt with the issue of gay marriage in a number of ways. Gay marriage is a very controversial topic in America for many reasons. Liberals tend to be overwhelmingly in favor of legalizing the institution while conservatives usually oppose it.