Hey all! On Thursday I will be presenting on the topic of Sexuality and
religion. The book focuses more on western religions more specifically on Christianity
and due to the fact that I was raised in a catholic household this is what I personally
know more about, so I apologize if my presentation mostly focuses on that
religion in particular. While reading the reading for the article I would like
you to think about experiences you have had concerning the two topics; if you
were exposed to one religion more heavily I would love to hear about your experiences
during the discussion! For me personally my parents never had any problems with
others sexual orientation but the religion they followed has been known to not
be as accepting of different sexual orientations or different ways of
expressing it.
Keep in mind the ideas that were in earlier chapters about sexuality such as the fact that sexual orientation not only refers to attraction in a physical or romantic sense, but as both of them. Sexuality also looks at some ideas such as when some people do not follow gender normative roles.
The article I chose is titled “Is Christian Teaching on Sexuality Psychologically Harmful?” This article is told from the point of a Christian analyzing the stigma that is present about Christians and their child’s sexuality and what he thinks on the issue. I do want to mentions there are some harsher topics such as suicide discussed. The article discusses adolescents coming out to their religious families and how different families can receive the news differently. Here are a few topics to think about while you read, both the text and the article.
http://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2015/02/14319/
1. What
has been your experience with a religious institution and their views on sexuality?
2. In
your experience, do you think that most religions have solid stances on their follower’s
sexuality? Which aspects of it?
3. Do
you know anyone who might not be considered heteronormative? How was the news received
by their family. (no need to share this in your posts if you feel uncomfortable
with the topic.
4. The
article talks about parents not knowing how to handle it when their comes out
to them, do you believe there are ways to prepare them?
5. What are the author’s views on such issues?
Religious institution benefits itself through heteronormative idealism. A dangerous, and psychologically harmful process, most established religions denounce or attempt to "cover-up" what they believe is the "issue" of lacking in heteronormativity.
ReplyDeleteLikewise then, established family structures usually tied closely to some system of belief, are strained.
You cannot handle something that you refuse to accept as plausible, your experience is rooted in absurdity; thereby the negative outbursts and reaction associated with "coming out" carries the same lack of understanding that one who is not religious can exhibit when pushed to conform or accept established religious systems.
However, the effects of those established religions lack of understanding; ney their lack of desire to understand, leads to much more serious consequence.
I've experienced numerous cases of attacks both personally and secondhand stemming not necessarily from "Christian teachings" or "Judaism" but rather the public air that they create.
The author seems to agree in saying 'if you are not ready to affirm and support an LGBTQIA+ child, you should not be having children.'
Do irish-catholics who seem to pro-create at will (traditionally, not always) prepare for how they will react if their child is gay? Or do they simply pray it away?
A lack of acceptance of even trying to define or discover an identity is the most dangerous component in my opinion, of what makes organized religion an ultimate herd mentality, and not a source of love as it is proclaimed.
I was born catholic. Looking back now I do not remember anyone saying anything specific about sexuality when I was younger. I regularly attended CCD classes and made my communion as well as my confirmation within the church. It was not something I can remember anyone saying out loud, but there was just a general understanding that in the church marriage was supposed to be with a man and a women. There really wasn't room for any other options besides heterosexuality. As I got older some things within the church changed and there were new priests. The new priest was very verbal as to how marriage was only between a man and woman and I was almost shocked when he said it so blatantly. I think for people that follow the catholic faith they are presumed to be heterosexual because that is what is taught within the religion. A section of the article states "Kids struggling to come to terms with their identities may be in an awkward position if their parents are Christians. People of faith cannot ignore or deny that we have heard of young people who commit suicide or seriously harm themselves because their rigidly religious parents have condemned them or kicked them out of the house. But is it then reasonable to conclude that Christian beliefs must put LGBT kids at danger? Absolutely not." I think parents of all religions hear of unfortunate events of young people committing suicide because they have such a hard time coming to terms with who they are. Parents, especially those who have christian beliefs need to be informed of issues like this. This is very much easier said then done, but I do believe if someone is ready to have a family they need to be ready to accept their children no matter what. I think some parents are in shock when their children do not align with the gender binary. I think general education is the only way for things to change when it comes to this issue. This is very difficult to do when it comes to institutions such as the catholic church.
ReplyDelete