Homophobia & religion: what's the tie? (Please read the summary!)?

Question

I realize this isn't the best place to ask about homophobia, but I'd just like to start an earnest discussion regarding the connection. As a member of not only Amnesty International, but 2 gay/lesbian/bisexual legal defense funds, I believe that hatred based on religious belief is one of the reasons America cannot, as a nation, move forward, and I'm highly interested to find out how people think about the issue on here. Please, no biblical quotes unless you can support it with relevant subject matter, and no slander, because, after all, we're all on this planet together. 10 shiny points for an HONEST response. :)

Rico-I specifically said biblical quotes are alright if you can back them up with how it relates to homophobia and hate. Please take the time to read the summary, as I asked quite politely.

CJ-I hold no contempt for a single human being excluding Melosivic & Hitler. However, as a psychology major, it fascinates me because I believe people fear what they don't see in themselves. As Americans in this age, we've been "trained" to fear terrorism, just as we were trained to fear Communism during the Cold War. Also, it's been scientifically proven that homosexuality is a genetic trait, FYI.

Seenoevil-I'm sorry to disprove your argument, but according to the Christian bible, homosexuality is still a forgivable "sin" (forgive me for not quoting the verse). The only unforgivable is blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

Answer 1

As a Christian, I know where people are coming from w/ there stereotypes against homosexuality. My only problem is their need to be so vocal on the subject. I do not agree w/ everything in the Bible. I just abide by the rules. That also includes loving thy neighbor. It may include not taking part in homosexual acts, but there are a million other sins. Being hateful towards homosexuals being one of them. I guess that my point is that everyone has to answer for their own sins. No sins carry more weight. And to judge others is just as bad as committing the sin. Homosexuals are well aware of what the Bible says. They have their own relationship w/ God. Let them be. Everyone has a need to be right. We all fear what is different. That is what connects homophobia and my religion.

Answer 2

The answer, I believe, is rather quite simple.

Since you are talking about America, I assume you are most interested in the homophobic attitudes within Christianity.

The Bible is most specific in its condemnation of homosexuality in the infamous Ezekiel passage. Assuming you don't accept the bible as historical fact, what would be the motivations or the benefit for the early Hebrews to condemn homosexuality?

Before we get to that, lets identify some other aspects of early Hebrew thought regarding sex.

Masturbation is a sin -- it wastes the seed.
Multiple wives is fine.
Contraception is to be avoided.

The connection with those three and homosexuality is that following the "law" of the times should theoretically mean more procreation.

It's certainly no secret that the bible is high on procreation. There was that whole "go forth and multiply" thing in the very first chapter. But why?

Lets forget for a moment that the Bible is the greatest selling book of all time and remember who all these laws were for? What was the context? The early Hebrews were a small tribe who faced considerable opposition from powerful neighbours, internal strife, disease, drought, etc. The only way they had a fighting chance was to breed and breed often.

Anything that could have been an obstacle for a rapid and efficient breeding program was declared to be against God.

Homophobia was a necessary part of sociopolitical platform which enabled the early Hebrew tribe to survive.

Thankfully, natural selection makes us aware that the tools of survival are not necessarily moral. In other words, just because something works, that doesn't make it right. That's something homophobic Christians of today should come realize. What worked well for the early Hebrews, may not work for the Christians of today.

Answer 3

The connection nowadays has become apparent. I'm going to assume that you are referring to this "tie" in the context of the Judeo/Christian/Islamic group. Originally in the Christian part there was no gross "sex crime". But when things got out of hand during the reign of the" two whores" in the 9th century, the church laid down the law. There was at the time no other legal system to speak of so secular and spiritual were the same. It took the secular section of Christianity over 600 years to separate the two (Islam has not done so-religious law and secular law are one and the same). The secular legal concept basically states that there is no such thing as a "sex" crime between consenting adults regardless of the sexual orientations of the participants. So now we have a dichotomy. The state is in opposition to the church. The state actually gives you the choice. If you believe you are sinning do not do it, otherwise it is OK by the state.
I will beg to differ with you on one point. You under estimate the US. Despite the religious chaos that exists in the US, the country has moved forward a lot. A hell of a lot. We humans are very impatient and want things done now. This is history; you need to take the long view. You claim to be working on all these -"amnesty" and "funds". 50 years ago they did not even exist as concepts and you would find yourself in jail in a split of the second. So patience my friend.
(Are you sure about the definition of Homophobia? I thought it means fear of other humans-all of them-something like Newton)

Answer 4

I think that the connection is the narrow-mindedness (not to bash any believers out there) that religion teaches. When following a church, you can do this, you can't do that, etc. It is very specific and doesn't leave much room for differences among its members. You cannot agree with one thing, and disagree with another.

As for anyone who isn't religious (atheists/agnostics) or anyone who doesn't follow a church (spiritualists/Wiccan/etc), their views are typically more broad. They pick and choose what makes sense to them. (Honestly, I am not all too familiar with Wicca, so if I grouped some people in the wrong catagory, I am sorry).

Homophobia is basically the utter disapproving attitude toward gay/lesbian relationships and encounters. People are afraid of what is different. That simple statement is where racism, stereotypes, and homophobia stems from. I believe that in church, people who claim to be taught to "love thy neighbor" and all that, are actually being taught that different is bad (which is a cripple to society, if you ask me, which you kind of did).

So, to sum all of that up, in case I wasn't clear, I think the connection between homophobia and religion is narrowmindedness and not being able to accept what is different. Mind you, there are many exceptions, as there always is, but for the general population, I believe this is true.

Answer 5

People can whine and bawl approximately Christianity's non-reputation of homosexuality all they wish, however that's by no means going to difference the truth that neither God nor myself, nor hundreds of thousands of others are by no means going to compromise ultimate specifications conveniently so a organization of detailed deviants can "think well approximately themselves". Christians (folks that real care approximately God's Word besides) aren't known as to judge others, however that does not suggest that they cannot or can not voice their evaluations, in this subject both. There also are atheists who're useless-set in opposition to homosexuality as one among them published an reply up above displaying such. Homophobia is a catchword used to stigmatize any individual who would possibly not cow-tow and receive the homosexual schedule. Speaking of which, simply learn the "Gay Rights Platform" of 1972 and 1987. In it, they truthfully lobbied Congress to place an finish to all legislation governing the age of consensual intercourse with children. How are you able to potentially count on any individual with a considering mind to ever condone that form of perversion? It's no longer approximately "love" among "consenting adults"; it is all approximately an schedule to flush this fine country down the immoral tubes of unrestrained lust and perversion - the Republic be damned. That's no longer "love"; it is a illness that demands to be cured and speedily. God's phrase may be very transparent regarding this subject. It used to be an abomination then, and it is an abomination now. Just considering that that is 2008 does not imply that sound values and social traditions are by some means no longer in style simply considering that a host of flitty-brained idiots have determined that gay "love" is by some means "adequate". No, it isn't. I don't wish them in my vicinity (actually, 2 have been pushed out final yr) spreading their perverse and selected culture in entrance of my grandkids. Heterophobes conveniently must return within the closet and keep there completely.

Answer 6

I am not phobic about homosexuality.

I believe it is a sinful lifestyle because that is what the Bible says.

I have friends who are gay and I pray for them and care for them.

Homosexuality is one of a long list of lifestyles that is sinful according to the Bible.

The Hetero male who cheats on his wife, or is into porn or any other sin is no better or worse than a gay person.

One lie is enough to be condemned to hell, because we all have offended a Holy God.

Jesus died to pay for all of mankind's sins, including homosexuals.

Saying someone is homophobic implies an irrational fear, but I just believe that what the bible calls sin is sin.

Pride, anger , covetousness, hatred, false witness, etc.

There are different consequences for different sins, but all people have sinned.

ADDED
You are right, God's grace can forgive any sin except unbelief.
That is what rejecting the Holy Spirit is.
I did not mean to imply homosexuality is unforgivable, God is willing and able to forgive any and all who come to Him.

unbelief will prevent a person from seeking forgiveness, despite the Holy Spirit speaking in their heart

Answer 7

I personally have no problems with homosexuals.. What happens sexually between 2,3,7 or 500 consenting adults is their business not mine..

Hang from the chandelier, use whips and chains, whipped cream and chocolate, or satin sheets just be sure to use lube , dental dams and condoms when appropriate and have fun..

I believe all people regardless of sexual orientation should have the right to marry the man/woman of their choice..

I believe all people regardless of sexuality orientation should be allowed to apply for and be equally considered as suitable adoptive parents (Both straight and homosexual people should have to meet an equal financial criteria and have their homes inspected to insure it is a suitable living space for a child. The criteria for each couple has to be equal and identical no special laws in place to exclude homosexuals with loopholes)..


I believe homosexuality or bisexuality is a choice (meaning no one wakes up and says "Hey I am gonna put on homo/bisexuality today" like someone would choose a shirt) I believe we are all born with our sexuality mapped out in our brain chemistry.. I was born with the make up that has led me to desire both sexes sexually with men being the predominant desire and women the secondary.. Others are born with other make ups that determine their desires..

No biblical quotes from me I will not quote a book I do not believe in..

For those wondering I am Atheist.. I do not believe in any deity(s)..

I believe religion religious beliefs and religious sects breed discontent and hate.. Religion teaches people to hate that which is different because if that which is different is immoral, unworthy, wrong, sinful and destined for hell.. That must mean that those following the religion must be moral, worthy, pure of heart, and destine for heaven..

In short all people regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, nonreligion, etc. should be treated with respect and dignity... Instead of certain groupings being demonized in order to make those who call themselves beleivers feel falsely superior..

(counting to 10 and breathing this subject really gets my blood boiling)

Answer 8

Ok here goes. First of all, many "religious" people who are homophobic will say they are so because of certain passages in the bible where it seems that sexual relations between people of the same sex is frowned upon. Many scholars have actually interpreted these scriptures as critizing a lack of hospitality, which was extremely important in the Hebrew Scriptures. My opinion as to why it is such a prevalent and often violent viewpoint, however, is that people who are homophobic are desperately afraid of any changing of the status quo. They have economic and social reasons to feel threatened. I don't think it's actually a religious reason at all, but they use religion to justify their fears.

Answer 9

Repugnance is based on my going into a studio at 2 am to off load equipment and watching all the gay guys in a circle doing a jerk out in the open.

I was in the Entertainment industry for 30+ years and I've never walked into in heterosexual activies in public, in the main room, I've never opened a door and seen a BJ in progress, but the gay guys are all over the place and all over each other.

Sometimes children accompanied us to the studio after shows when we stored our equipment away.

You're not going to win any sympathies with the masses if you leave the closet door open during intimacies.

No one wants to see it from anyone, heteros or homos

And don't give me static. Everyone knows about the San Francisco Bath Houses where Bette Midler got her start.

Answer 10

In the end, it really has little to do with religion or sexual preference, but whether or not people can tolerate others. None of us are the same so there are always going to be differences we need to accept in others, yet few people do so (and I'm as guilty as the next one here).
Living in Australia I must admit I'm not as concerned with American society as I am with Australian, but I do see the same issues facing our society too, and in fact most societies on this planet.