Sexuality and Religion

Hannah Hafso
Review of Sweasey, Peter. From Queer to Eternity. London: Cassell, 1997.

Sexuality and religion, topics that are not commonly discussed around the dinner table, but are the focus of Peter Seasey’s book From Queer to Eternity. Although the piece “is not a work of academic theory” (Sweasey IX) it provides insightful perspective on the controversial relationship between these two subjects. The assumption that religion is not compatible or available to homosexuals is disproved by testimonials and theories.

Traditional religions have had a history of being particularly discriminative against homosexuals which has led to hostility against from both sides. In addition, the exclusivity of religion has allowed the gay community to distinguish between spirituality and religion. As stated by Chris Ferguson, religion is an institution that aims to “try and make you what your not, spirituality is trying to make you who you are”. Spirituality enables one to feel a deeper sense of themselves ,be connected to a higher power, and address life as a whole without stepping into the condemning confines of a church. Sweaseys describes transcendence and altered states of consciousness as defining features of spiritual experiences.

These experiences are common religious activity but are not exclusive to it; drugs, sex, and art are outlets that the gay community in particular have used to achieve an out of body experience. Homosexuals who have braved the opposition to practice religion, are “more likely to emphasize the personal and spiritual rather than doctrinal and organizational”(Sweasey 5)aspects of their faith. He explains that when taken literally, stories from holy books seem to only apply to heterosexuals, but metaphorically they are life maps for everyone.

Different perspectives and alternative meanings have allowed the doors of traditional religions to open up for the homosexual community. Our society is becoming increasingly more tolerant of individual differences in race, religion, and sexuality, forcing religions to re-evaluate the distinguishing characteristics of their congregation.

Taboo Subjects
These two topics, sexuality and religion, are both controversial and major factors in defining one’s identity. The deep rooted beliefs on both subjects abstains them from being dinner conversation. We shy away from discussing the feelings and emotions and focus on the physical aspects that can be viewed black and white. Most individuals only see the scandals and problems when the two collide, such as: gay marriage rights and priests abusing young children.

Can a homosexual be religious?
Traditionally this concept seems to be a paradox, as religions shun homosexuals has led to them disregarding religion.
- Christianity commonly uses Leviticus 18:22 “for thou shall not lie with a man as with a woman... for it is an abomination” to support the discrimination against those with same sex orientation.
Society is changing and adopting a more open perspective. This is reflected in various churches and religious groups who accept homosexuals, and the emergence of homosexual pastors and leaders.

Spirituality vs. Religion
“Religion is trying to make you what your not, spirituality is trying to make you who you are” (Chris Ferguson)

Spirituality has 3 key elements:
o Deeper sense of one’s self
o Addressing the whole of life
o Connection with something bigger

Thus, spirituality is available to all sexual orientations and can be used to answer our fundamental questions, such as: who am I? Why am I here? Is there a higher power?, that others find answered in religion.

Attributes of Spirituality
Transcendence: is a beyond self experience, where one is connected to a higher power or God.
“What Queers mean by God is much different, it is not the stereotype old man... but more of the energy of life” (Peter Sweasey)

Altered State of Consciousness
Feelings of bliss, euphoria, ecstasy, awe
Christians often describe these experiences as “gifts” of the Holy Spirit. In addition, these feelings are found in: sex, drugs, art, music etc.
A desire for spirituality and religion was increased in the 1960’s when AIDS forced the homosexual community to question their mortality in the face of the fatal disease.