Christ and the science of gender and human sexuality: The practice of LGBTQ in critical study

Abstract

This piece of work aims to equip Evangelical and Conservative Christians who are rooted in their traditional values with ways of confronting and dealing with the challenges posed by scientific advancements, legal recognition of LGBTQ+ identities, and the evolving perspectives of Progressive Christianity regarding LGBTQ+ inclusion. The complex and often controversial topic of the interplay between Christianity and the scientific understanding of gender and human sexuality, particularly regarding LGBTQ practices, presents a challenging issue for people worldwide. This study employed phenomenological naturalistic design to explore Evangelical Christians' experiences with LGBTQ+ through interviews (50 participants) and focus groups. Open-ended questions on faith and LGBTQ+ were used to analyse ethical views on conversion therapy. The findings showed that LGBTQ people get support from science and legal institutions. Evangelical Christian faith organisations and Conservative Christian traditions adhere to the belief that LGBTQ practices are not in alignment with biblical teachings and, therefore, considered sinful and against God's intended design. The opposition to LGBTQ is rooted in traditional values. This study concludes by exploring Christ's perspective on LGBTQ practices, affirming a biblical stance as Christ is the agent of God’s creation thus his connection to the faith community, all to glorify God. The paper suggests refraining from certain conversion therapies that can result in intense animosity, suicidal tendencies, and social isolation. These might drive a person to unhealthy sexual orientations as they try to relieve loneliness with deliberate measures of creating a deeply warm, gracious, friendly, mutually accountable, humble, and forgiving environment.