Currently I am studying for an MA in Applied Theology with a Youth & Community specialism and as such I’ve been essay writing again! This time the task was to put together a paper and a 30 min seminar on an element of practice. Over the last few years I have been personally trying to figure our a pastoral response to this issue, an issue that often devides communities and congregations at best and at worst causes young people to be hurt and excluded. The paper is only one part of the task but I’ve decided to post it in order to potentially help other Christian Youth & Community Workers trying to get their head around a very emotive and complex issue. Please feel free to continue the conversation …
Sexual identity, behaviour and gender roles are intimate components of the ordinary life of every human being[1] and it appears ‘the significance of homosexuality in our society has been minimised and obscured by the force of social taboo’[2] leaving many individuals feeling that they have been ‘singled out for unjust treatment & persecution by the church.’[3] Youth & Community Workers seek to accept and respect young people regardless of their behaviour or identity but how is this worked out when the Youth and Community Worker is a Christian, how do we match our theology with young people who present with real & tangible concerns?
This paper will focus on exploring a Christian Youth & Community Worker’s pastoral response to young people who may be facing LGBTQ concerns.
Definitions
Definitions of sexual orientation, practice & gender identity could be considered as more of a spectrum than a definite[4]. However the following terms are widely accepted:
2.1 – Lesbian: a woman who has an erotic attraction for other woman
2.2 – Gay (Homosexual): a man who has an erotic attraction for other men
2.3 – Bisexual: A man or woman who has erotic attractions for both sexes[5]
2.4 – Transgender: ‘umbrella term used to describe individuals who cross or transcend culturally defined categories of sex and gender’[6]
2.5 – Questioning: anyone who is questioning their erotic attraction towards any of the above but whom has yet to reach a definitive conclusion[7]
Orientation V’s Practice
Pierson uses the term ‘Homosexual’ for those who engage in same sex acts and ‘Homophile’ for those who are drawn towards those of the same sex but do not act on their attractions.[8] A useful distinction for many Christians as this differentiation is key to their theology and acceptance of individuals. Many conclude that the ‘practice’ of same sex attraction is sinful, and not the orientation of an individual.
Nature V’s Nurture
There is much debate between medical clinicians and behavioural scientists as to the causes of LGBTQ concerns:
Nature
Asserts that there must be a medical rational for an individual’s status.
Nurture
The environment we develop in & around shape our future, ‘in the same way that someone might draw lines on a blank sheet of paper.’[9]
The Bible
Much controversy has arisen from very few biblical texts. Most of the debate centres on Sodom & Gomorrah (Gen 19), Levitical texts (Lev 18:22 & 20:13), Romans 1 & other Pauline texts (1 Cor 6:9-11, 1 Tim 1:9-10). Whilst the majority of evangelical Christians piece together these texts as arguments against homosexuality and therefore the biblical condemnation of such acts as sinful. Marin highlights that many pro gay theologians use the same passages to reinforce their stance pointing out the cultural changes that have occurred since biblical times and focuses on the use of language used and it’s limitations[10]. Much of the ammunition stems from the biblical authors not referring to ‘long term, committed monogamous relationships’ but rather the practice of ‘Pederasty’[11].
How Does This Affect Our Christian Viewpoint?
Personal opinions on the nature V’s nurture debate impact the approach individuals take towards scripture, a, and ultimately it is vital that we accept this bias will affect our practice as a Christian Youth and Community Worker.
Nature: One’s views on being made in God’s image but into a fallen world, where we are all born as sinful creations may lead to a more accepting approach. This may also cause one to come to read scripture in light of the cultural context of the passage at the time of scriptural writing.
Nurture: One’s concern might lie with issues of practicing sexuality and may sway the worker into focusing on altering the in individuals environments; changing peer groups, moving more into Christian sub culture and ‘curing’ t ype ministries.
Practical Application
We recognise that many young people do seek advice from Youth and Community Workers who are seen as more flexible in their approach to offering guidance than schools[12], so I put forward the following points for consideration:
Education
Research information about LGBTQ issues and read with an open mind.[13] Marin suggests finding a gay friendly church or a gay pastor and approaching them with a view to listening, asking them to explain their views on same sex attraction, theology and practice with a heart and attitude of gaining more information and knowledge, not to debate and argue.[14]
Where Does Your Church or Organisation Stand on the LGBTQ Debate?
If you are an employed Youth and Community worker then you not only represent yourself, holding a personal theology but, y you also represent the organisation. As an employed worker you will be expected to ‘toe the party line’ when delivering a service which may or may not be in opposition to your own standing. Knowing your denomination’s viewpoint may not change your own personal theology but, it will support you with fulfilling the role. Any misunderstanding of this could lead you into disciplinary action.
This may also mean that there are programmed activities one leads that young people with LGBTQ concerns may or may not be able to access. As professional youth workers who seek to engage young people[15] it will not be appropriate for young people with LGBTQ concerns to attend meetings or situations where they might feel as if they are being judged, being told how to be[16] or made to feel different from others. This may mean that rather than inviting an individual young person to programmed activities that one may need to work with a team to provide alternative routes of contact, perhaps meeting in school, after school mentoring at a local coffee shop, accessing other services together etc.
Use of Language
Pick up almost any book on the subject of Homosexuality and Christianity and you will find the phrase ‘love the sinner hate the sin’ and it is our approach to how we communicate this outwardly that has potentially both positive & negative impacts on those we are seeking to help and support. As McLaren states;
‘Jesus didn’t say, “they’ll know you are my disciples by your firm stance on divisive social issues.” No he said we’ll be known as his disciples for another reason.’[17]
But when we use the phrase ‘love the sinner hate the sin’ we are seen as highlighting the individuals LGBTQ concerns and thus are seen as placing a ‘sin’ judgement on the individuals behaviour which they may interpret as also their identity. It is important that in line with NOS, and when representing a God who welcomes the whosoever’s (Jn3:15), that we work with young people so that they feel accepted and secure in order to continue the conversation and journey through with the young person.
Conclusion
In 2006, statistics suggested that ‘if you run a medium-sized group you’re likely to have one gay or lesbian person coming at least once every four years’[18] compounding the need for youth and community workers to educate themselves on issues of LGBTQ concerns, and to understand their Churches stance on the subject, as a primary task rather than as an afterthought in reaction to a specific pastoral situation. By creating an environment of pastoral care, genuine love and concern for all young people, youth & community workers can embrace given opportunities to encourage young people to openly discuss their LGBTQ concerns. Furthermore should a young person reveal their struggles with LGBTQ concerns, the youth and community worker acting out of this love and concern will need to recognise that they will not be able to sort everything out with a few words and a token Bible text; they need to be in it for the long haul, supporting, praying and encouraging the individual, for what may be a lifetime.[19]
Bibliography
Allan, John, ‘Not Straight Forward’ Youthwork, August 2006.
Balswick, Judith K., and Jack Balswick O. Authentic Human Sexuality: An Integrated Christian Approach. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999
Cahill, Lisa Sowle. Sex, Gender, and Christian Ethics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996.
Collins-Mayo, Sylvia, Bob Mayo, Sally Nash, and Christopher Cocksworth J. The Faith of Generation Y. London: Church House Publishing, 2010
Edwards, Brian. Homosexuality, the Straight Agenda. Epsom, Surrey: DayOne, 1998
Grenz, Stanley. Sexual Ethics: A biblical Perspective, Carlisle: Paternoster Press, 1989
MacNutt, Francis. Homosexuality: Can It Be Healed? Grand Rapids, MI: Chosen Books, 2006
Marin, Andrew, Love is an Orientation, Illinois: IVP, 2009.
Nardi, Peter M., and Beth Schneider E. Social Perspectives in Lesbian and Gay Studies: A Reader. London: Routledge, 1998
Appendix 1
Online resources
Courage is a UK-based Christian Ministry offering understanding and support for homosexual people who wish to follow the path of Christian discipleship. www.courage.org.uk
LGF (The Lesbian & Gay Foundation) a UK based charity with a wide range of services for lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Their mission is ‘Ending homophobia, Empowering people.’ www.lgf.org.uk
Queer Youth Network a UK Youth focused charity supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. Aiming to represent the needs and views of young people through campaigning, education and supporting. www.queeryouth.org.uk
Space Youth Project a Dorset based charity that supports under 25’s who are LGBTQ. It provides peer support groups, youth information and access to additional services, support and assistance to local schools and colleges. www.spaceyouthproject.co.uk
Stonewall is a UK Charity (secular) working for equality and justice for homosexual people. www.stonewall.org.uk
True freedom Trust (TfT) is a confidential Christian support and teaching ministry for men and women who accept the Bible’s prohibition of homosexual practice and yet are aware of homosexual tendencies, or struggle with other sexual and relational issues. www.truefreedomtrust.co.uk
Appendix 2
Nature V’s Nurture Debate following on from above
Nature
Asserting that there must be a medical rational for an individual’s status and/or same sex attraction. The most commonly accepted nature debates that are continuing to be explored are:
1 Hormonal Mechanism’s – it is often thought the hormonal structures and mechanisms differ in those that are heterosexual and homosexual. Many have tried to identify and clarify this thought through research but as yet nothing conclusive has been identified.
2 Brain Structure – in 1984 Swaab & Fliers claimed that they found the hypothalamus to be larger in men than women but failed to establish a link between size and sexual orientation then in 1991 Le Vay picked up on this further and dissected the brains of 35 men. They reported that in the homosexuals the hypothalamus was smaller than the heterosexual males but the small numbers involved and the findings of lots of technical flaws plighted the study and others have failed to match these findings in other studies.[20]
3 Genetics – many have tried to prove the ‘Gay Gene’ and in 1993 Hamer claimed he had found it causing much press interest but the research findings were inconclusive and it is thought that had the study of involved a less controversial issue then the results would not have made it to the public and would have been thrown out much earlier in the study.[21]
Nurture
The environment we develop in & around shapes our future, ‘in the same way that someone might draw lines on a blank sheet of paper.’[22] Many possible factors have been identified as possible causes for the nurture debate:
1 Cultural – it is widely recognised that the culture community we are raised in are affects our development as individuals. Some ascertain that there are specific indicators that could help define an individual’s sexual identity.
2 Family – many blame the family home setting for defining sexual orientation, placing blame on absent fathers, unhealthy relationships and the roles played out by the family however despite much interest and research no definitive distinctions have been reached.
3 The Peer Group – as seen in appendix 1 there is a great deal of services generating peer support communities around the concerns of LGBTQ teens. Many Christians are sceptical of these services that seek to promote LGBTQ lifestyles rather than challenge & that in accepting groups young people are more likely to experiment further than they would had they of not mixed with this peer group.
4 The Moral – it is well documented that over the last 100 years the country’s stance and views of morals have considerably changed. Many believe the post modern ambiguity and the focus on equality of opportunity that morals or moreover the lack of personal morals has impacted on the increased numbers of LGBTQ individuals, ‘Now that one can occur the wrath of the politically correct for suggesting that homosexuality is anything other than a natural variant, the tables have turned.’[23]
5 Personal Choice – sexual orientation is viewed by some as a myth, seen as a matter of individual lifestyle choice on an individual’s part as they choose to act out on their own fantasies & choose to align themselves with a specific community grouping.[24]
[1] Lisa Sowle Cahill, Sex, Gender and Christian Ethics, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996, Pg 1.
[2] Peter M Nardi and Beth Schneider, Social Perspectives in Lesbian and Gay Studies: A Reader. London: Routledge, 1998, Pg5.
[3] Francis MacNutt, Homosexuality: Can It Be Healed? Grand Rapids, MI: Chosen Books, 2006, Pg11.
[4] Brian Edwards, Homosexuality, the Straight Agenda. Epsom, Surrey: DayOne, 1998, Pg 53.
[5] Judith K Balswick and Jack O Balswick O, Authentic Human Sexuality: An Integrated Christian Approach. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999, Pg 69.
[6] Balswick, Authentic, pg69
[7] The Q was not part of the original title however after my initial research and conversations with Space it became apparent to identify that many young people when approaching a youth and community worker will still be in an uncertain questioning stage in their development and that an increased openness to this amongst youth culture has the potential for this group to increase in size over the next 10 years.
[8] Lance Pierson, No Gay Areas: Pastoral Care of Homosexual Christians.Bramcote Notts: Grove Books, 1989. Pg3.
[9] Edwards, Homosexuality, pg 65
[10] Andrew Marin, Love is an Orientation, Illinois: IVP, 2009, Ch 4.
[11] Pederasty the act of older males having sex with male children often denounced as unnatural & caused by a depraved mind
[12]Sylvia Collins-Mayo, Bob Mayo, Sally Nash and Christopher J Cocksworth. The Faith of Generation Y. London: Church House Publishing, 2010, pg77
[15] In line with the NOS’s for Youth Work
[16] Collins-Mayo, Mayo, Nash and Cocksworth, Faith, pg 77.
[18] John Allan, ‘Not Straight Forward’, Youthwork, August 2006, 13 – 14, 14.
[19] John Allan, ‘Not Straight Forward’, 14.
[20] Edwards, Homosexuality, pg 61
[21] Edwards, Homosexuality, pg 65
[22] Edwards, Homosexuality, pg 65
[23] Edwards, Homosexuality, pg 69
[24] Edwards, Homosexuality, pg 69
