Critical Thinking: Gender, Sexuality, and Same Sex Attraction  

Virginia Nielsen LMHC/LPC 

School of Behavioral Sciences: Liberty University                  

Critical Thinking: Gender, Sexuality, and Same-Sex Attraction 

           Same-sex attraction is viewed differently among the many churches worldwide, past and current. It is a widely debated topic within religious communities and society, families, and ethnic groups. For all those who experience same-sex attraction, it is difficult to choose one verse's the other; it is a complex reality for many individuals. This paper will explore, elaborate, and expand the reader's knowledge about same-sex attraction, views on same-sex attraction from the Latter-day Saints' perspective, psychology, and Christianity.  

Latter-Day Saints View 

           The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-day Saints is a well know Christian church, yet our views on same-sex attraction are very different from most religious faiths'. Latter-day Saints' view consists of a multi-layered description and expectation given to us by our prophets, Jesus Christ, and doctrine. First, the attraction itself is not a sin in the eyes of God, but acting on those attractions is. Individuals do not always have control over whom they are attracted to, but they do control how they respond to those attractions (Counseling Resources, 2020).   

           Church members who have same-sex attractions and commit to keeping God's commandments can receive Church callings, hold temple recommendations, and receive temple ordinances (Counseling Resources, 2020). Church members and their families are asked to listen and make children, friends, or neighbors; feel welcome and heard when they disclose a same-sex attraction. They may experience feelings of being ashamed, unworthy, afraid of rejection, and how to reconcile their experience with the gospel, even if they have not yet acted on those attractions (Counseling Resources, 2020). 

           Those individuals must understand that same-sex attraction and actions do not change their eternal and divine identity as children of God (Counseling Resources, 2020). If the individual has engaged in same-sex sexual behavior, teach them the importance of repentance and forgiveness through the atonement of the Savior. Encourage the individual to express their same-sex attractions to those they trust to help them feel accepted and understood by others to help decrease the chances of depression or suicidal thoughts or actions (Counseling Resources, 2020). 

Law of Chasity 

           The laws given to us by God that are mostly related to the same-sex attraction are God's law of marriage and its companion, the law of chastity. These laws are essential for God's plan of salvation for His children. Many states and countries have legalized same-sex marriage. LDS church and members respect the laws of the land, but the truth is that in the beginning, God ordained marriage, and it was done between a man and a woman. God has not changed his definition of marriage (President Oaks H. D., 2019). 

           The law of chastity is described as only having sexual relations with our spouse after marriage. No one, male or female, should have sex before their marriage. After marriage, you are only to have sex with your spouse and no others. As described above, marriage can only be between a man and a woman under God's commandments. For all members of Latter-day Saints, understanding the law of chastity is not just about sexual intercourse but any actions that create sexual arousal before marriage. The law includes intimate kissing and touching of intimate body parts, with or without clothes on (Gospel Principles, 2019). 

           The church's unwavering policy on same-sex actions or behavior and breaking the law of chastity has not changed, and those who break it will have consequences within the church and from God's judgment. Those consequences include re-teaching from missionaries, bishops, parents, and elders. Can no longer partake of sacrament while breaking God's laws, ordinances, or church policies. Can no longer go or engage in Temple work until one year of following God's laws and ordinances (D&C, 1981-2013).  

Psychology & Christianity 

                      Journal of Psychology and Christianity published an article studying the possible causes and mean age of development of same-sex attraction and sexual behavior of celibate Christians. The article studied 292 celibates, same-sex attracted Christians, hoping to understand better their individual sexual development, identity, and sense of support (Kansiewicz M. K., et. al. 2022). 89% of the participants showed a pattern of becoming aware of same-sex attractions before puberty, followed by involvement in same-sex sexual activity or celibacy (Kansiewicz M. K., et. al. 2022). 

           The study identified two sexual developmental paths. Most participants experienced same-sex sexual involvement with a mean age of eighteen or refrained from same-sex sexual experiences (Kansiewicz M. K., et. al. 2022). Participants who did not experience same-sex activity had or experienced same-sex attraction or experience at a mean age of twelve and under. Most participants did not experience adolescent abuse, and sexual development occurred between the ages of eighteen to twenty years of age. The study suggested that the participants who experienced same-sex attraction or experience before age twelve could be treated for trauma. They might not have grown up having same-sex attraction or experience if treated at the time of experience (Kansiewicz M. K., et. al. 2022). 

           Lastly, the study identified a mean age of ten years, which started the age of awareness of same-sex attraction just before boys began puberty. The choice to engage in same-sex sexual activity or to remain celibate begins shortly after puberty (Kansiewicz M. K., et. al. 2022). The study suggests that Christian faiths investigate further or view the similarities of sexual development milestones for both hetero and same-sex attraction. Instead of singling out same-sex attraction milestones, it will be necessary for Christian leaders to begin to educate their communities about same-sex attraction, to de-stigmatize it, to provide non-judgmental support, and provide information that sexual abuse is not the cause of same-sex attraction (Kansiewicz M. K., et. al. 2022). 

Personal Views 

           As a professional counselor with a private practice, this is a challenging question and topic. Faith and religion tell us that same-sex marriage is a sin, and those who break it will have a judgment on their judgment day when they face our Heavenly Father. This student works professionally with all clients, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexuality, or identity. This student's job is not to change a client's perspective, faith, religion, or personal ethics to match her worldview or religion. 

We are told as Christians not to judge others, to not place their life and life choices in front of ourselves for judgment. Every client, friend, or child in this student's life has the right to choose whom they want to be, whom they choose to marry, and how they choose to live their life. This does not mean I have to approve of their choices or engage in their actions, but I do need to be supportive and loving to them as a brother or sister from God. Same-sex marriage should be viewed the same as someone views others who commit a crime, for example. If our children committed a crime, we would not disown them. Instead, we would love them still, not support the choices they made to get them into trouble. The same goes for family members or friends addicted to drugs, food, or alcohol. We do not support their abuse but still show support and love to them as our children, brothers or sisters, or friends. We do not hold power to judge them for their actions while they are in their Earthly bodies.   

Conclusion 

           In conclusion, the Latter-day Saints have different views on same-sex attraction and behaviors than many other Christian-based religions. The church educates parents, missionaries, teachers, and the community to provide supportive feedback, be non-judgmental, and openly discuss same-sex attractions, the law of chastity, and choices to engage in same-sex behavior. Research also shows a need for further studies on same-sex attraction, faith integration, community, parental and religious acceptance, and education.   

Reference 

 Book of Mormon (1981-2013) Intellectual Reserve, Inc. 

 Counseling Resources (2020) Same-Sex Attraction. Church Policy and Teachings: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Vol. 24, pp. 2-5 

 Doctrine & Covenants (1981-2013) Intellectual Reserve, Inc. 

 Holy Bible (1971-2013) Intellectual Reserve, Inc. 

 Kansiewicz M. K., Zaporozhets O., & Yarhouse A. M. (2022) Sexual Development, Identity, and Support for Same-Sex Attracted Celibate Christians. Journal of Psychology and Christianity: Christian Association for Psychological Studies. Vol. 41, No. 4. pp. 253-264. ISSN: 0733-4273 

Myers G. M., Jones L. S., Roberts C. R., Watson P. J., Coe H. J., Hall W. T. Powlison D. (2010) Psychology & Christianity: Five Views 2nd. InterVarsity Press. ISBN: 978-0-8308-2848-7 

President Oaks H. D. (2019) Two Great Commandments. Latter-day Saints Publications. Digital presentation: October 2019 General Conference 

Gospel Principles (2019) The Law of Chastity. Gospel Principles. Chapter 39, pp. 185-202. 

Wolters M. A., Goheen W. M., (2005) Creation Regained: Biblical Basics for a Reformational Worldview 2nd. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. ISBN: 978-0-8028-2969-6