Changes in Homosexual Identity and Christianity - Term Paper Example

?Introduction The identity which many carry toward homosexuality is one which continues to be controversial. The problems which arise are based on the understanding of being gay, what this means in terms of lifestyle and leads to conflicts which many have in terms of contradicting lifestyles. An approach which is often used to assist individuals who believe they are homosexual is to use Christian counseling to look at the religious perspectives of this identity. There are several that are a part of Christianity; however, that believe that homosexuality is one which can be condemned because of Biblical scripture. When looking at this identity from another perspective, it can be seen that the attribute of homosexuality can be looked at in a different way, specifically which can change the belief systems in religion and toward those who come to counseling while holding a homosexual identity. Examining the perspectives of homosexuality in Christian counseling can identify and change the way in which this concept is approached from a religious perspective. This paper will look at various methods that are related to homosexuality in Christian counseling. The concept will begin with looking at traditional viewpoints and how these have altered in the current time frame, specifically with the integration of psychology and biological factors related to homosexuality. This will be combined with the diversity that is growing in the community which is pushing Christian churches to re-examine their beliefs about homosexuality. There will then be an examination of the main methods that are being used by Christian counselors to assist those who are facing the identity of homosexuality, specifically with perspectives that relate to the responses and assistance which is given. The paper will also examine alternative perspectives that relate to this, specifically which pertain to the environment which one is in, social status of homosexuality in the church and the changes which are being made. An examination of the limitations and potential of Christian counseling for homosexuality will also be looked into, specifically to provide a well – rounded perspective about homosexuality and how it currently is linked to growth and development in the church and for Christian counseling. Changes in Homosexual Identity and Christianity The initial reaction from most Christian branches was based on the rejection of homosexuality. Many believed that the concept of being gay or lesbian was also one which rejected higher spirituality and religion and which didn’t provide integration into the main associations with religion. However, many current changes are beginning to be approached, specifically with the understanding that there are newer problems and types of social groups which are also Christian. Without approaching individuals that are in this specific area, there is the inability to create a difference in one’s life while providing an examination of deeper spirituality. This main problem has led to new ideals in Christianity, specifically by examining the psychological perspective and how it relates to Christianity. It is from this main attribute of combining both experiences that many Christian counselors have been able to find a new perspective to homosexuality and the way in which it should be looked into within society (Stevenson, 2007). The changes with counseling which occurred were not only based on the ideology that spirituality and psychology both related to the other. There were also many who began to discover that there was more to homosexuality than being of a higher or lower spirituality. There were many churches which began to find that gay and lesbian individuals would regularly come to the church and were not condemned from the practice of spirituality because of the altered lifestyle. Other denominations began to find and discover the biological processes, scientific explanations and other ideologies from the psychology of an individual were associated with the practice of homosexuality. These several new understandings in society began to change the practices and associations with the church and the way in which it integrated with how one understood homosexuality. These several factors led churches to a re-examination of homosexuality and new approaches which were able to change and create different ideologies with how to work with those who had a homosexual identity and which still held a strong background and current practice of Christianity (Morelli, 2011). Christian Beliefs on Homosexuality There are several different dominations that have taken specific approaches to homosexuality and the way in which these actions relate to spiritual identity. The version which doesn’t accept this particular action as one which should be a part of society has created a group of beliefs that homosexuality is a sin and is prohibited according to the Bible. Even though there are some scientific and biological facts which are linked to homosexuality, most in these dominations believe that the sexual expression is not a psychological or mental problem. The belief is that it is not reversible and occurs because one is not able to hold the right level of spirituality within their lives. The challenge which this group of Christians has created is based on showing if the action of homosexuality is repairable or reversible. It is stated that a mental disorder or illness is one which should be reversible. If homosexuality can’t be reversed, then it is a sin, as opposed to being one which is based on biological, scientific and psychological associations. While this denomination of Christians accounts for a large majority of believers, it has also challenged other denominations to show that the particular concept of homosexuality can be reversed (Elden, Donovan, 2010). The stern beliefs and practices with homosexuality, while still influencing many denominations, is beginning to change because of diverse identities which are now coming into the church. The change is occurring in larger places, such as cosmopolitans, specifically because there are many that are continuing to practice spirituality with diverse backgrounds and homosexual practices. Many times, it is these individuals that come for Christian counseling and help for other, more deeply rooted problems. The change which has occurred is a reaction to assist those who are asking for help and to begin looking at new alternatives that are based on spiritual healing of minorities. This particular challenge has led several Christian groups to create different approaches to assisting those with identity. The belief in homosexuality as a mental illness has become the most common approach, specifically with the belief that the action taken is one which is a reaction to other wounds and problems which an individual may be experiencing in their lives (Heermann, Wiggins, Rutter, 2007). These several beliefs in the various denominations are leading to new approaches that are now being constructed to invite diverse individuals into different groups of Christianity. The main concept is based on the approach which many are taking with the understanding that there are gaps of understanding between spirituality and the psychological components that are associated with why one decides to act in a certain manner. The main belief is based on trying to find a different way to stop the divides that are occurring within the Christian churches and to look at new perspectives to help individuals to overcome the main problems that are a part of the groups of Christianity. An approach which is being taken is to find the individuals that don’t fit into the traditional forms of Christianity and to find ways to integrate the individuals within the society and to look at how psychology and spirituality can work together. This is offering new opportunities for churches to expand awareness of the church and the needs of individuals that look for counseling through Christianity. The changes are now based on offering a place in the community for homosexuals while growing in understanding about assisting those who act within homosexuality, specifically to find answers and alternatives that have a spiritual and psychological basis for healing and assistance (Watson, Jamieson, 2011). It is from this approach that most of the therapies and approaches are being created, all which continue to be based on helping individuals to heal in the context of Christianity, while offering integration within the church for individuals who have expressed homosexuality as a main part of their identity. Concepts of Reparative Therapy An approach which has been considered with homosexual counseling for Christianity is based on the ideology of reparative therapy. This particular concept implies that there is a natural and biological tendency for individuals to practice homosexuality and to be attracted to the same sex. Instead of attributing this to the ideology of identity and preference that is linked to spirituality, reparative therapy initiates the idea that this is natural and is related to both biological and psychological processes. The attractiveness is one which is not necessarily based on a gay identity, but instead comes from a man or woman feeling insecure in their identity and concept of self – love. To alter this, a psychological process and form of counseling needs to be used where one doesn’t remain in denial about the attractiveness to the same sex and instead recognizes that the tendency may come from other psychological or spiritual beliefs that one holds about their own identity. After recognizing this, one can begin to repair their own identity and begin to believe in self – love, while the ideologies of homosexuality no longer influence the spirituality of an individual (Nicolosi, 1997). The main concept which is associated with reparative therapy and which influences the individual is one that is natural among each individual and most often is associated with early adult hood and youth. These time frames cause one to question their own identity and to try to find different places to associate with in a given belief system. When creating this sense of identity and belief, there is a sense of being attracted to the ideologies in which one believes could assist in building personal self – love and self – esteem. For many, this means looking at one who is of the same sex and which has the identity which the individual wants to carry. The individual will then express feelings of attractiveness, not because of the biological necessity, but instead because of the belief that the self – identity can transform by looking at and being attracted to the individual that is a part of the values that are held. When looking at reparative therapy from this perspective, it can be seen that the ideology of homosexuality becomes one based on finding a sense of spiritual identity. This is one which is based on orientation that comes with trying to find one’s own self – identity and beliefs from a psychological and spiritual perspective. When examining this perspective, it can be seen that homosexuality is not an ideal to be shunned, but instead to be embraced and looked into so one can explore their own desire for identity and self – love (Cates, 2007). It is noted that reparative therapy is able to assist specific demographics of individuals as well as various components that are associated with homosexuality. Typically, one who is attracted to this therapy is not necessarily a part of the social movement of being gay or lesbian, meaning that there hasn’t been an announcement that the individual is gay or lesbian. It is also noted that the reparative therapy works most when an individual already has a foundation of being a Christian and has a strong background in spirituality. The concept of homosexuality then becomes more confusing as an individual becomes attracted to the same sex and is uncertain about the expression. The therapy is one which is aligned with what an individual is already looking into and holds characteristics that allow an individual to move further into beliefs which are already a part of the main questions of those who are associated with this. The concept of reparative therapy then becomes associated with the other parts of identity that are associated with an individual and work as a way of reorienting one to the identity which is conflicting with homosexuality and the beliefs which are surrounding this (Serovich et al, 2008). The Four Step Model to Heal Homosexuality The same perspective of reparative therapy is combined with the belief of many Christian counselors that homosexuality is a phase which one goes through and which can be healed with the right belief systems and alterations in identity. This particular perspective doesn’t deal with individuals who are in denial about their own sexuality or identity, but is instead based on those who strongly believe that they are gay or lesbian and which practice this lifestyle in their daily belief system. This belief is one which is associated with the ideal that there are wounds which an individual has and which causes them to begin to act as homosexual, specifically because it is a way of expressing the wounds and the abuse in which one has gone through. These particular aspects are the main areas which need to be examined, specifically so one can begin to heal from the wounds. The main ideology from this theory is based on the understanding that homosexuality is not one that is the cause of one’s identity, but is instead the effect of past difficulties that one has gone through and which one is examining by acting in other forms and with the belief that homosexuality will heal the lack of identity and the psychological problems which one has in their lives (Cohen, Schlessinger, 2000). From the perspective of healing homosexuality as an effect from past belief systems is also the understanding that there are various steps that need to be taken for recovery. One process used is called the four step model to recovery. Stage one consists of transitioning, stage two is grounding, stage three is healing homo – emotional wounds and stage four is healing the hetero – emotional wounds. To follow each stage, one has to move through several types of therapy for complete recovery. The first stage of transitioning consists of behavioral therapy. This means that one has to stop practicing homosexuality and should find a sense of self – worth through support groups or by substituting the practices with another form of expression. Stage two consists of cognitive therapy that is noted by skills, such as training, communication and problem – solving techniques. This helps to change the identity of the individual and begins a process where one feels that there is a larger sense of self – worth and belief that is associated with the steps that they are taking. The last two steps consist of psychodynamic therapy in which one can discover the roots of the problem and healing from the past wounds. This continues with finding healthy relationships with the opposite sex, specifically to express the changes which have occurred and to show that the wounds can be healed from the homosexual relationships (Cohen, Schlessinger, 2000). The four step model that is used is one which is able to combine the processes that are known in psychology for individuals who have gone through various difficulties with identity. The advantage of the four step process is based on the known factors that are able to move into other types of traumas and problems which an individual may have gone through or which are associated with the difficulties that they have. The model is then based on grief work, as opposed to being focused on the identity of homosexuality and the association which this has with an individual. The concept is then able to move through re-processing as the last two stages, specifically which is able to change and alter the way in which one associates with others in society and the behaviors and cognitive beliefs which are associated with this. The psychological process taking precedence over the Christian counseling as the main initiative is then able to work at a deeper level with those who are looking at this form of therapy. The advantage which is established becomes based on the understanding that identity immediately changes when the trauma is taken out of one’s identity and belief they create. This is furthered by the understanding that the work of shame and attachment, which is at the basis of the trauma, can be reversed when re-examining the identity which one has associated with the counseling. The spirituality component becomes secondary and is related specifically to the understanding that this is a part of the identity which one has a stronghold and associates with for assistance and help with psychological processes (Nicolosi, Maloney, Perloff, 2009). Post – Conversion Therapy Another approach which is taken with Christian counseling is known as post – conversion therapy. Similar to the other forms of Christian counseling, this particular type of therapy takes the belief that there is the need to look at the deeper roots of homosexuality to explore the wounds that have caused the reactions from the individual. This particular field of study goes back to the belief of when many used to believe that homosexuality was a mental illness and needed to be altered. This was noted because the practice found that most who express homosexuality also continuously suffer from depression, anxiety, identity crisis and forms of trauma. Most who are practicing a homosexual lifestyle can also trace back specific wounds that are related to building a sexual identity and which causes them to build a belief that they are homosexual. This may include abusive situations as well as points in which family and community have altered the beliefs which one has about their identity. The post – conversion therapy goes through the psychological pain that is traced to building the sexual identity, specifically to show a link that is not only based on sexual orientation, but also on past beliefs (Horner, 2010). The attribute of post – conversion therapy is that it moves beyond the ideology of looking at the wounds of homosexuality and how this has formed the identity of individuals who are traumatized from past wounds. The therapy creates the belief that it isn’t enough to try to reverse the wounds and problems which one is looking into when believing in the doctrine. There is also an understanding that this needs to be continuous healing and development with support and community, specifically so it can help an individual to build their identity in a positive way. The post – conversion therapy works with individuals after they have worked past the trauma and stress by rebuilding faith, community and forms of identity in a healthy manner. This is done by creating an understanding of new spiritual and sexual identities which one may not be familiar with after living a homosexual lifestyle for longer periods of time. Exploring the newer types of expression that are healthier for the individual are able to build new standards for those who are trying to change lifestyle habits and beliefs with homosexuality into one which is considered as healthier in the Christian community (Horner, 2010). The challenge and advantage with post – conversion therapy is one which is based on the community which is used. The conversion which occurs when one goes to the Christian counseling may experience private and confidential sessions that move into more deeply rooted problems. However, the post – conversion process which is now being accepted is one which also requires education of the community and the establishment of open support groups that are able to change and affects those that are in society. The incorporation of psychology and spirituality at this level requires new levels of competence for churches as well as different associations of how one can work within the social arenas for the post – conversion therapy. The bias that is still associated with churches as well as the traditions that now require new collaborations creates new challenges for counselors and those which are trying to find new ways of helping individuals to adapt into society at various levels. To overcome this, there are specialized programs that are creating safer spaces for those that are battling with homosexuality and which are in a post – conversion process through the therapies that are used (Gonsiorek et al, 2009). Intercultural Care While the concepts of conversion is the main approach with Christian therapies, it is also noted that there may be other issues which attribute to the act of homosexuality and the beliefs which most take in changing their position with sexual identity. A specific approach which many are looking at in terms of identity is based on the need to look at the cultural aspects and background of the individual. While the psychological components remain one of the most important issues in homosexuality, there is also an understanding that the cultural differences between individuals can add into the type of reparative therapy that is taken. This means that marginalized groups, identities and other concepts that are a part of the healing approaches are required to alter how one responds to Christian therapies. The counseling approach is then one which has to understand and relate to the cultural identity and how this may have caused different responses with identity and sexual expression, specifically because the concepts of identity directly relate to individuals deciding to move into being a homosexual. The concept of intercultural care is one which can be used with the reparative therapies, specifically in offering an understanding and evaluation of how culture and identity link together to change the way in which individuals may respond to a given situation (Marshall, 2010). A specific approach that is used with the concept of culture in mind is based on the ideology of intradisciplinary integration. It is known that there are four types of integration which take place with homosexuality and counseling and which can be used to assist in altering the identity of an individual. This includes an integration of psychology, spirituality, secular beliefs and experience. By integrating these with the counseling, there is the ability to identify with the psychological experiences as well as the cultural associations which may identify an individual from a cultural experience. The concept of integration which is approached is also one which can be identified as one moves into the experiences of working with homosexuals, specifically which is developed by the region in which one is in as well as the alterations which are associated with this. The disciplinary integration is then able to consider the psychological and the cultural responses which one may have while having a well – rounded understanding of how to approach spirituality from the different outside pressures which may affect one with secular beliefs (Worthington, 2007). The intercultural care that is now being defined doesn’t only include integration of the background and diversity of different individuals. The therapies that are used pertain to the integration not only by this concept, but also based on the beliefs that are now associated with different backgrounds. The therapies which are used assume that homosexuality is a mental disorder and which is often linked to a deeper problem that changes the identity of an individual. The cultural context of this; however, is one which has different associations with homosexuality, specifically because it is now more associated with developments in society. The intercultural care framework initiates not only this movement, but also links to the intelligent design of counseling. This creates customized designs that are dependent on the background and beliefs of an individual and begins with the understanding that most who are practicing homosexuality admit that it is a part of their identity. The cultural context relates to this with the belief and understanding that homosexuality and identity is created with the acceptance that it is a better identity and expression. Counselors then have to work with this specific association and identity while creating a design for each individual to show how the beliefs in culture, associations and clashes with spirituality and the psychological components link together. Using psychological developments in combination with cultural definitions and understanding can then change the way in which one associates with the counseling received (Drescher, 2006). Social Relationships and Homosexuality The viewpoints which are now only beginning to change toward homosexuality need to be understood not only from the counseling viewpoint, but also on how environmental factors link to exchanges with those who decide to get Christian counseling for therapy. An issue which continues to be raised in the church and which creates problematic features with homosexuality is based on the belief that spirituality and sexuality shouldn’t be placed in the same area. The barriers which are created come first from the community and those in the community which keep spirituality and sexuality as separate practices. There are other barriers which are associated with social and cultural attitudes, both which come from various congregations in the church as well as from those that are interested in a specific denomination. This is important to note because it is not only forcing change within the churches that are asking for counseling, but also is making the issue one which is based on the accountability which is required among those in the community, specifically to change the beliefs and information that is related to homosexuality and spirituality. The change which is being made is then not only based on the counseling practices of pastors but is becoming a social change that is providing new information and beliefs within the Christian context (Turner, Fox, Kiser, 2007). The main changes which are occurring socially are not only leading to different therapies and responses with counseling. While this is a main component, there are also different beliefs which are arising in the community based on offering knowledge about finding new solutions to homosexuality. This is changing the responses to homosexuals and is creating Christian beliefs in certain denominations that balance the Biblical viewpoints with the attitudes in society. The changes are based on offering information about homosexuality and taking a specific approach that defines what homosexuality is and means and why some individuals identify with this specific component. The main approach which is used by most is based on the understanding that those who practice homosexuality are also looking for a transformational experience within the church and are interested in finding new methods both with counseling and in the community to change the efforts of those which can go through a change with their sexual and spiritual practices. The one issue which is now being accepted is that homosexuality is one which individuals can transform out of with counseling and with spiritual practices and support. At the same time, the education of society is required to support this transition and to assist in the changes which are required among homosexuals (National Council of Churches of Singapore, 2004). Counseling and Relationships to Social Status The importance of social status and the sexuality which is referred to is based on the integration of Christian counseling and how this is linked to identity within the church. For Christian counselors to work effectively with individuals who are working on reparative therapy is also the need to establish a strong environment which offers changes and belief systems. It is noted in most reparative therapies that there is the need to establish an environment which supports identity and which ensures that each individual is able to feel more secure in finding their true identity. The identity of being homosexual is then one which has to be supported within the social identity of the church and which has to cross with the support system that is used, specifically so the individual that is going through therapy can also find support and alternatives that assist with recovery. The social network which is established needs to come specifically through the counselor and the Christian church, specifically so there is a link to supporting identities and recovery while establishing a stronger comfort in the rebuilding of identity which an individual is linked to (Borgman, 2009). This particular concept is one which is now leading to therapies not only being established as a part of alternative identities within the church. The successful programs that are working with therapies are also integrating and establishing methods for assistance with support groups, changing behaviors and activities which can assist those who are overcoming sexuality to move in a different direction. This particular approach is one that is then able to establish new education and training for the community at large because of the diverse identities which need to be established. This is furthered by relationships and emotional experiences that can be established with scenarios that take place in a safer setting of the church. This allows one who is dealing with the identity of homosexuality to have a different way to express themselves. It is known that techniques which establish a stronger community environment through education, training and activities also assist in those who are overcoming homosexuality to have a place to express their emotions and activities, as opposed to repressing their identity. This is able to alter the way in which the therapy takes place and builds a stronger spiritual basis for those who are going through the counseling methodologies (Borgman, 2009). Limitations with Christian Counseling The issues which arise from those who are looking at therapies and counseling through Christianity are based on the concept of identity and the beliefs which one has about themselves. The therapeutic approach that is taken by most Christian counselors is based on the belief that homosexuality is a mental disorder and can be repaired by looking at the deeper wounds and issues of an individual. The concept of this is combined with education and training that is associated with the congregation and leads to specific beliefs that continue to be reflected about those who chose this identity. This particular approach to the counseling has limits because of the initial struggles which an individual is going through. From one perspective, the individual is limited to the belief that there is something which is internally wrong with them and which has to be converted to change their main identity and beliefs. This is combined with ethical issues which arise, specifically which leads to questions of identity and to the belief that an individual has to changes these internal beliefs. If one who is homosexual disagrees with the belief that their identity is incorrect or should be changed, then it can lead to controversies and limitations in being able to heal or change an individual while causing some to believe that the spiritual nature isn’t able to link to the identity which one wants to express through homosexuality (Hein, Matthews, 2010). The approach which is made is further limited by the understanding that the need to converse an individual back to true identity is one which is based on the term of being mentally ill with others believing that homosexuality is a sin. If the social groups believe this and if the Christian church bases the counseling on this particular position, then many with a homosexual identity may not believe in changing their mind about homosexuality and the approaches which they have taken. This creates a vulnerable situation in which those who decide to receive counseling from a Christian group or which are known within the church as having a specific identity may be led into instant seclusion. The labels of mental illness and needing to overcome homosexuality then become the main limitations which one deals with. When most begin the counseling approaches, the main association is based on other issues, as opposed to overcoming homosexuality, and which eventually leads to one finding that this is one of the issues and identities that should be overcome. Those that decide to get counseling to overcome homosexuality; however, are also in need of finding a non – threatening situation that doesn’t hold the general judgment that is a part of the Christian groups and societies. The approach to the therapies immediately causes this threat and changes the main belief systems of those in society (Weaver, 2011). The limitations that are associated with homosexuality are furthered by the political associations which are now becoming more prevalent in society. The politics and social structure is beginning to change with acceptance of gay rights. This is inclusive of many states which now consider gay and lesbian marriages as legal and as recognition of a holy act. The concept of being homosexual is passing through different boundaries and is becoming associated with individual, interactional and institutional beliefs that are associated with both spirituality and the identity of being homosexual. From the political and social viewpoint, the concept of reversing homosexuality is one which needs to be further examined. As this becomes more accepted in different regions of society, are also new and changing movements that Christian counselors have to reconsider while working with those who hold a homosexual identity. Understanding the relationship to the external environment, specifically in terms of politics and society, then creates changes and the ability to understand new approaches to the psychological and cultural viewpoints of homosexuality (Robinson, Spivey, 2007). While these limitations may consist of the need to re-examine the counseling, it can also be noted that the potential that is available with the approaches are also helping to re-examine the ideology of identity, specifically as it relates to homosexuality. The concepts which are now being applied are assisting several who have foundations and backgrounds in homosexuality to re-examine the possibilities of identity and to look at the alternatives that are available for questions which many may have. The popular beliefs that are being pressured into society are then available at a different level by combining the theologies and spiritual practices which many natural accept with the psychological beliefs and components that can help an individual who is questioning identity and homosexuality. The sexual identity therapy which is used then initiates responses within society that are often not heard in other arenas of thinking (Clinton, Hawkins, 2011). Conclusion The different aspects that are a part of homosexuality and Christian counseling are also leading to new opportunities within the church. The concept of counseling is one which is now altering because of the understanding of homosexuality and identity being linked to other psychological and biological components. The aim of Christian counselors is currently based on looking at homosexuality as an action that is related to deeper wounds and problems that are within society. To help individuals change this are psychological approaches that are being used to overcome the deeper traumas and wounds. This approach is being created to change the belief in identity which one has, specifically by stating that it isn’t that one is homosexual, but instead that different parts of identity are repressed. The approach that is being used with Christian counseling is beginning to change the way in which many in the religion relate to homosexuality, specifically when they are opposed to the overall ideology. While the concept of approaching identity and psychological issues work for the counseling methods and homosexuality, there are also some aspects which need to be considered. The first is the relationship to the social groups and how this is changing the outlook on homosexuality. Many in society are still opposed to the idea; however, Christian counseling that offers this type of assistance also has a direct association with churches. This is leading to new challenges in education and training within society, specifically to offer integration of different identities into the church. This particular angle is combined with challenges that are based on different perspectives and attitudes of identity and how this may be associated with individual practice. The result is that individuals have to re-examine the concepts that are related to homosexuality and whether the Christian counselor approach is able to change the identity and responses among those in society. 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