Methods and Paradigms of Christian Studies: Homosexuality Views

This essay delves into the multifaceted views of Christianity and Catholicism regarding homosexuality, focusing on the similarities and differences in their approaches. It explores how both religions address homosexuality, examining their theological stances, interpretations of scripture, and the resulting impact on LGBT individuals. The paper highlights the Christian belief that homosexual acts are sinful, while also emphasizing the importance of love and compassion. Conversely, it outlines the Catholic Church's stance against homosexual acts, marriage, and same-sex relationships. The essay also considers the societal implications of these religious viewpoints, particularly in a context like Hong Kong, where religious beliefs and cultural norms intersect. The essay investigates the historical and moral arguments underpinning these perspectives, along with the challenges and complexities faced by LGBT individuals within these religious communities. The conclusion reflects on the ongoing debates and evolving attitudes surrounding homosexuality within these major religious traditions.

Running Head: Methods and Paradigm of Christian Studies 0
Methods and Paradigm of Christian Studies

Methods and Paradigm of Christian Studies 1
Introduction
The paper draws on a research to explore the similarities and difference among
Christian and Catholics on how they treat homosexuality in Hong Kong. For centuries, it is
believed that the acceptance of their sexual orientation i.e. homosexuality within the Christian
and Catholics religion has been a serious issue. A Homosexuality orientation delivers an
enduring emotional and sexual attraction towards a person of the same sex, rather than those
of opposite sex. It is noted that Christianity and homosexuality can co-exist; others advocate
that the notion is contradictory to the basic tenets of the Christian faith. Homosexuals are
progressively considered marginalized groups in the community, which have experienced
discrimination in many ways. Traditionally, the religion of Christianity and Catholic
encourages heterosexuality and does not advocate for acceptance of bisexuality or
homosexuality (Adamczyk, Boyd & Hayes, 2016). Among those denominations that
commonly are undesirable towards these orientations can sort from quite discouraging
homosexual activity, clearly forbidding same-sex sexual practices among advocates and
actively opposing social acceptance of homosexuality. Religious fundamentalism correlates
positively with anti-homosexual bias. The attitude towards homosexuality is been determined
by not only personal religious beliefs and convictions, but also by the interaction of those
beliefs and convictions with the predominant religious context. People are subject to a varied
variety of sinful desires by which they have a direct influence upon becoming sinful until an
individual act upon them by acting out inspiring the desires and deliberately engaging in
fantasies (Cerbone & Danzer, 2017).
The Christianity and Catholics argued that homosexual actions are sinful and
personally had negative experiences associating to homosexuality. They both are of a
different perspective and have different preaching which put them apart. However, at the
same time, they should support same-sex marriage and LGBT rights, which are constantly
increasing all over the world and enact laws supporting LGBT rights. The Christianity and
Catholic have usually forbidden sodomy, trusting and teaching that such behavior is sinful. It
has been seen that some denominations with these religions accept homosexual people and
welcome the members of same-sex sexual practices, with some provinces permitting for the
inclusion, coordination of gay and lesbian, and affirmation of same-sex unions. Most
Christian should state and believe the fact that “Love the Sinner and hate the sin”. They
should mean the fact that they should maintain love and compassion for homosexuals, as they

Methods and Paradigm of Christian Studies 2
should not involve in sexual activity (Cragun, Williams & Sumerau, 2015). In the following,
an effort has been made to discuss the differences and similarities in Christian and Catholic
on concerning homosexuality as an issue and contribution made to solve the issue.
Differences in Christian and Catholic on concerning homosexuality
The Christian believes that homosexual acts and activities are sinful and think they
should be accepted but should not be supported by society. They tend to believe that
heterosexual relationship is only meant to be accepted which are created by God. As it
contradicts god creation and violates their laws, which are going on from past few decades.
The Christians oppose homosexual relationship and same-gender sexual acts and activities,
which is unnatural. Their objections to homosexual behaviour are depending upon their
projections of the Bible. They want to get freedom from homosexuality as they support them
but in a way do not accept if this occurs in their family (Dehlin, Galliher, Bradshaw, Hyde &
Crowell, 2015). Christian believes that God deeply and unconditionally loves all people, as
each individual is created by profound worth and dignity. Our sin demands our repentance
and needs forgiveness, which is indulged in God's love and grace. This is the uncontested
teaching of Christianity, which says that male and female complete the certainty of God’s
image on earth. Not just simple “traditionalism” that makes them different it is their beliefs
and convictions helps them to support homosexuality. It is the common grace of God has
given at all times that are deep-rooted in everyone mind and accepts him or her as a basis of
humanity. To be human is to have a disordered sexuality and Christian discipleship, which is
faithful, cannot avoid temptation as it strives to resist it with God’s help (Fehige, 2017).
Many are indeed same-sex attracted but live obediently within a Christian sexual
ethnic. The whole world preaches homosexuality as an expression of oneself in a way the god
made certain human beings, which should be accepted. Our culture teaches that is becoming
more and more lenient on the considered standard of human behaviour. It has been stated that
God did not create individuals as homosexuals by birth and it is a temptation that they
continuously struggle with the situation (Gibbs & Goldbach, 2015). As all individuals are
born into the world with a sinful nature and are persistently being tempted by the sin. They
are presented with a choice of relying on God’s power and control to overcome the
temptation to the struggle they are challenged. It is a constant effort that must be put forward
by the society to take action on the immoral convictions of the world to the homosexual
people. It is told in the scripture and teachings that homosexuality is not wrong and sin in the

Methods and Paradigm of Christian Studies 3
eyes of God and every human being deal with the struggle of these situations throughout their
life. It is appealing that a Christian treat a homosexual individual in a different way because
of a wrong mentality they are facing every day. Christians mean that every human being
shook be treated equally and as they find it awkward because in a way it is wrong. Then it
does not mean that they should be treated wrong as every individual has a right to choose
their partners (Hardy, 2017).
The Catholic argues in a state of fact that perspective that they do not support
homosexual people, which is against their moral values and standards. They believe that
homosexual people should be out of their society and should not be treated with sensitivity,
respect, and compassion. They believe that a large number of gatherings should do
discrimination against these people so that they understand of acts done by them. The
Catholics charge penalties against homosexual people, which are attracted toward opposite
sex (Hsia, 2015). They strongly believe that it can only be practiced within heterosexual,
permanent, and monogamous people. In their perspective, marriage is the faithful, permanent,
and god willing fruitful union of a man and woman who have entered the bond of husband
and wife. The sacrament of Matrimony is a scared relationship that defines the love and
compassion between them. They believe that God has instituted marriage and no one has a
right and authority to redefine or considerably change the nature of marriage. Despite the
decision of some other religion to accept homosexual people as Catholic does not follow the
same path. They consider the restriction of the marriage of each gender as being
discriminatory against homosexual people (Hughes, 2018).
They believe that a man who goes in favor of abortion is as unsuitable for the
seminary as a man who goes in favor of artificial contraception of same-sex marriage. They
teach that those individuals who are attracted to the same-sex are termed to practice chastity.
They do not regard homosexual acts as an expression of the marital sacrament as it does not
fulfill the life-long commitment of a marriage between man and woman. The views of the
Catholics and the application of those opinions in actual terms can be deeply hurtful to
homosexual people. The situation is so critical even voices inside the Vatican have sought to
challenge the status quo. It is suggested that there is an increasing trend of LGBT acceptance
and which predicts a dark picture in front of everyone. There are currently active
‘apostolates’ which encourages homophobic interpretation of scripture and maintain to make
homosexual people the scapegoat of the sex abuse scandal (Hunt, 2017). The Catholics
remain silent on the inclusion of LGBT and the promulgation of hate speech, which

Methods and Paradigm of Christian Studies 4
demonstrates an institutional apathy. With time being, homosexual people can only hope that
the majority of liberal believers are capable to bring some positive change in the
organization. It gives mixed signals concerning discrimination based on sexual orientation. It
does not support LGBT community, gay marriage, and civil unions for same-sex couples.
They teach that the LGBT community should be permanently separated from the country. In
many parts of the world including Hong Kong, it is active politically around matters of
significance to support the LGBT community. It is seen that in several cases, individuals are
hired from their jobs after knowing the fact of homosexuality. It can be noted that more than
50 people have lost their jobs over their sexual identity according to New Ways Ministries
(Jäckle & Wenzelburger, 2015).
Similarities in Christian and Catholic on concerning homosexuality
The Christians and Catholics have similar thoughts on treating homosexuality, as both
of these religions do not support gay marriage, which is a crime according to them. The
Christians express an unfavorable support to homosexual people especially the older
generation, which thinks it should be removed from the society. They have their own belief
and convictions, which is at a point true also. In their own perspective, it is a sexual abuse,
which is perpetrated by adolescents and a disgraceful harm to the moral and physical
truthfulness of the young lives (Joldersma, 2016). It is a belief that homosexuality is
immutable is broadly connected with negative opinions about gays and lesbians which affects
their education, general ideological beliefs, and personal acquaintance. Many Christians think
that societal acceptance of homosexual people would be a bad thing for society. According to
the survey, 42% popularity says that greater acceptance of gays and lesbians would make a
greater difference to the country. As, they believe that the majority of people see homosexual
people likely to be less stable than heterosexual people, who are happier and have a stable
relationship (Lehman & Sherkat, 2018).
It violates the norms of that belief system and men held more old-fashioned sex-role
attitudes than women. Therefore, from the perspective of men, male people should act more
aggressive and masculine. They also powerfully carry the traditional sexual activities, which
is heterosexuality. It gives a negative belief towards parent’s upbringing and their moral
standards. Besides that, society thinks that they have inappropriate ethical values, which turn
up to that parents have not taught their children the moral values of kindness, as they are
victims of discrimination and hate in society. It is stated that some religious gathering

Methods and Paradigm of Christian Studies 5
interprets certain biblical passages against homosexuality. Actually, many Christians were
condemning prejudice and discrimination. Christian termed homosexuality as an illness and a
mental disorder as they oppose all the portrayals of gay, bisexual, and lesbian people. In their
own views, they are mentally ill and need treatment because of their sexual orientation (Levy
& Edmiston, 2014).
They believe that homosexuality is a wrong act done by people, which is against the
Bible and it is a direct breach of the bible and other religious standards books. The issue of
eradicating homosexuality has become a political debate with Christian political communities
by supporting them. The research predicts that homosexuality is generally very critical in
society’s point of view and it depends on the religious backgrounds and culture. It is viewed
that every individual view the issue in a different way. As per the cultural values of the
society, homosexual people have civil rights, which support their rights and actions but the
religion does not agree with their acts since it against the laws and regulations of Bible.
Specifically, homosexuality is considered as a deviance and behaviour that do not match with
the social norms and standards of the society and then they commit murder or treats
individuals with violence in the society (Mathers, L. A., Sumerau & Cragun, 2018). As whole
society has highlighted homosexuality as a moral wrong, this is not absolute and relative to
society. The Christian also feels that this is an issue, which is harming the society in a broad
way. It also discourages other people to be violent and harm the nature of society. However,
despite this, they are violating our traditional perspectives which is coming from the old era
and this can lead to non-acceptance vie of discrimination towards homosexuality. It is noted
that some early 20th century advocates and researchers, which seek this relationship as
criminalized and claim that categories of sexual attraction are examined rather than created.
Thus, homosexuality, as a definite sexual expression, which is an issue, needs to be resolved
(McGee, 2016).
The Catholics on the other hand, have seen the diminishment of religion as desirable
and imminent. It is a social justice issue, which affects a larger portion of the population and
has enhanced the debate over the past few decades in Western Society. The Catholics are
losing respect for the homosexuals and the basic human dignity to move freely and enjoy
their rights. As per the God's grace, they are turning from evil ways and violating human laws
and regulations. It is viewed that Catholics are very much concerned about the vision of
marriage and natural law of leading a happy and prosperous married life. Additionally, the
Catholic Congregation views that “an individual engaging in homosexual acts are termed

Methods and Paradigm of Christian Studies 6
immoral. They call such acts and activities “evil” and offer the “evil-doer” to hold a
prosperous life in Catholic Love (Meyer, Teylan & Schwartz, 2015).
Having said that, Pope Francis stated that homosexual acts are harmful and
orientation is not. This shift in the attitude of making such strict regulation but with some
leeway towards homosexuality is a major concern. They provide significant attention to
homosexual people in the way of crisis punishment and reoffending of rules and regulations.
As they believe, that understanding should be changed and the trend should be changed of the
sociological relationship towards them. The legal status of homosexuality differs around the
world as these acts among consenting adults are found to be illegal in about 70 countries out
of 195 of the world. The Catholics believe that these acts are illegal specifically under
Sodomy laws (Moses, 2015). These cases are prosecuted under morality laws and public
decency. Legal recognition of a same-sex relationship is pertaining to arbitration over
property and custody, mediation, and lack of access to domestic violence when a relationship
ends. In Hong Kong, some capitalist countries especially large private organizations
generally terminate the employees after recognizing gay men and lesbians. The Catholics are
maintaining a negative attitude towards homosexual people and marked and persistent
distress about one’s sexual orientation (Newlands, 2017).
They criticized as a political and social decision for change, which was supported by
scientific indication. They termed as a disease, which attributed the destruction to turn from a
blind eye to lack of hospitality. They treat them as a victim, which is suffering from a serious
epidemic disease like HIV or AIDS. In the whole society, there is no one, which helps them
in their critical condition, which they need the most. They blame them in front of the society
and humiliate which exposed them to take wrong decisions. These concerns are very critical,
as many territories in the world including Hong Kong had executed similar laws, which
restrict the distribution of “propaganda” to promote homosexuality to minors. Homosexual
people have been the target of violence for their sexuality in numerous cultures throughout
history. During the Holocaust, 5000-15000 gay men perished and 100,000 gay men were
arrested in Nazi concentration camps (Schnabel, 2016). The Catholics spread violence against
LGBT people fuelled by anti-gay rhetoric commonly by young men and teenage boys who
are very aggressive towards some people who do not conform to traditional gender roles.
They are particularly condemned by many people and relations between adult males were
commonly ridiculed. However, Christianity followed the Hebrew custom of condemnation of
specific forms of sexual relations between men and women, which not be disputed. The

Methods and Paradigm of Christian Studies 7
teachings of both Christianity and Catholics encouraged to moving away and forgiveness of
sin, involving those sins of sexual impurity, which were condemned by Pharisees. In their
perspective, homosexuality was punishable by death. They are more probably believed that it
is an epidemic disease, which requires treatment and must be isolated from the society
(Sherkat, 2017).
Contribution
The Christians should address the issues of homosexuality in a better and effective
way. Their most important aim is to make aware of the culture and perceptions of society.
Parenting goal is to provide their children utmost care, affection, connect with them and
understand them deeply. This is a very sensitive issue, which Christians need to consider it
effectively and make aware of every people about cultures and values followed in our
society. It is an issue which is increasing at a very fast pace and from childhood only engage
with your children and provide a thoughtful, loving, and caring environment so that they
should not be distracted. They just want that to lead a normal and prosperous life. They
should understand the cultural norms and principles and if the people would understand this
then it could be a possibility that they will not be distracted (Shilo, Yossef & Savaya, 2016).
The homosexuality is viewed in the same way today as it is seen earlier. Not only is
being homosexual people acceptable but it is practically a non-issue for a new and unique
thing. Christians should maintain a relationship between religious books and hate speech
towards gays and lesbians. The gays and lesbians are attacked as both physically, verbally,
and mentally, which force them to do wrong acts and that is very unpleasing towards other
people (Simpson, Almack & Walthery, 2016). The parents should speak to their kids with
their open mind and full effort. It finds it very awkward to talk about homosexuality with
your children at a young age but it is significant to talk about this so that to lead a normal life.
It can be stated that they should not take homosexuality as a serious issue in front of kids.
They should avoid sweeping judgments about homosexual societies and communities. Such
actions and comments will only push your children away and then it will be very difficult for
the parents to have a meaningful conversation with children. They should be speaking about
cultural ethics, which made them realize about beliefs and convictions of our culture and
religion. They should fight patiently and sympathetically against same-sex-attraction
(Sumerau, Padavic & Schrock, 2015). If when talking to sufferers who have been
administered by the church needs to be humble and apologetic. The Christians are ready to

Methods and Paradigm of Christian Studies 8
compromise to the faith for community’s approval as they are also against of homosexuality.
The Christians have devoted their life in respect of preachment of God and once delivered for
the saints it is to be hortatory and serious. They should guard the truth of God, protect their
people from difficulties, and confront from the world when it tries to resolve the issue of
homosexuality. They should have faith in Christ and the only way to have eternal life is to
educate and to open about their sexuality. They should be believed that each person identity
is not depending upon self-expression or sexuality but with values, principles, and customs of
God. They should forgive all the people those come in broken-hearted and maintain
sympathy with them (Tay, Hoon & Hui, 2018).
The Catholics should resolve the issues of homosexuality in an effective and efficient
way. The one thing that strikes the most is that children face a lack of awareness and a sort of
discomfort with homosexuality of people who are gay and lesbian. It has been that Catholics
opposed homosexuality and in order to protect their children, the sort of values and attitudes
about homosexual people are not promoted and shared. It has been in order to prevent their
child with these sort of discrimination; they made a genuine effort towards teaching about
gender variance. The parents should educate a teenage child so that to lay a foundation to
make them realize about homosexuality and indulge a sense of tolerance in your child to
boost morale and strength to fight about morality and justice from the society. It is to be
understood to understand and identify that the universe is made of different people, who have
different religions, backgrounds, sizes, shapes, and ethnic minority (Thompson, 2015).
Numerous people will act, behave, and look like the opposite sex, which seems
different, which changes, the nature of marriage created by God. It is very difficult to give
respect to them so try to make and avoid them by our actions. It also involves the experience
of living with HIV and being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, who take alcohol, generic
drugs, and generally smoke, which tends to many severe diseases and affect health and
quality of care. It affects the quality of life and now it is very important to resolve the issue of
homosexuality. If this discussion stays up in the minds of children, it will enhance the
probability of a respectful and tolerant life. It is also sought that homosexual people can take
alcohol and other severe measures, which gets harmful in the future. Therefore, it is
necessary to eradicate homosexuality and does not encourage homosexuality at par, which in
turns to a dangerous point (Todd, McConnell, Odahl-Ruan & Houston-Kolnik, 2017). They
should maintain capability and provide effective training that provides the public and private
personnel in the matter of public health awareness, skills, and effective tools to execute

Methods and Paradigm of Christian Studies 9
communal health advancement methods and values, which may hold plans that address
sustainability, platform assessment, and socio-ecological extents of health (Tower, 2016).
They should incorporate mental health, preachment to god, and practices in current
programs and new strategies and creativities in zones such as disease prevention, health
advancement, and management capabilities. It is necessary to stop violence, which can be
seen as people are murdered and killed in this world just because they are gay and lesbian.
Therefore, now it becomes important to solve this issue of homosexuality not only in Hong
Kong but also in other parts of the world by awareness and zero tolerance policy, which make
homosexual people understand that society, are against of gay marriage. The church also
supports with Catholic Social teaching and Catholic Moral Theology to oppose LGBT
people. In Hong Kong, associates of the Catholic Church supports on opposing to
decriminalize homosexuality and to safeguard that criminal penalty should be imposed, as it
is an offence under criminal law. However, both the Christians and Catholics contributed to
opposing homosexuality, which is a big concern for the society (Wong, 2018).
Conclusion
The Christian and Catholic teach that “Basing itself on sacred scripture”, which tells
that homosexual activity as an act of grave depravity. It is the tradition only which is
following from the last few decades are now disregarded because if homosexual people,
which are intrinsically disordered. They are contrary to the natural law, which only says to
follow a normal and genuine efficient and sexual complementarity. They also say that they
cannot restrict the wrong desires of homosexuality, which is day-by-day increasing at a fast
pace.
They believe that it is dishonorable and shameless as homosexual people, which
deliberately prone to social disapproval not to ethical consideration. Their teaching says that
homosexual people are abstaining from sex and people are pleased to form their conscience
responsibly, carefully, and follow it as the bottom point in every moral decision. It is stated
that neither personal experience nor scripture, nor natural and moral law, nor customs and
traditions, nor human science support the sin of homogenates acts. Therefore, religion
including Christian and Catholic disrespect homosexuality and should not be practiced.

Methods and Paradigm of Christian Studies 10
References
Adamczyk, A., Boyd, K. A., & Hayes, B. E. (2016). Place matters: Contextualizing the roles
of religion and race for understanding Americans' attitudes about
homosexuality. Social science research, 57, 1-16
Cerbone, A. R., & Danzer, G. (2017). The Case of Abel: Religion as Boon and Bane for a
Catholic Gay Man. Journal of clinical psychology, 73(8), 985-991
Cragun, R. T., Williams, E., & Sumerau, J. E. (2015). From sodomy to sympathy: LDS elites’
discursive construction of homosexuality over time. Journal for the Scientific Study of
Religion, 54(2), 291-310
Dehlin, J. P., Galliher, R. V., Bradshaw, W. S., Hyde, D. C., & Crowell, K. A. (2015). Sexual
orientation change efforts among current or former LDS church members. Journal of
Counseling Psychology, 62(2), 95
Fehige, Y. (2017). Revealed truth and homosexuality in the West: Christianity and science in
Foucaultian perspective. In Science and Narratives of Nature, 45(2), 67-102
Gibbs, J. J., & Goldbach, J. (2015). Religious conflict, sexual identity, and suicidal behaviors
among LGBT young adults. Archives of suicide research, 19(4), 472-488
Hardy, C. (2017). Global Gospel: An Introduction to Christianity on Five Continents. Journal
of the Evangelical Theological Society, 60(3), 667-669
Hsia, R. P. C. (2015). The Catholic Historical Review: One Hundred Years of Scholarship on
Catholic Missions in the Early Modern World. The Catholic Historical
Review, 101(2), 223-241
Hughes, B. E. (2018). Resilience Of Grassroots Leaders Involved in LGBT Issues at a
Catholic University. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, 55(2), 123-136
Hunt, S. J. (2017). The Rhetoric of Rights in the UK Christian Churches Regarding Non-
Heterosexual Citizenship. Politics and Religion Journal, 4(2), 183-200
Jäckle, S., & Wenzelburger, G. (2015). Religion, religiosity, and the attitudes toward
homosexuality—A multilevel analysis of 79 countries. Journal of
homosexuality, 62(2), 207-241

Methods and Paradigm of Christian Studies 11
Joldersma, C. W. (2016). Doing justice today: A welcoming embrace for LGBT students in
Christian schools. International Journal of Christianity & Education, 20(1), 32-48
Lehman, D., & Sherkat, D. E. (2018). Measuring religious identification in the United
States. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 56(7), 67-89
Levy, D. L., & Edmiston, A. (2014). Sexual identity, gender identity, and a Christian
upbringing: Comparing two studies. Affilia, 29(1), 66-77
Mathers, L. A., Sumerau, J. E., & Cragun, R. T. (2018). The Limits of Homonormativity:
Constructions of Bisexual and Transgender People in the Post-gay Era. Sociological
Perspectives, 134(8), 89-101
McGee, R. W. (2016). Does Religion Influence Views toward Homosexuality: An Empirical
Study of 16 Countries. Journal of Homosexuality, 54(6), 122-134
Meyer, I. H., Teylan, M., & Schwartz, S. (2015). The role of help‐seeking in preventing
suicide attempts among lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals. Suicide and Life
‐
Threatening Behavior, 45(1), 25-36
Moses, S. (2015). The Ethics of" Recognition": Rowan Williams's Approach to Moral
Discernment in the Christian Community. Journal of the Society of Christian
Ethics, 35(1), 147-165
Newlands, G. (2017). Christ and human rights: The transformative engagement. New York:
Routledge.
Schnabel, L. (2016). Gender and homosexuality attitudes across religious groups from the
1970s to 2014: Similarity, distinction, and adaptation. Social Science Research, 55,
31-47
Sherkat, D. E. (2017). Intersecting Identities and Support for Same-sex Marriage in the
United States. Social Currents, 4(4), 380-400
Shilo, G., Yossef, I., & Savaya, R. (2016). Religious coping strategies and mental health
among religious Jewish gay and bisexual men. Archives of sexual behavior, 45(6),
1551-1561