Christianity and Sexual Orientation

[Page 324]With the majority of people in the United States identifying as Christian, it is important to understand the history and diversity of Christian views on sexual orientation. For the most part, Christian churches and organizations have labeled same-sex sexuality as sinful and have rejected lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. Although Christianity as a whole has become more welcoming and affirming to the LGB population over time, some evangelical and fundamentalist groups continue to view same-sex sexuality as sinful and as an abomination. As such, many LGB individuals who grow up as Christians experience conflict between their sexual identity and religious beliefs. They resolve this conflict in various ways, including integrating their LGB and Christian identities, leaving the Christian faith, rejecting or trying to ...