ERIC Number: EJ1380562
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0305-7240
EISSN: EISSN-1465-3877
Harnessing Religious Teachings to Reduce Sexual Prejudice
Wilkins, Clara L.; Martin, Lerone A.
Journal of Moral Education, v52 n1 p43-53 2023
Religion dictates the groups against whom it is seen as justifiable (even righteous) to express prejudice: often groups perceived of as violating core religious values. We review research demonstrating that for Christians, particularly conservative ones, religion seems to sanction prejudice against LGBT individuals. We describe the causes and the consequences of Christian/LGBT zero-sum beliefs (ZSBs): the extent to which gains for LGBT groups are seen as coming at a cost for Christians. We highlight how religious values can both exacerbate and mitigate ZSBs and sexual prejudice. When a Christian denomination decided to exclude gender and sexual minorities from full church participation, the Christians we interviewed disidentified with their denomination and strengthened commitment to their LGBTQ-friendly local congregations. Thus, we review how religious teachings can shape both group-based rejection and acceptance. We end with a discussion of educational programs for congregations, pastors, and methods to combat anti-LGBT bias.
Descriptors: Religion, Religious Factors, Christianity, Social Bias, LGBTQ People, Beliefs, Values, Social Attitudes, Intervention, Sexuality, Role of Education, Biblical Literature
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A