Religious implications on Queer Theory

Queer Theory and Religion

Queer theory – one of the critical theories emerged in the early 1990s out of the lesbian and gay studies. It is a kind of interpretation devoted to queer readings of texts. It is super-imposed by the work of Michel Foucault, and queer theory builds both upon feminist challenges to the idea that gender is part of the essential self and upon gay/lesbian studies' close examination of the socially constructed nature of sexual acts and identities. queer theory expands its focus to encompass any kind of sexual activity or identity that falls into normative and deviant categories.

In the history of sexuality, Foucault (1976,1980) examines the orgnaisation of sexuality in the west. He begins his analysis with a powerful critique of what he terms ‘the repressive hypothesis’ (1980:15). Sexuality has been considered as a taboo, something about which nothing can be spoken. Silence and censorship are considered to be the law (Spiral of silence theory).

The domain of knowledge known as ‘Queer theory’ has developed at an astonishing pace over the past decade. Yet for the social scientists and historians, much of this research may seem to be of questionable import. Most of queer theory is firmly located in the humanities – in departments of literature, film and cultural studies.

Let us see what various religions have to say regarding their teachings. Here, an interesting thing to note is the difference in the ideologies of opponents and proponents of homosexuality. With an effort of getting quotes from different sources as well as criticism from various theorists, the table has been exclusively made understanding how religion plays an important role in the queer theory. In fact on studying the table, it could be said that religion could be the basic reason in bringing about the difference in homosexuals and heterosexuals.

HINDUISM

Teachings – Love and devotion between two people- romantic or platonic is an eternal force. Important in attaining ‘Moksha’ or rebirth.

Opponents of Homosexuality –

1. Romantic love is only natural between a man and a woman and it is impossible for two men/women to experience the same form of love

2. Since romantic love is only possible between man and a woman, sex between two men or two women can only be the product of lust, and lust is wrong, therefore homosexual activities are wrong.

3. One of the three functions of marriage is Prajaa, the progeny for perpetuation of one's family. A homosexual couple cannot give birth to an individual, so it is not feasible.

4. Premarital and extramarital sex is wrong, and because homosexuals cannot marry, they should not engage in sexual relationships.

Proponents of Homosexuality –

1. There is no mention in any of the Hindu sacreds of true love restricting to two men/women, so there are no religious grounds to make a statement to the contrary.

2. Homosexuals, like heterosexuals experience true love, so their love are the product of lusty activities, is wrong.

3. Prajaa cannot be a determining factor in hindu marriages Even if the three functions of marriage were binding in terms of marriages, Prajaa may be interpreted in a number of ways (like adoption of a child) that do not involve procreation at all. Thus homosexuals should be allowed to marry.

4. Expression of love and devotion to each other, in terms of sex is allowed in Hindu religion (and not lust). Therefore, homosexuals in loving relationships (i.e. marriage) should be allowed to express their love sexually.

ISLAM

Teachings - Muslims believe that unlike living beings, God is not limited to anything; even with time. Everything that has happened, is happening, or will happen is evident to Him. Living beings are being given a free choice to do whatever they want to do, but God knows what choice they will make. It must also be clear that God's knowing does not restrict anyone from making a free choice.

Opponents of Homosexuality:

1. Sodomy is one of the most gruesome and a detested crime, the punishment for do so is also one of the harshest penalties, it is the capital punishment....

2. The punishment is obviously hard, but the crime is of a harder effect on the society if the culprits are let go unpunished. They should not be allowed to live in society, for the epidemic they could spread is overwhelming. Imagine a society with a bunch of sodomites living in it. It will be a society without chastity, morality of virtue, because these values will be executed and killed. Certainly, executing these sick and dangerous sodomites is much better and safer for the society than executing morality, chastity and virtue.

Proponents of Homosexuality:

1. Were followers of Luth cursed just because they had homo sexual orientation or because at the same time committed forbidden sexual behavior in the form of rape or sexual violence? Islam proclaim itself as a vocal religion which loudly voices against injustice, viciousness, and all manifestations of violence, harassment, discrimination, and alienation as well as stigmatization to anyone?

2. Islam teach its believers love and affection to all humanities, even to all creatures.

3. Islam claim itself as mercy- and freedom-carrying religion for the mustadh’afin (oppressed) groups as proven by the prophet Muhammad in the early period of his struggle. So, if the person is a homosexual, he has all the rights to enjoy the normal life with his choice.

CHRISTIANITY

Teachings - To be truthful and above all be good to your fellow man regardless of his shortcomings.

Opponents of Homosexuality:

1. The term "Sodomite" was originally used to refer to an inhabitant of Sodom -- a city which was located somewhere in Canaan. It later became a legal term to refer to criminal sexual acts. It is now commonly used, at least on the Internet, airwaves and other media, by religious conservatives as a derogatory synonym for a male or female homosexual.

Proponents of Homosexuality:

1. There are certain groups of people who do not find evidence in the term ‘sodomy’. Unitarian Universalists do not believe homosexuality to be a sin. They ordain gay and lesbian ministers, and welcome gay people into their congregations both informally and formally. In July, 2005, the 25th General Synod encouraged congregations to adopt wedding policies that do not discriminate based on the gender of the couple, and to support legislation permitting homosexual marriage.

Ca Note: This is just a study, so it is not meant for harming any particular religion/community.

Sources:

1. http://www.religionfacts.com/homosexuality/hinduism.htm

2. http://www.religionfacts.com/homosexuality/islam.htm

(Basic understanding of different religions and homosexuality)

3. Understanding sexuality in Islam: Promoting the appreciation of Human dignity by Siti Musdah Mulia

(Article on Islamic views on homosexuality)

4. http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_isla2.htm

5. http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/religion/islam/beliefs.html

(Basic learnings of Islam)