The era of hate-less bigotry
Historically, certain sects of Christianity have an uncomfortable relationship with the subjects of sexuality and gender identity. This relationship is often perceived as loud, angry, scientifically ignorant people twisting religion to justify their hatred of those who are different from them, preaching love while practicing hate and slowly but surely losing their influence in society.
While a horrifying outright hatred towards the LGBTQIA community is certainly present in some religious circles, I would like to turn our attention to something more subtly dangerous: the modern contingents of Christianity that are trying to distance themselves from the hatefulness and science denial of the past while still holding on to teachings that repress gender identity and sexuality, which they try to express in the most loving and “accepting” way possible. If that does not sound like it makes sense, let me illustrate with some examples.
In his 2024 book “Taboo,” Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod Pastor Mike Novotny attempts to dive into a variety of subjects which he perceives as important but underdiscussed by Christians, including homosexuality and “transgenderism,” as it is called by some in these circles.
Starting with a message of acceptance and understanding, Novotny fiercely criticizes Christians who discriminate against LGBTQIA people in any way. However, he goes on to claim that homosexuality and gender dysphoria are results of a sinful nature, which he says is something that every person must struggle against.
An even more concerning example is Moody Bible Institute Professor Christopher Yuan’s “The Holy Sexuality Project,” a subscription-based video series supported by crowdfunding of $1.2 million, which is meant to be watched by Christian parents and teenagers. Yuan tells his story of finding God’s word and salvation in prison after having lived as a gay man. Objecting to hatred and disrespect of the LGBTQIA community while accusing them of sinful behavior, Yuan stresses the idea that you can love someone while disapproving of their actions.
Even though Novotny and Yuan separate themselves from more explicit bigots by framing homosexuality and gender dysphoria as part of a Christian struggle against sin instead of demonizing the people themselves, their views still impose repression for those who buy into them — and in Yuan’s case, his work specifically targets young teens.
Suppression of sexuality and gender identity has been proven to damage mental health. Having done their research and talked to many people of opposing viewpoints, Novotny and Yuan are likely aware of this but believe that the price one pays for not living in accordance with God’s will is a steeper consequence. In other words, their theology hurts real people out of fear of the supernatural and values adherence to doctrine over human life.
My point here is not to group people like Novotny and Yuan in with the hateful crowd; they may be well-meaning, if misguided. My point is to call out their beliefs as regressive and disastrous for those they supposedly love and want to help. You can be harmful without being hateful.
Attacking the characters of people who preach this doctrine will not be convincing to them, but more importantly, it will not be convincing to young LGBTQIA people who have been sold on their teachings. Instead, we should appeal to the good intentions of modern Christians like this and ask them to consider the practical implications of what they preach as well as the spiritual ones.
Religion doesn’t need to make people suffer.
