Plans to Prosper, Not to Hurt; A New Narrative
Abstract (300 words maximum)
It is no surprise that the LGBTQ+ community and the Christian community have historically been enemies. There has been a constant battle with the Christians hollering “being gay is a sin,” and the LGBTQ+ on the other side “love is love, end homophobia.” Then stereotypes such as, “all Christians are homophobic” or “all gay people are bad/going to hell” have infected our society. But what about the people who do not sit on one extreme or the other? Is there any hope for these two groups to make amends? These are the questions that my research essay "Plans to Prosper, Not to Hurt" examines. It tackles the burdensome topic of the LGBTQ+ community vs. the Christian community. Yet, instead of carrying the commonly seen disparaging narrative regarding the two groups, the essay provides a fresh perspective on the topic. It hopes to inspire a new perspective and present the possibility of the groups making amends. There is common ground to be found that can push two communities that formerly acted like oil and water together into an unconventional but unified community. My core argument is this, despite an abundance of discrimination towards the LGBTQ+ community… caused by fundamentalist Christianity, the Christian community is moving towards re-writing its dark past narrative, and fitting into their proclaimed call to “love everyone.” The essay surveys how the Christian community has contradicted themselves, religious trauma, LGBTQ+ who are religious, and what churches have been successful in bridging the gap. The essay acknowledges that the hurt from the Church is undeniable. It also examines where homophobia in the church may stem from, and presents the idea that it may not always be hate-driven. Ultimately leading to the conclusion that the Church is making efforts to rewrite its past narratives that will blend two communities.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
English Department
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Rochelle Harris Cox
Plans to Prosper, Not to Hurt; A New Narrative
It is no surprise that the LGBTQ+ community and the Christian community have historically been enemies. There has been a constant battle with the Christians hollering “being gay is a sin,” and the LGBTQ+ on the other side “love is love, end homophobia.” Then stereotypes such as, “all Christians are homophobic” or “all gay people are bad/going to hell” have infected our society. But what about the people who do not sit on one extreme or the other? Is there any hope for these two groups to make amends? These are the questions that my research essay "Plans to Prosper, Not to Hurt" examines. It tackles the burdensome topic of the LGBTQ+ community vs. the Christian community. Yet, instead of carrying the commonly seen disparaging narrative regarding the two groups, the essay provides a fresh perspective on the topic. It hopes to inspire a new perspective and present the possibility of the groups making amends. There is common ground to be found that can push two communities that formerly acted like oil and water together into an unconventional but unified community. My core argument is this, despite an abundance of discrimination towards the LGBTQ+ community… caused by fundamentalist Christianity, the Christian community is moving towards re-writing its dark past narrative, and fitting into their proclaimed call to “love everyone.” The essay surveys how the Christian community has contradicted themselves, religious trauma, LGBTQ+ who are religious, and what churches have been successful in bridging the gap. The essay acknowledges that the hurt from the Church is undeniable. It also examines where homophobia in the church may stem from, and presents the idea that it may not always be hate-driven. Ultimately leading to the conclusion that the Church is making efforts to rewrite its past narratives that will blend two communities.