Conversion therapy, also known as reparative therapy, refers to any practices or treatments that aim to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The premise of conversion therapy is that homosexuality and transgender identities are mental disorders that can be “cured” through counseling, psychotherapy, or other interventions. Those who advocate for conversion therapy typically believe that LGBTQ identities are unnatural, sinful, or the result of psychological trauma. The goal of conversion therapy is to make LGBTQ people heterosexual and cisgender (identifying with the sex they were assigned at birth).
Conversion therapy emerged in the early 20th century as some mental health professionals began pathologizing homosexuality and viewing it as something that could and should be changed. Methods used in conversion therapy have included talk therapy, aversion techniques, electroshock therapy, hypnosis, forced confinement, and in some cases, physical abuse. Major medical and mental health organizations have denounced these practices as unethical and harmful, citing research showing conversion therapy is ineffective and increases risks for depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide.
Today, conversion therapy is banned for minors in 20 U.S. states and many countries worldwide. However, the practice still persists, often in religious contexts. Some Christian groups and churches believe homosexuality is a sinful choice or mental disorder that can be overcome through spiritual intervention. They may encourage LGBTQ people to enter conversion therapy or similar religious counseling to reject their “sinful lifestyles” and live according to biblical principles.
When examining what the Bible says about homosexuality and gender identity, there are several important considerations:
Old Testament verses on same-sex relations
There are a few verses in the Old Testament that condemn same-sex relations, often described as “abominations”:
– Leviticus 18:22: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.”
– Leviticus 20:13: “If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination.”
These verses are part of the Old Testament law codes given specifically to ancient Israelites. Some argue they should not apply to Christians, just as most Christians do not observe other Old Testament rituals and codes today. However, some view homosexual acts as morally wrong based on these verses.
New Testament verses on same-sex relations
The New Testament also contains a few verses condemning same-sex relations:
– Romans 1:26-27: “For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.”
– 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
– 1 Timothy 1:9-10: “The law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.”
These verses describe same-sex behavior as “unnatural,” “dishonorable,” and sinful. However, the concept of committed same-sex relationships did not exist at the time these verses were written. The authors may have been condemning exploitative forms of same-sex behavior like pederasty, prostitution, or pagan rituals.
The importance of historical and cultural context
When interpreting these verses, it is important to understand the historical and cultural context. Biblical authors had very different views of gender, sexuality, and human relationships than people do today. Social norms, scientific understanding, and theological perspectives have evolved significantly.
For example, verses condemning same-sex relations also contain other prohibitions against things like eating shellfish, getting tattoos, wearing mixed fabrics, and trimming beards. Christians do not follow these other prohibitions literally today.
Some argue this selectivity undermines claims that the Bible should be interpreted literally in terms of its pronouncements against homosexual behavior. Others counter that verses on sexuality carry a different moral weight than ritual purity laws.
The meaning of natural and unnatural
When Paul describes same-sex relations as “unnatural” in Romans 1:26, he seems to be arguing that they go against God’s intended order and violate the natural complementary design of men and women. However, one could argue homosexual behavior is quite common across human societies and throughout nature.
This raises questions about whether same-sex relations can be described as categorically unnatural. Alternative interpretations posit Paul was referring to exploitative, lustful, or ritualized forms of same-sex behavior.
Limited mentions in biblical texts
The Bible contains very few mentions of same-sex relations overall. Jesus himself never comments on homosexuality in the Gospels. Some argue this suggests the issue is not central to broader Christian ethics and theology.
However, others counter that infrequent mentions do not negate the moral weight of those condemnations that do appear. They argue that while the Bible might not discuss homosexuality frequently, when it does, the position is clear.
Bible verses on gender roles
Biblical authors clearly assume distinct roles and capacities for men and women. Verses like 1 Corinthians 11:7-9, 14:34-35, Ephesians 5:22-24, and 1 Timothy 2:11-15 paint a picture of patriarchal gender norms:
– Man is the image and glory of God, while woman is the glory of man.
– Women should remain silent in church and be submissive to male leadership.
– Wives should submit to their husbands as head of the household.
– I do not permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man.
These verses helped reinforce historical gender inequality and exclusion of women from church leadership. Today, most Christians reject such literal applications as culturally bound. This opens questions around how to apply verses based on ancient patriarchal assumptions of gender roles.
The overarching biblical message
While certain verses condemn homosexuality, the overarching message of the Bible emphasizes love, justice, inclusion, and liberation from oppressive norms. Scriptural themes of radical hospitality, care for outcasts and minorities, embracing diversity, and criticizing judgmental religious hypocrisy all seem relevant.
Jesus himself preached mercy over judgment and sacrificed himself to liberate people from legalistic obedience to rigid rules. This larger biblical witness offers an alternative hermeneutic for thinking about divisive issues like sexuality and gender expression.
Different interpretations among Christians
There is no consensus among Christians on how to interpret biblical verses on homosexuality and apply them to same-sex relationships today. Views span a wide spectrum:
– On one end, some Christians condemn all same-sex relationships as inherently sinful based on a literal reading of scripture.
– In the middle, some accept homosexual orientation but believe LGBTQ people should remain celibate and not act on same-sex attractions.
– On the other end, some fully affirm LGBTQ identities and relationships, arguing biblical authors knew nothing of sexual minorities and committed same-sex partnerships as understood today.
Views also differ on whether conversion therapy can be beneficial or should be pursued. Given such deep disagreements among faithful Christians, one could argue this is an issue that allows for diversity of interpretation and practice.
The problem with conversion therapy
Regardless of one’s personal views on homosexuality, there are serious ethical and medical concerns around conversion therapy practices:
– Mainstream mental health organizations have denounced conversion therapy as ineffective and harmful.
– Research indicates attempts to change sexual orientation often lead to anxiety, depression, self-harm, and increased suicide risk.
– minors subjected to conversion therapy against their will has been deemed abusive and traumatic.
– Trying to force people to change such a fundamental aspect of identity is viewed by many as unethical. It denies human dignity and diversity.
– Most people cannot consciously control or change their sexual attractions through intervention. Change efforts are unlikely to succeed.
Given these concerns, psychologists and counselors with professional ethical standards generally avoid any practices aimed at changing someone’s core sexual orientation. They focus on helping people achieve self-understanding and live fulfilling lives.
An alternative Christian approach to those struggling with sexual identity
For Christians who hold a traditional view of sexuality and gender, a compassionate alternative to conversion therapy might include:
– Affirming the dignity and humanity of LGBTQ individuals.
– Fostering open listening without judgment.
– Providing spiritual and emotional support to those feeling conflicted.
– Avoiding coercive attempts to force identity change.
– Working to reconcile sexuality with spirituality in respectful ways.
– Promoting celibacy for those who feel unable to express themselves otherwise.
– Ensuring fair, equal treatment for LGBTQ people in society and church.
– Standing against prejudice, discrimination, bullying, and violence targeting sexual minorities.
This allows for upholding traditional biblical principles while also extending empathy, care, and dignity to those marginalized for their sexuality or gender identity.
Conclusion
There are good-faith arguments on both sides of debates over what the Bible says about homosexuality. Equally faithful Christians draw very different conclusions around affirming LGBTQ identities and relationships.
However, medical consensus clearly warns against conversion therapy as ineffective, unethical, and psychologically harmful. Christians need not endorse or support conversion therapy in order to uphold traditional biblical sexual ethics.
Rather than attempting to change people’s sexual orientation against their will, Christians could focus on fostering open, non-judgmental dialogue and ensuring LGBTQ people feel loved, supported, and included – even if certain sexual behaviors are seen as sinful from a biblical perspective. There are many compassionate paths forward for Christians seeking biblical truth alongside LGBTQ dignity and wellbeing.