The evolution of a Christian ally: Factors that influence beliefs and attitudes toward gays and lesbians

Larson, Debra

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/49641 Copy

Description

Title

The evolution of a Christian ally: Factors that influence beliefs and attitudes toward gays and lesbians

Author(s)

Larson, Debra

Issue Date

2014-05-30T16:53:43Z

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Mayo, Cris S.

Department of Study

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Discipline

Educational Policy Studies

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.A.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• gays
• lesbians
• LGBT
• homosexuality
• beliefs
• attitudes
• plasticity
• attitudinal plasticity

Abstract

Plasticity has been defined as a capacity that involves interaction between the brain and the environment. It is not fixed, but rather can be learned or improved with practice and experience (Cavanaugh & Blanchard-Fields, 2011, p. 63). Much of the research in the area of plasticity centers on neurological, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of adult development. One study describes cultural plasticity as how biology and culture shape the mind and behavior (Li, 2003). This study uses basic qualitative research methodology to examine attitudinal plasticity, specifically how Christian attitudes and beliefs toward homosexuality change or evolve. Interviews were conducted face to face, by phone, Skype, or email with 26 people who attended a particular church during all or a portion of 1981 to 1996. In 1996, the pastor left to take another position. Shortly after, he came out as gay. Participants in the study were asked about any gay friends, relatives, or colleagues they may have had, both before and after 1996; their understanding of what the Bible says about homosexuality; and their political affiliation. They were also asked to select from a list of five descriptions of ways to interpret scripture the one that best describes their position. The interviews revealed that those who hold a literal interpretation of the Bible (that it is without error even in matters of science and history) categorize homosexuality as sinful. They also describe themselves as predominantly Republican/conservative and have had fewer close relationships with gays and lesbians. Those who are accepting of homosexuality predominantly hold a less literal view of scripture, describe their political views as Democratic/liberal, and have friends or relatives who are gay. These findings are in agreement with other research on conservative Christians and their beliefs on homosexuality (Altemeyer & Hunsberger, 1992; Herek & Glunt, 1993; Hooghe & Meeusen, 2012; McFarland, 1989; Trevino, 2012; Whitehead, 2010). One unexpected finding was that many of the more conservative Christian participants who maintain a literal interpretation of the Bible also expressed compassion toward homosexuals; some either admitted to being conflicted about their beliefs or distinguished between the homosexual person and homosexual behaviors. When an exchange of scripture passages regarding homosexuality becomes merely argumentative and unproductive, such points of uncertainty may provide an inroad toward positive dialogue and discussion and keep the conversation moving forward. This may be particularly true for those who say that they cannot reconcile what they believe with what they know from experience.

Graduation Semester

2014-05

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/49641

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2014 Debra Larson

Owning Collections