Examine and comment on attitudes towards homosexuality in two world religions

Introduction 

First, define what is meant by an ‘attitude’ as well as what is meant by ‘comment’ (to assess how valid, or sound, these attitudes are). Then, introduce two religions you will be examining (one of these should be Christianity, the other perhaps Judaism, or Buddhism, as information is easier to access on these religions!). Also in your introduction, you need to describe 2 or 3 possible responses to the question, as well as giving your view on which of these responses is the most valid:

• Neither of the attitudes being analysed in your coursework are valid and thus should be rejected in favour of other non-religious attitudes
• These attitudes hold some truth and are valid to some extent, but neither is totally sound on its own
• One of these attitudes is valid and sound, whilst the other is not

Definitions

Using a range of sources, define technical terms which will be used in your coursework: homosexuality; heterosexuality; homosexual orientation; homosexual acts; homophobia; etc.

Historical and cultural background 

Explore the attitudes of society towards homosexuality, focusing on those countries influenced by the two religions. You could highlight: 

• What the law says about homosexual relationships: whether it is a crime; whether gay marriage has become accepted; whether the age of consent is the same as for heterosexuals; etc. Has the law changed? Why? You could mention here the influence of the 1948 Kinsey report as well as the work of geneticist Dean Hamer
• The way homosexuals are treated by groups and individuals in society: have they been victimised? In what way? What is homophobia? What is the significance of the AIDs epidemic?; how are homosexual relationships portrayed in the media? How important are films such as ‘Brokeback Mountain’?

Introduce Christianity

What are their basic beliefs? How do they make moral decisions?

Christian attitudes towards homosexuality

• First, find recent statements from church documents and leading Christian writers which portray the general attitude. Here, you will have to represent the range of views within Christianity!
• Then, examine the basis for these attitudes: analyse the relevance of the theory of ‘Natural Law’; describe the relevant Bible passages, such as the story of Sodom, and the writings of St. Paul, explaining the range of interpretations of these.

Comment on the Christian attitudes

Is the Christian attitude valid and sound? Is it appropriate, in the light of other insight and research? You need to provide a clear counter-argument to the Christian attitude, highlighting such points as: the idea that ‘Natural Law’ is out-of-date; according to geneticists being gay could be natural; the meaning of these Bible passages is subjective and unclear and thus a secular approach, such as that of ‘feminists’ or ‘libertarians’, could be more useful. It could be argued that the progress of society towards acceptance and inclusion has taken place in spite of and not as a result of Christian attitudes.

Introduce another religion (Judaism? Buddhism?)

What are their basic beliefs? How do they make moral decisions?

Attitudes towards homosexuality within another religion 

First, find recent statements. Then, examine the bases for these attitudes. Jewish attitudes are based on verses in the Tenakh, although there are also a range of views which need researching, such as that of Rabbi Lionel Blue. Buddhist attitudes are based on the third “precept” and the implications of this in terms of avoiding attachment and desires. Again, however, there are a range of views expressed, particularly in Japanese Buddhism and Tantric Buddhism.

Comment on these attitudes 

Are the Jewish/Buddhist attitudes valid? Is it more sound than the Christian view? Is a secular view more appropriate? Give an account of possible counter-arguments before coming to a clear conclusion.

Final summing up and evaluation of the two religious attitudes