“Christian Science and Same-sex Sexuality” in Homosexuality and Religion: An Encyclopedia

Voorhees, Amy B. “Christian Science and Same-sex Sexuality.” Pages 80–87 of Homosexuality and Religion: An Encyclopedia. Edited by Jeffrey S. Siker. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. 2006.

Amy Black Voorhees’s article largely represents a traditional Christian Science perspective on homosexuality in 2006. The article’s headings include “Theological Views on Companionship,” “Theological Views on Sexuality,” “Altering Christian Science Theology for LGBTQ Advocacy,” “Perspectives on Homohatred,” and “Organization and LGBTQ Experience.” Identifying procreative sex within marriage or celibacy as the ideals in Christian Science, Voorhees describes other expressions of sexuality as “aspects of sensuality to be overcome” (82). She analyzes diverse perspectives on homosexuality, Christian Science, and healing. Voorhees speaks out against homophobia and details the discrimination faced by LGBTQ Christian Scientists. Yet, she also critiques the “queering” of Christian Science theology by LGBTQ Christian Scientists (84). Voorhees summarizes not only the websites of LGBTQIA+ Christian Science groups like Emergence International but also testimonies in Christian Science magazines from individuals pursuing “what they describe as healings of homosexuality” (87). Voorhees’s conclusions in 2006 were that the principles of Christian Science “make it inhospitable to LGBTQ advocacy” and “same-sex sexuality” (83, 87). Today one would find more generally accepting attitudes. Some LGBTQIA+ Christian Scientists have played significant roles in the Christian Science movement and LGBTQIA+ rights movement and have found great inspiration in Christian Science. Since Voorhees’s 2006 publication, numerous Christian Science organizations have made major strides in their embrace of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

ISBN-10: 0313330883
ISBN-13: 978-0313330889