OF FAIRIES AND HALOES : COPING STRATEGIES OF HOMOSEXUAL CHRISTIANS

Abstract

This academic exercise takes a look at the identity problems faced by homosexually inclined Christians. It is assumed here that they suffer from cognitive dissonance as a result of two conflicting core components of their identity: religiosity and sexuality. Those facing this dilemma use various strategies to cope with the dissonance. Conceivably, by doing so, they are also reshaping their identities and priorities. These coping strategies will be examined in the course of the paper. Chapter one outlines the theological and historical reasons for the conflict between Christianity and homosexuality while in chapter two, the strategies are presented as a continuum of actions undertaken by the individual. Chapters three and four “flesh out” and analyse these strategies as they are employed in individual lives. In the concluding chapter, it is suggested that self-interest is the overriding motivation and the individual's coping strategies change to meet his self-serving ends.