For Peterson, Genee and anyone else who can help

[Static5]

I'm not sure this is the sort of input you're looking for and I'm new to
this forum so hopefully I'm not being redundant, but it seems to
me that the bible is just used by closed-minded people to rationalize their
existing homophobic and transgenderphobic beliefs.

So I'd imagine that directly refuting their ideas would just lead to them
entrenching further into their positions. After all, the basis of their
argument already makes no sense at all. Why would reason change it now?

And then, I think there are people that feel they have to believe certain
things about LGBTs because those beliefs are part of a larger set of beliefs
that all need to be held in order for them to have access to heaven and
supernatural benefits here on earth.

So arguing with these people about specific hot button issues sets off
all sorts of negative emotional reactions because it threatens the worthiness
of their very identity (ego) ("I am a man. I am straight. Men are straight. I am
good and correct. He is a man. He is gay.." *DOES NOT COMPUTE* *THIS IS A
THREAT TO MY GOODNESS AND CORRECTNESS AND WORTHINESS OF
ACCEPTANCE* *NEGATIVE EMOTIONAL REACTION*) and their perceived
access to supernatural goodies.

If I challenge their beliefs, it's as if I were to swipe $20 out of their hand
and run off with it. They would be angry and upset with me. They lose perceived
value when they lose their beliefs about themselves.

And then there's the problem that their beliefs about their own identity and
their religious beliefs are what entitle them to being accepted by their
group of likeminded friends. To have a different identity and different
religious beliefs would likely lead to social rejection on one level or another.
And, in terms of evolutionary psychology, we are wired to avoid this.

Most people will choose to come up with idiotic rationalizations in order to keep
the beliefs that allow for social inclusion.

So I don't think that a frontal assault on their beliefs will work.

I think a passive strategy of not attacking their beleifs/ego and just being
non-judgemental and accepting is best. That way if they start judging and hating,
they just look like hateful assholes and the victim looks like a saint.

[Wanderer]

First of all, thanks for taking the time to reply. I'll take any and all constructive criticism.

Second, I think you're right on target, re: members of churches who are opposed to LGBT people. What may surprise you is that that is not who I mean to address. Some explanation is in order.

In my OP, I mentioned that I'm intending to go into social work. Thus, I expect to come across sexual minorities of all stripes--some of whom may be suicidal. While I don't believe anything in the Bible myself, obviously not everyone agrees with me. If I am confronted with such a person, I'd much rather be able to grab a Bible and try to talk them down, rather than lecture them on how their beliefs are completely invalid. (I trust you see why that might not be the best circumstance for a freewheeling discussion of the flaws of religion.) Being an educated gay man, (...I took an "Introduction to LGBT Studies" course...) I have not failed to notice that my education did not include reference to either transgendered or to asexual individuals. My personal research for classes has, I think, closed the gap where asexuals are concerned, but that still leaves transgendered people who may need to know that the universe (...or, "God," if you prefer...) does not hate them. If that means I grab a Bible and play pastor for 30 minutes, so be it. Better that, than not having any answer that they can listen to.

I hope that this explains my goals better. I'm not thinking of debating pastors. I'm thinking in terms of helping people in need.

Wanderer

[Gennee]

Every week I have been presented with the opportunty to educate someone about being transgender. This week it was a couple that we know. There are people who desire to know about LGBT people and topics. There's much misinformation from many corners and I challenge them.

[Wanderer]

...and, by the way, sorry I misspelled your handle in my OP.

Wanderer

[JBlacks]

I think its wonderful that you are considering the beliefs of someone who may be troubled. Not everyone is willing to throw the Lord away, just because they are part of the LGBT community. There are many who still have a love for Him and know that he can accept His children however they may be.

[JasonRa]

I was hoping for more of a response