"My Church Teaches Homosexuality is a Sin" Religious Teachings, Personal Religious Beliefs, and MSW Students' Attitudes toward Sexual Minorities. Issue 2 (3rd April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Woodford, Michael R.; Atteberry-Ash, Brittanie; Jaffee, Kim; Dessel, Adrienne B.
• Is Part Of: Journal of religion & spirituality in social work. Volume 40:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 216
• Page End: 235
• Publication Date: 2021-04-03
• Subjects: Religion -- sexual minorities -- heterosexism -- cultural competency; Church and social problems -- United States -- Periodicals; Church and social problems -- Catholic Church -- Periodicals; Christian sociology -- Periodicals; 261.805
• DOI: 10.1080/15426432.2020.1871154
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1542-6432

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Religious social work students often report less-affirming LGB attitudes, which is often attributed to anti-LGB religious teachings. Yet research often overlooks one's beliefs about their denomination's LGB teachings. We examine the association between MSW students' LGB attitudes, syncretism between religious teachings that "homosexuality is a sin" and students' beliefs about these teachings, and the influence of religiosity on syncretism. Results suggest that personal views about one's denomination's teachings matter, representing a point for educational intervention. Findings highlight the importance of creating opportunities for students belonging to anti-LGB denominations to reflect critically on religious teachings as part of their education.