Heteronormatiwiteit, homofobie en homoseksualiteit – ’n roetekaart vir ’n inklusiewe kerk

Abstract

Heteronormativity, homophobia and homosexualitymapping for an inclusive churchThe aim of the article is to indicate that heteronormativity has prevailed from pre-modern times to the modern world. The article argues that heteronormativity, embedded in a patriarchal mind-set, is central to the dynamics of belief patterns which determine, among others, gender roles, heterosexual marriage and sexual ethics which manifest in insider-outsider love-hate relationships. Aversion to sexual minorities (those who are not heterosexual) is a consequence. The article explores the following: the interconnection of sexuality, marriage and religion; the connection between homophobia and heteronormativity, and how these influence the sexual ethics of the church. In light of the above, the article focuses on the hatred of gays as a consequence of heteronormativity. It explains how an approach to Scripture which uncritically accepts patriarchy, could lead to the justification of homophobia. The article proposes biblical theological perspectives for a postmodern church which is inclusive and loyal to the spirit of the Christian gospel. HETERO-HEGEMONIE -DIE PROBLEEMIn die kerklike debat oor homoseksualiteit word twee stemme gehoor. Die een is van homoseksuele persone wat uit hulle ervaring en geloof, soek na "wat reg is". Die ander is dié van heteroseksuele persone wat nie verstaan wat dit beteken om homoseksueel te wees nie, en wat as gelowiges ook soek na "wat reg is". Dit is nie 'n klinies rasionele proses nie. Mense se hele menswees is daarby betrokke. Op rasionele vlak word geredeneer oor die Bybelse konteks en uitsprake. Op geestelike vlak word gevra na die wil van God vir mense se lewens. Op psigies-emosionele vlak speel persoonlikheid, eie ervaring, empatiese vermoëns, houdings en vrese 'n rol. HTS 62(2) 2006445

Hegemony and the internalisation of homophobia caused by heteronormativity

“…Empathy with those traumatised by homophobia therefore calls for a gay-friendly psychotherapy/analysis. The second article (Dreyer 2006b) proposes biblical theological perspectives for a postmodern church which is inclusive and loyal to the spirit of the Christian gospel.…”

Liberating possibilities of a new identity: A review of Christi van der Westhuizen’s Sitting Pretty: White Afrikaans Women in Postapartheid South Africa

“…Heteronormativity is the conviction that there are designated roles and spaces and therefore identities for people based on a binary understanding (either-or) and categorisation of gender, ethnicity and sexuality (cf. Dreyer 2006;2007). It leads to 'societal expectations' of so-called normal patterns of life.…”

Homofobie en heteroseksisme

“…Op grond van Herek se verduideliking kan sekere elemente uitgewys word wat die homofobiese persoonlikheid beklemtoon, naamlik (Dreyer 2006a(Dreyer :461, 2007cf. Van Loggerenberg 2008):…”