The Fundamentalist Christian Challenge of Homosexuality

Does homosexuality undermine the God-given relationship of heterosexuality according to fundamentalist Christianity? The answer to fundamentalist Christians in America today is "yes". The answer to homosexuals and others who do not adhere entirely to fundamentalist Christian beliefs is 'no'. The disparity comes from differing beliefs about God, religion, Biblical interpretation, sexual orientation and gender roles. In order to answer the question it is important to examine the definition of "fundamentalism", to explore the historical and social implications of fundamentalist Christian thinking about heterosexuality and homosexuality and to examine Biblical interpretations of sexuality. Moreover, the concept and preservation of the patriarchy and the resulting influence on the roles and expectations of women must be analyzed. And most importantly the impact that homosexual ideology and fundamentalist Christianity have had on each other and American culture.Master'sCollege of Arts and Sciences: Liberal StudiesUniversity of Michiganhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/117848/1/Martinelli.pd