The Closet.

The psychology of the closet is extremely complex.

The gay man in the closet, often a member of the clergy, will hide his true identity. He may even be unaware of his sexuality altogether.

So he will not do what he says.

He may espouse homophobic opinions or theological positions while at the same time entertaining homoerotic fantasies.

Needless to say this is extremely difficult to deal with.
It may lead to abusive or even criminal behavior.

This is because his erotic nature is so strong that he cannot control it and at the same time he is racked with guilt and fear because he believes it is evil.

Even if we can convince him that there is nothing wrong with his desires he may still be afraid of losing his job.

He will not come out.

Jesus said,  "'For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it.'"  Luke 9: 24 (NRSV)


[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]


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