Volu m e II - Purdue University Calumet

difficult for homosexual Muslims is search of a divine model for sexual intimacies, and perpetuates their
exclusion from the larger Islamic society.
Plaskow and Ali note that the most problematic issue regarding homosexuality in both Judaism and
Islam is the traditional notion of male dominance and authority over women. This issue stems from Biblical
stories of creation and has continued to persist throughout time. Judaism and Islam both view women’s
sexuality as dangerous and problematic to society, and work to control it. Homosexual relations challenge
this notion and cause a disconnect and ambiguity from traditional images of appropriate and divine intimate
relationships, thus challenging the norms that have been passed down in these religions for centuries. This
rejection is viewed as problematic because both Judaism and Islam would have to entirely transform their
beliefs regarding intimate relationships and the power and roles that are traditionally attributed to each
gender. Although this change would be a move towards more holistic and inclusive religions, it may prove
to be quite difficult given the deeply engrained beliefs of homosexuality as unholy and unethical in Judaism
and Islam.
Ali and Plaskow reflect upon the way in which Judaism and Islam focus mainly on the intimate
relationships and intimate acts that are considered inappropriate and sinful, and fail to provide an image of
ethical and acceptable relationships and acts. This makes it difficult to determine what is considered to be
divine in terms of intimate relationships because it allows for much uncertainty regarding appropriate sexual
acts. Both Judaism and Islam need to redefine their beliefs regarding intimate relations for both
heterosexual and homosexual couples in order to promote the divinity and sacredness that these relations
should strive for.
Judaism and Islam differ in their ideas of homosexuality as innate. Plaskow does not believe that
accepting homosexuality as an inborn trait will be helpful in raising new questions about traditional views in
Judaism. Plaskow asserts that the foundations for a New Judaism should take root in social constructs rather
than biological factors. However, Ali suggests that attempting to reconcile a homosexual identity with a
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