When Deeply Held Personal Beliefs Conflict with Collective Societal Norms

Abstract

This essay analyzes the conflicts that arise between an individual's deeply held beliefs and the collective norms of society. Sometimes these conflicts are framed in religious terms. The author argues that such a framing is too narrow and inappropriately puts the focus on a specific set of (largely Christian) beliefs about matters related to sexuality. This essay attempts to broaden the discussion in order to highlight the ways in which conflicts between individual beliefs and practices, on the one hand, and prevailing societal norms, on the other, create the tension that can lead to societal change.