I think that there are huge depths of harm deeply interwoven into cultures around the world. The perpetrating culture will just keep culturing on, just as Christianity does. I kinda think of this a cruise ship making minor adjustments as it goes, but still retaining the same general direction. It's both polluting the path behind it and pushing ppl of the boat as it goes, and yes, the ppl in the culture don't notice or can't /won't change it. At least now the issue of suicide is being actively noticed by individuals within Christianity attempting to make a positive change. Yes, doctrine is still in place that leads to unfortunate circumstances. I'm just hoping that cultural circumstances for the next generation will be slightly more pleasant with society learning how to better help those at risk of suicide.
Well, theology seems to be a constant in this case. Considering it's the societal influence on a culture that can influence change. (what else influences change, I'm not sure haha). What's the best we can hope for from society in this case? (I'm curious what you think). (I think that social shifting to de-isolate suicide is a sign that we're on the right path socially, and all I can hope for is more small steps in positive directions).
There are two answers to give. Ideally: The influence of fundamentalist/literalist religion declines worldwide. The moderating forces already in existence within the Catholic church, various protestant denominations, etc claim the seats of power, and a reform takes place. LGBT folks get to go to church without having to hunt around to find 'The one with the rainbow flag outside,' without risk of being violently assaulted for something as banal and boring as who they choose to shag. We turn the page on this nasty portion of history and religion is finally something that is good and positive at the exclusion of judgement, fear, anger, hatred and bigotry, and those who exemplify those traits get kicked out of their respective religion, or at the very least they are not allowed to lead. Practically: The culture war is going to continue. Christianity is going to fracture further. Christians that today ignore the text in favor of feel good 'God is good! All the time! All the time! God is Good!' culture will continue to do so. Christians who take their theology seriously will find a work around so they get to ignore the harsher parts of the text, like they do today. Evangelicals are still breeding like rabbits, and they have enormous political power. Their theology is going to affect the politics of the United States for decades to come, if not centuries. There are just too many of the fuckers, thanks to a lack of fact-based sexual education and direct religious orders to shun birth control and be fruitful and multiply. The best we can hope for with this group is stalemate, cordon off 'Christian territory' in the US and let them have their theocracy, separate from the rest of the world. If I seem fixated on the LGBT+ thing it's because it's a good weather-vane for the temperament of a church in general. If they think that homosex is an abomination before the eyes of the Lord, they also likely believe that suicides are condemned to the fiery pit.What's the best we can hope for from society in this case?