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parents or caretakers, more sexual abuse,
more partner psychological and physical
abuse, and more sexual assault experiences
in adulthood than their heterosexual
counterparts (Austin et al., 2008; Balsam,
Rothblum, & Beauchaine, 2005). As a
group, they have been found to experience
more depression, anxiety, panic attacks,
and psychological distress than
heterosexual individuals (Balsam,

Beauchaine, Mickey, & Rothblum, 2005;

Cochran, Mays, & Sullivan, 2003). Many

of these problems are explained by

researchers as the result of the

stigmatization and discrimination same-

sex couples experience on a regular basis.

Despite the higher risk of these problems,

it is important to keep in mind that many

same-sex couples report happy, satisfying,

productive lives.

Chapter 11

A Christian Response to Ethnocentrism

Christians fall prey to ethnocentrism

when they judge other families as

“wrong” or look down on them because

they speak a different language, eat

different foods, dress differently, or have

different beliefs. Christians maybelieve

in equality, but still subconsciously

practiceethnocentrism by alienating

themselves from minority cultures or

avoiding contact with other ethnic

groups. Consequently, communities and

churches still reflect distinct clusters of

white, African-American, Hispanic-

American, Native-American, and

Asian-American groups.

Christians are called to witness to

those who do not believe in Jesus Christ.

However, Christians should not compel

families to give up traditions which are

unrelated to scriptural principles. Faith

in Christ should transcend culture.

Cultural traditions have a vital place in

maintaining the stability of family life,

and Jesus Christ can be affirmed in

homes of many different cultures. At the

same time, Christians need to exercise

discernment when confronted with

cultural aspects which challenge

Christian principles. The early Christians

lived among Jews and Gentiles and

struggled with this very same thing. The

Apostle Paul offered some good advice

about living as a Christian in a

multicultural society:

A Christian Perspective

Let us therefore no longer pass

judgment on one another, but

resolve instead never to put a

stumbling block or hindrance in

the way of another... Let us then

pursue what makes for peace and