An Unholy Solution A Manufactured Problem
Based on Timothy MK’s latest book by the same title
For over four decades, I lived in the shadow of a theological paradox. As a former architect of conversion therapy programs, I spent years perpetuating doctrines that caused profound harm to LGBTQ+ individuals—all while grappling with my own identity. My book, An Unholy Solution: A Manufactured Problem, chronicles this journey from denial to self-acceptance and challenges the systemic exclusion embedded in religious institutions. This article explores key themes from my work, offering a glimpse into the urgent need for theological reform while inviting readers to engage deeply with the full narrative.
Understanding the Roots of Religious Exclusion
Religious exclusion is not a modern phenomenon. For centuries, interpretations of scripture have been shaped by cultural biases, political agendas, and fear of the unknown. In my research, I trace how doctrines of exclusion took root in early Christian history, from the Council of Nicaea’s enforcement of orthodoxy to the medieval persecution of dissenters. These practices created hierarchies of belonging, where conformity became synonymous with righteousness.
One critical insight from my work is the distinction between scriptural authority and human interpretation. Many teachings used to marginalize LGBTQ+ individuals stem not from divine mandate but from historical context. For example, passages like Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:26–27 were often isolated from their cultural and linguistic frameworks, weaponized to justify rejection. By revisiting these texts through a lens of compassion, we uncover a message of radical love that transcends rigid dogma.
The Personal Cost of Theological Misunderstanding
Growing up in a conservative evangelical environment, I internalized the belief that my identity was incompatible with faith. This dissonance led to years of self-denial, culminating in my leadership of conversion therapy programs. The stories shared in An Unholy Solution reveal the devastating consequences of such teachings: fractured families, mental health crises, and spiritual alienation.
Data from LGBTQ+ communities shows alarming rates of suicide, addiction, and homelessness—direct outcomes of systemic rejection. My own experiences, along with testimonies from others, highlight how doctrines like “all homosexuals will go to hell” inflict lasting trauma. Yet, amid this pain, there is resilience. Many individuals, myself included, have found healing by redefining their relationship with faith, embracing a theology that celebrates rather than condemns.
Reimagining Scripture Through Inclusive Love
At the heart of my work is a call to recenter Christianity on its foundational principle: love. Scripture abounds with examples of inclusivity, from Jesus’ embrace of societal outcasts to Paul’s declaration that “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, nor male and female” in Christ (Galatians 3:28)7. These passages challenge us to move beyond tolerance—a passive acceptance—to active affirmation.
Key biblical narratives, such as Psalm 139’s celebration of divine craftsmanship, affirm the inherent worth of every individual. When applied to gender identity and sexuality, this theology rejects the notion of “fixing” what was never broken. Instead, it invites us to see diversity as a reflection of God’s creativity.
Confronting Mental Health and Spiritual Trauma
The intersection of faith and mental health is a recurring theme in An Unholy Solution. Exclusionary doctrines don’t just alienate; they weaponize spirituality, turning what should be a source of comfort into a tool of shame. Studies consistently show that LGBTQ+ individuals raised in rigid religious environments face higher risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
Healing begins with acknowledging this harm. In my book, I share strategies for rebuilding spiritual well-being, from cultivating affirming communities to reinterpreting prayer as a practice of self-acceptance. Mental health professionals and faith leaders alike play pivotal roles in this process, offering pathways to reconcile identity with belief.
Pathways to Inclusive Communities
Creating inclusive spaces within religious institutions requires intentional effort. It starts with education—dispelling myths about sexuality and gender through workshops, sermons, and intergenerational dialogue. Churches like St. Lydia’s in Brooklyn and Glide Memorial in San Francisco exemplify this shift, integrating LGBTQ+ voices into leadership and liturgy.
Practical steps for congregations include:
Revising language in prayers and hymns to reflect gender diversity.
Hosting open forums where members share personal journeys.
Partnering with LGBTQ+ organizations to advocate for social justice.
These changes not only welcome marginalized individuals but also enrich the entire community, fostering deeper connections and spiritual growth.
A Vision for the Future of Faith
The journey toward inclusion is ongoing, but progress is tangible. Younger generations increasingly reject binary interpretations of scripture, demanding churches that prioritize justice over judgment. Movements like #FaithfullyLGBTQ and organizations such as Q Christian Fellowship are reshaping theological discourse, proving that faith and identity can coexist.
In An Unholy Solution, I outline a framework for this transformation, blending personal narrative with theological analysis. By examining historical precedents and contemporary case studies, the book provides tools for individuals and communities to challenge exclusionary practices.
Stand Up and Be Heard
Writing this book was an act of redemption—a way to confront my past and contribute to a more compassionate future. But systemic change requires collective action. Whether you’re a faith leader, ally, or someone navigating your own spiritual journey, you have a role to play.
Here’s how to start:
Educate yourself on the historical context of religious exclusion.
Amplify LGBTQ+ voices in theological discussions.\
Challenge harmful rhetoric within your community
For those seeking deeper understanding, An Unholy Solution: A Manufactured Problem offers a comprehensive exploration of these themes. Through stories of transformation, scriptural analysis, and practical guidance, the book serves as both a manifesto and a roadmap for inclusive faith.
Live Your Truth
To anyone struggling to reconcile their identity with their beliefs, know this: You are not alone. The God I’ve come to understand doesn’t demand conformity but invites authenticity. My journey from conversion therapy advocate to LGBTQ+ ally is proof that healing is possible—and that love, in its truest form, leaves no one behind.
If this article resonates with you, I encourage you to explore An Unholy Solution: A Manufactured Problem. Within its pages, you’ll find not just critique but hope—a vision of faith that celebrates every individual as a sacred creation.
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