Luther Young, Jr.

Rev. Dr. Luther Young is a sociologist of religion who studies the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and religion. Much of his work seeks to address class inequalities, racial injustice, and systems of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and other disadvantaged groups. Dr. Young’s recently published articles examine how homophobia in the Black Church is expressed and perceived by parishioners and suggest potential ways to address non-affirmation in these spaces. Dr. Young’s forthcoming work, tentatively titled The Silent Contract, further illuminates the complex relationship between black sexual minorities and Christianity and theorizes potential pathways forward.

In addition to his research, Dr. Young is an ordained Disciples of Christ minister and serves as Pastor of Worship and Spiritual Formation at Lighthouse Church of Chicago UCC. He serves on various councils, committees, and community organizations dedicated to anti-racism, justice, and equity.

Recent Publications

Woods, Mo and Luther Young. 2026. “Black Church, Gay Church: Identity Prioritization and Church Preference Among Black Sexual Minorities.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 65(2): 323-333. doi: 10.1111/jssr.70032.

Young, Luther. 2023. “‘Ye Double‐Minded’: Black Parishioners’ Attitudes toward Nonaffirming Church Climates.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 62(1):108-125. doi: 10.1111/jssr.12824.

Young, Luther. 2022. “To Condemn or Not to Condemn: Perceived Climates Concerning Sexual Orientation in Black Churches.” Sociology of Religion 83(2):169–93. doi: 10.1093/socrel/srab031.

Young, Luther. 2018. “People Jesus Met.” Pp. 240–48 in Growing in God’s Love: A Story Bible, edited by E. Caldwell and C. A. Wehrheim. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press.