Queer Theology Queer Theology / Brian G. Murphy & Shannon T.L. Kearns

Sometimes, it’s really empowering to look back on where we came from. With Fr. Shay’s upcoming lecture on the history of Queer theology, we wanted to dive into this a bit for this episode. It is so important for us to know our queer history, and we share our personal experiences with learning about it. How it shaped us then and how it continues to shape us now! We really want to highlight the significance of understanding the legacy and movements that queer people have been a part of throughout history. Because you are part of that, you will continue with what has been started. 
 
Takeaways

Knowing queer history helps situate individuals within a larger community and movement.
Learning about queer history provides a sense of belonging and inspiration.
Understanding the co-opting of queer stories by straight and cis individuals is important in recognizing the erasure and distortion of queer experiences.
Drawing from past activism and movements can inform current efforts for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion.

 
Chapters
(00:31) The Importance of Knowing Queer History
(06:48) Personal Experiences with Queer History
(13:54) Learning from Queer Movements and Organizations
(23:52) Learning from Past Activism
(28:30) The Queer Theology Movement
(31:01) Upcoming Course on Queer Theology
 
Resources:

Learn more and sign up for the workshop, From Affirmation to Liberation at queertheology.com/class 
Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community

If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology.
 
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT


The post We Come From Fighters appeared first on Queer Theology.

If there is one question we get alot it’s: where to find an LGBTQ+ Affirming translation of the Bible? Like, we get this question ALOT alot. So we’re going to get into it on this week’s episode! If you are deconstructing or seeking a more expansive view of God, it can lead you to question the Bible translation you are using. And that is actually really great! What we want to emphasize is that the problem lies not in the Bible itself, but in the lens through which it is read. We encourage readers to unlearn and RELEARN how to approach the Bible. And to do that you have to go deep. But we’ve got some great resources for you to help you do that!
 
Takeaways

The problem is not the Bible itself, but the lens through which it is read.
Readers must unlearn and relearn how to approach the Bible in order to understand its message.
Specific translations, such as the Common English Bible and the New Revised Standard Version, can be helpful in reading the Bible from a more inclusive and expansive perspective.
Books about the Bible, such as Rob Bell’s ‘What Is the Bible?’ and works by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan, can provide valuable insights and help readers engage with the text in new ways.
Engaging with the Bible is an ongoing process that allows readers to make it their own and find resonance with their own experiences.

 
Chapters 
(01:11) The Assumptions Behind the Question
(07:40) The Responsibility of Readers
(09:08) The Work of Reading the Bible
(10:17) The Bible as a Complicated Collection of Books
(13:04) Unlearning and Relearning
(15:37) The Joy of Foundations
(19:21) The Challenge of Finding Progressive Resources
(20:50) Specific Bible Recommendations
(22:48) Books About the Bible
(26:32) Making the Bible Your Own
(29:50) Additional Resources and Courses
 
Resources:

Learn more and sign up for the workshop, From Affirmation to Liberation at queertheology.com/class 
Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community
“What is the Bible” by Rob Bell 
Any of the books Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan have written together.
Our Bible App
Bible recommendations

Common English Bible
New Revised Standard Version
Oxford Standard Bible for an academic version 



If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT


The post What’s an LGBTQ-Affirming Bible translation? appeared first on Queer Theology.

It’s Easter Sunday and we’re discussing the concept of Easter and how it relates to the struggles and questions faced by those in progressive faith communities. We explore the role of miracles and The Resurrection story in Christianity, and the tension between belief and skepticism. We really want to highlight the power of storytelling and metaphor as a way to convey deeper truths. We also get into the distinction between history and myth, and the importance of grappling with the complexities of faith traditions. Ultimately, we feel the message of Easter is seen as an invitation to participate in creating a new world of justice and liberation.
 
Takeaways

The Easter story raises questions about miracles and the resurrection, and how they are understood in progressive faith communities.
Storytelling and metaphor are powerful tools for conveying deeper truths and connecting with our human nature.
The distinction between history and myth is a modern concept, and both can contain elements of truth and meaning.
Grappling with the complexities of faith traditions is an important part of personal growth and understanding.

 
Chapters:
(00:55) Struggling with Miracles and the Resurrection
(04:29) The Truth of Miracles
(06:07) History vs Myth
(08:24) The Call to Action
(11:45) The Resurrection as a Radical Political Message
(14:51) The Persistence of Christianity
(19:09) The Mystery of Easter
(20:06) Living in the New World
(23:41) Upcoming Class and Community
 
Resources:

Join the waitlist for the workshop From Affirmation to Liberation at queertheology.com/class 
Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community
Queering Easter past podcast episodes: 

Easter 2017
Palm Sunday and Holy Week



 
If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology.
 
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT


The post Do You Have To Believe In Miracles? appeared first on Queer Theology.

It’s Holy Week for many Christians, so we’re kicking it off with an episode on Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday is one of those things that we come back to. Like, a lot. The messy and powerful nature of Palm Sunday just lends itself to the parallels we see in the struggles of queer folk during the AIDS crisis and continuing today. On this Palm Sunday, we encourage you to stand up and confront oppressive theologies and injustices, even in the face of fear! We also want to encourage you to lean into your communities and networks during challenging times. But also to keep your joy, hope, and vision of liberation as we move forward. ⁠
 
Takeaways

Palm Sunday is a significant holiday that holds meaning for both Christians and those who have left the faith.
Queer theology can deepen one’s understanding and practice of faith, connecting it to activism and social justice.
Palm Sunday is a powerful example of marginalized communities challenging oppressive systems and theologies.
Fear is a natural part of activism, but it should not deter us from standing up for justice and confronting injustice.

 
Chapters:
(01:16) Palm Sunday and Queer Theology  
(04:31) The Messiness of Palm Sunday  
(05:25) Palm Sunday as a Mockery of Rome  
(07:16) Palm Sunday and the Holiness of Activism  
(08:20) The Misunderstanding of Palm Sunday  
(09:48) The Context of Palm Sunday  
(10:17) The Conflict Embodied in the Processions  
(11:17) Confronting Theologies of Death  
(13:00) Fear and Courage in Activism  
(17:48) The Importance of Community and Networks  
(19:13) Discernment and Making Decisions  
(25:01) Hope and Vision in Activism
Resources:

Join the waitlist for the workshop From Affirmation to Liberation at queertheology.com/class 
Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community

If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology.
 
 
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT


The post Fear & Faith On Palm Sunday appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this episode, we discuss the difference between affirming theology and queer theology. We talk about the origin of queertheology.com and explore the ineffectiveness of arguing for affirmation and the need for a more proactive approach. We also delve into the rich history of queer theology and its ability to save and transform faith. It’s important to emphasize the distinction between individual experiences and organizational priorities, along with recognizing that feeling of dissonance. We recognize the precariousness of LGBTQ+ rights and the limitations of assimilation, which leads us to believing in the proactive nature of queer theology and its intersectionality with other liberation theologies. 
 
Takeaways

Queer theology offers a proactive and transformative approach to faith, going beyond the debate of LGBTQ+ affirmation.
Individual experiences may differ from organizational priorities, and it is important to recognize and reckon with this dissonance.
Assimilation is not a guarantee of LGBTQ+ rights, and the fight for liberation requires constant vigilance and action.
Queer theology is part of a larger tapestry of liberation theologies, contributing to a more inclusive and just world.

 
Chapters
(03:20) The Rich History of Queer Theology  
(05:35) Queer Theology’s Commitment to Queer People  
(06:37) Personal Transformation through Queer Theology  
(08:43) The Importance of Individual Experiences vs. Organizational Priorities  
(11:25) Distinguishing Between the Reformation Project and its Participants  
(13:45) Recognizing Dissonance and Reckoning with Organizational Priorities  
(15:13) The Importance of Community and Family  
(18:13) The Precariousness of LGBTQ+ Rights  
(20:01) The Proactive Nature of Queer Theology  
(21:50) The Intersectionality of Liberation Theologies  
(23:37) Queer Theology as a Call to Action  
(26:48) The Transformative Power of Queer Theology  
(29:04) The Personal and Pastoral Healing of Queer Theology  
(30:33) Announcement of Workshop Series: From Affirmation to Liberation  
 
Resources:

Join the waitlist for the workshop From Affirmation to Liberation at queertheology.com/class 
Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community

If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology.
 
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT


The post Affirming Theology Vs. Queer Theology appeared first on Queer Theology.

We got more big news: Fr. Shay is writing another book! In this episode, he talks about his inspiration to write, ‘No One Taught Me How to Be a Man: What a Trans Man’s Experience Reveals About Masculinity.’ We discuss the shifts in masculinity and how it is viewed among different groups, navigating masculinity as a trans man, and the crisis of masculinity. Shay shares how the gift of transness and the importance of intentionality has shaped his own masculinity. Cis folks can learn alot from a trans perspective on masculinity, you’re gonna want to check out his book!
 
Takeaways

Masculinity is a complex and evolving concept that can be explored through personal experiences and research.
There is a crisis of masculinity that affects men’s physical and mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.
Men can divest from harmful masculinities by listening to others’ experiences, examining their own behaviors and choices, and being intentional in their actions.
Trans individuals have a unique perspective on masculinity and can offer valuable insights into redefining and understanding it.
The journey of self-discovery and intentional masculinity can lead to a deeper sense of self and healthier relationships.

 
Chapters
 
(0:00) Intro
(4:09) The Inspiration for the Book 
(8:29) Shifts in Masculinity from 2008 to 2023 
(10:24) Navigating Masculinity as a Trans Man 
(21:05) The Crisis of Masculinity 
(25:34) Navigating the Fraught Conversation 
(26:55) Actions for Divesting from Harmful Masculinities 
(31:49) Staying Updated on the Book 
(33:14) Outro
 
Resources:

Get more info on Fr. Shay’s book and join his email list at shannontlkearns.com
Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community

If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT


The post A Trans Perspective on Masculinity appeared first on Queer Theology.