Queer Theology

As we head into the Christmas season, we invite y’all to really explore the meaning and significance of Advent. There is so much richness and depth to this tradition and (especially now!) it is a moment to reflect on what our role in this world is. We discuss the themes of waiting, anticipation, and introspection that characterize this season, as well as the importance of recognizing the realities of the world and dreaming of a better future. There is so much potential for personal and communal transformation during Advent.    Takeaways Advent is a time of preparation leading up to Christmas. It involves themes of waiting, anticipation, and introspection. Advent invites us to reflect on what is not working in the world. The season encourages dreaming about justice and peace. Rituals during Advent help make visible what is not yet tangible. Advent is a liminal space for personal and communal transformation. The end of the year is a time for intention setting and reflection. Queering Advent allows for a deeper connection to spirituality. The journey through Advent can be inclusive for all backgrounds. Community engagement during Advent enhances the experience.   Chapters (00:00) The Significance of Advent (10:12) Advent as a Time for Reflection and Introspection (18:11) Queering the Advent Experience   Resources: Join the Sanctuary Collective Community and be part of our Queering Advent event Soul Safe and Rewrite Your Story are both on-demand workshops available in Spiritual Study Hall  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 The Misunderstood Mystical Meaning of Advent appeared first on Queer Theology.

It’s that time of year when we often see family and need to navigate complex family dynamics. During the holiday season, this is particularly true for queer individuals. We talk about the importance of setting boundaries, and the necessity of prioritizing personal comfort over traditional expectations. We’re big proponents of self-care! And that can definitely look like setting clear boundaries that make you feel safe and happy during a time that can be fraught with anxiety and discomfort.   Takeaways The holiday season can evoke feelings of angst and anxiety for many individuals, especially around family dynamics. Setting firm boundaries can help mitigate holiday-related stress. Even after coming out, feelings of discomfort around family can persist. Juggling multiple family traditions can increase holiday stress. It’s important to prioritize personal comfort over traditional expectations during the holidays. Choosing to spend the holidays in a way that feels good is not selfish. Self-care and introspection are crucial during the holiday season. It’s okay to not participate in family traditions that feel uncomfortable. Small changes can lead to a more positive holiday experience. The process of navigating family dynamics is ongoing and requires experimentation. Chapters (00:00) Navigating Family Dynamics During the Holidays (05:59) The Impact of Identity on Family Interactions (11:01) Choosing Personal Comfort Over Tradition (14:52) Self-Care and Reflection During the Holiday Season   Resources: Join the Sanctuary Collective Community and be part of our Queering Advent event Soul Safe and Rewrite Your Story are both on-demand workshops available in Spiritual Study Hall  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 How To Handle Fraught Situations appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re queering the Book of Ruth in this episode of the Queer Theology Podcast. And y’all, this one can get really scandalous! We  delve into its themes of agency, chosen family, and the complexities of tradition. Then we also discuss how the narrative can be interpreted through a queer lens, highlighting the scandalous elements often sanitized in traditional readings. Sometimes you gotta engage with scripture in a way that acknowledges the messiness and complexities to really get to the good stuff! As we head into Advent, this can be a time of deep reflection and looking at scripture through a queer lens can be a liberating practice.    Takeaways The Book of Ruth contains themes of agency and vulnerability. Ruth’s actions can be seen as scandalous yet empowering. Chosen family is a significant aspect of the narrative. The story challenges traditional interpretations of relationships. Sanitizing scripture does a disservice to its complexity. Queer readings of scripture can reveal deeper meanings. Tradition is often rooted in messy and complicated stories. Engaging with scripture requires acknowledging its messiness. Community journeys can enhance spiritual reflection. Advent offers a time for introspection and preparation.   Chapters (00:00) Introduction and Context of the Conversation (01:12) Exploring the Book of Ruth (03:30) Queering the Text: Scandal and Agency (06:56) Chosen Family and Queer Relationships (11:51) The Messiness of Tradition and Scripture (15:35) Invitation to Engage with Scripture (16:42) Queering Advent: A Community Journey   Resources: Join the Sanctuary Collective Community and be part of our Queering Advent event   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 TRANSCRIPT The post The Messy Scandal of Ruth appeared first on Queer Theology.

a brief reflection from Brian on fear, grief, and tapping into the power of our communities. if you’d like a space to share / vent / grieve / process / be in community / otherwise be together with other LGBTQ+ of faith, I opened up comments on this reflection over in the public area of our learning and community hub. you’ll just need a free account to comment. please come gather together to see and be seen, to hold and be held. we are in this together. much love, brian (& shannon) TRANSCRIPT The post huddled together after the election appeared first on Queer Theology.

It’s that time of year again when we have celebrations around remembrance and death. In this episode, we delve into the themes of death, remembrance, and the significance of rituals during this reflective time of year. We explore the meanings behind All Saints Day and All Souls Day, the importance of honoring those who have passed, and how queer communities have created their own rituals of remembrance. We share some of our own personal experiences of grief and loss and how rituals have been a resource of comfort for us. As we head into the upcoming Advent season, we’re going to really dive into the intention behind rituals! Takeaways Death and remembrance are significant themes during this time of year. All Saints Day honors officially canonized saints, while All Souls Day remembers all who have died. The veil between worlds is considered thin during this season, prompting reflection. Trans Day of Remembrance highlights violence against the trans community. Queer and trans individuals often create their own rituals to honor their community. Remembering our lineages and communities is essential for personal growth. Grief can be navigated through intentional remembrance and community support. Rituals do not have to be complicated; simple acts can hold great meaning. Advent offers a time for reflection and intention in our lives. Creating personal rituals can help in processing grief and loss. Chapters (00:00) Exploring Death and Remembrance (04:42) Queering All Saints and All Souls Day (07:53) The Importance of Lineage and Community (10:52) Navigating Grief and Loss (14:55) Rituals for Remembering and Healing (18:41) Advent: A Time for Intention and Reflection Resources: Join the Sanctuary Collective Community and be part of our Queering Advent event 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 TRANSCRIPT The post Remembering Who We Come From appeared first on Queer Theology.

The process of healing is a journey. And with a journey, you have to be willing to take the time to do what feels comfortable for you, but also push yourself. In this episode, we discuss the journey of healing, particularly in the context of coping with emotional challenges. We explore the importance of taking things slowly, the role of storytelling in healing, and the necessity of reflection after experiences. You gotta make the time for reflection and self-care! For us, journaling has been a sustainable practice to work through discomfort that helps lead to long-term emotional well-being.    Takeaways Healing is a journey, not a race. It’s important to go slowly in the healing process. Stories shape our understanding of spiritual practices. Redefining success can help in the healing journey. Discomfort can be a part of growth. Reflection helps us learn from our experiences. Give yourself time to process and heal. You can push yourself, but know your limits. Journaling can provide clarity and understanding. Sustainable practices are key for long-term healing.   Chapters (0:00) The Journey of Healing and Coping (7:15) Navigating Discomfort and Growth (14:56) Reflection and Learning from Experiences (22:42) Sustainable Practices for Long-Term Healing   Resources: Register for the journaling workshop, Rewrite Your Story 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 The post Healing When It’s Hard appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this conversation, we explore the profound impact of storytelling on personal identity, community building, and cultural narratives. We discuss how stories have been a fundamental part of human experience, shaping self-perception and fostering connections and community among individuals. It’s super important to craft your own personal narrative because of the transformative power of sharing those stories with others. Whether it’s a coffee chat with friends or delivering a sermon, having a well crafted story can make a huge difference.   Takeaways Stories are deeply human and have been told since ancient times. The narratives we internalize shape our self-perception and values. Storytelling can change hearts and minds more effectively than facts alone. Personal stories can foster community and connection, especially in marginalized groups. Crafting narratives is essential for effective communication and social justice advocacy. Everyone has a story, and storytelling is a universal human experience. The act of storytelling helps us make sense of our lives and experiences. Writing for oneself is a vital step before sharing stories publicly. Workshops can help individuals refine their storytelling skills and discover impactful narratives. Journaling can serve as a grounding practice for personal reflection and narrative development.   Chapters (0:00) The Power of Stories in Human Experience (3:51) Personal Connections Through Storytelling (9:21) The Role of Storytelling in Community Building (15:04) Crafting Personal Narratives for Impact (18:40) Journaling and Storytelling Workshop Introduction   Resources: Register for the journaling workshop, Rewrite Your Story 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 The post The Stories That Shape Us appeared first on Queer Theology.

If you’ve been around for a while, you probably already know how valuable we think having a journaling practice is. Like, we can’t recommend it enough! There is just something about getting your thoughts down on paper without any fear of judgment and really letting it all out. In this episode, we delve into the transformative practice of journaling and discuss our personal journeys with journaling. We can’t emphasize enough its importance for mental health, self-reflection, and clarity! Feeling stuck on where to start a journaling practice? We have an upcoming workshop, Rewrite Your Story, that’ll help to get you started!   Takeaways Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and mental health. It’s okay to journal sporadically; consistency isn’t the only measure of success. Finding a journaling method that works for you is essential. Journaling can help clarify what you want in various aspects of life. It’s important to create a safe space for unfiltered expression in journaling. Journaling can reveal patterns in your thoughts and behaviors over time. Starting with small, manageable journaling practices can lead to growth. You don’t need fancy materials to start journaling; just begin where you are. Journaling can help process emotions and experiences during tough times. The act of journaling can aid in rewriting negative narratives about oneself.   Chapters (00:34) The Importance of Journaling (12:04) Personal Journeys with Journaling (24:05) Practical Tips for Effective Journaling (30:09) Rewriting Your Story Through Journaling   Resources: Register for the journaling workshop at www.queertheology.com/rewrite 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 The post Rewrite Your Story appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this episode, we address listener questions about navigating faith, family dynamics, and spirituality outside of traditional Christian frameworks. We discuss the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in maintaining relationships with non-affirming family members while prioritizing their own mental health and identity. We also get into a question about spirituality and encourage y’all to explore how to cultivate a sense of spirituality and community beyond traditional faith practices.    Takeaways It’s important to prioritize your own mental health and wellness. Surround yourself with affirming voices during deconstruction. Setting boundaries with family can help maintain your mental health. You deserve to be treated with respect and affirmation. Finding community outside of traditional religious spaces is crucial. Engaging in service and community work can fulfill spiritual needs. Creating personal spiritual practices is essential for connection. Rituals and actions can help cultivate a sense of the divine. Community support is vital during times of spiritual transition. You are not alone in your journey of faith and identity.   Resources: Ask your own question to be featured on the podcast at queertheology.com/listen  Soul Safe workshop:  Rituals Workshop: queertheology.com/rituals  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 Spirituality Outside of Boxes: Listener Q&A appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re gonna revisit our roots of this podcast for this episode by queering the Bible! Specifically, the passage we explore is from Genesis, the story of Jacob wrestling with God. We discuss the significance of this passage in relation to queer identities, gender narratives, and how you can bring yourself to your own interpretation of scripture. Our conversation highlights the importance of personal experiences in understanding biblical texts and emphasizes the role of journaling as a spiritual practice. We encourage y’all to read this passage and reflect on what this passage brings up for YOU!    Takeaways The Bible did not originally have chapters and verses. Jacob’s story illustrates the holiness of wrestling with faith. Wrestling with God can be seen as a trans narrative. The Bible can continually surprise and teach us new things. Personal experiences shape our interpretations of scripture. Queer theology allows for diverse interpretations of biblical texts. Journaling can enhance our understanding of the Bible. Engaging with the Bible requires vulnerability and curiosity. The intersection of sexuality and spirituality is significant. Each person’s interpretation of scripture is valid and valuable.   Chapters (02:58) Wrestling with God: The Story of Jacob (05:59) Gender Narratives in Jacob’s Story (09:03) The Bible as a Living Text (12:04) Sexuality and Spirituality in Non-Monogamy (15:02) Diverse Interpretations of Scripture (17:53) The Power of Journaling in Spiritual Practice   Resources: In the Margins: A Transgender Man’s Journey With Scripture by Shannon TL Kearns 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 Cruising For God: Queering Jacob appeared first on Queer Theology.

Recently John Green posted a YouTube preview for “Crash Course Religions,” and since this is something we are really passionate about (also Brian is a huge fan!), we answer his question, ‘why religion?’ in this episode. We also discuss what it means to be a religious person and explore the idea that everyone worships something, whether it’s a traditional religion or something else that guides their lives. It’s about what you infuse with meaning that can turn it sacred and holy! We’ve been talking alot about the importance of being intentional in practices and rituals and this is another example of why it is so important. We invite you to also cultivate a deeper sense of connection to the sacred in your life.   Takeaways Religion is not limited to traditional religious institutions; everyone worships something that guides their lives. Being intentional about our practices and rituals is important, regardless of our religious identification. Queer experiences and LGBTQ+ community events can be seen as sacred and have religious significance. Cultivating a deeper sense of connection to the sacred in our lives can bring meaning and purpose.   Chapters (0:38) Brian’s confession: Being a “nerdfighter” (1:14) Crash Course series on religion and its relevance (3:36) Helping LGBTQ+ folks heal from religious harm (5:21) The idea of worship and its broader meaning (9:32) Importance of replacing old beliefs with new intentional stories (17:00) Queerness as holy and sacred practices in queer culture (22:03) Encouragement to practice intentional rituals and find meaning   Resources: Crash Course Religion Preview by John Green Rituals for Resistance & Resilience online course 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 John Green Asks, “Why Religion?” We Answer appeared first on Queer Theology.

This time of year is a great time to do a bit of reflection and in this episode, we discuss the importance of taking time in the fall to reevaluate and reconnect with what matters to us. Taking this time for reflection, introspection, and planning for the future can be a great way to really look at what you want to keep and what you want to change moving into the end of the year. We share our personal experiences and discuss the significance of rituals, boundaries, and forgiveness in this process. The most important part of this is being intentional and gentle with yourself while engaging in this self-reflection.   Takeaways Fall is a time for reflection, introspection, and planning for the future. Taking time to reevaluate and reconnect with what matters to us is important. Rituals, boundaries, and forgiveness play a significant role in this process. Being intentional and gentle with oneself is crucial while engaging in self-reflection.   Chapters (00:00) Reconnecting and Reflecting in the Fall (11:27) The Importance of Rituals and Boundaries (18:10) Navigating Forgiveness and Making Amends (24:43) Being Intentional and Gentle with Oneself   Resources: Rituals for Resistance & Resilience Queers the Word – devotional available on Amazon.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 Habits For Changing Seasons appeared first on Queer Theology.

We get into the concept of love and what it means to love well in this episode. We explore the idea that love is not just a feeling or a word, but an action that requires intentionality and commitment. We have to challenge the societal norms of prioritizing romantic relationships and biological families over other types of relationships. It is also so important to show up for others, by being intentional in our actions, and creating systems to support our relationships.    Takeaways Love is not just a feeling or a word, but an action that requires intentionality and commitment. Societal norms often prioritize romantic relationships and biological family over other types of relationships, but it is important to challenge and question these norms. Showing up for others and being intentional in our actions are key aspects of loving well. Creating systems and using tools like calendars and reminders can support our relationships and help us remember important dates and commitments. Polyamory wisdom can offer valuable insights and practices for all types of relationships, including monogamous ones. Clear communication, time management, and intentional living are essential for building and maintaining healthy and loving relationships.   Chapters (00:35) Exploring the Concept of Love (03:40) Challenging Societal Norms (06:06) Being Loved Well and Loved Poorly (11:10) Love Beyond Traditional Family Structures (14:28) Prioritizing Relationships and Denigrating Friendships (18:27) Love as Action and the Importance of Systems (21:20) Intentionality and Upending Norms (24:13) The Role of Systems in Loving Well (26:18) Synergies Between Poly Wisdom, Faith, and Love (29:37) Being Intentional and Explicit in Relationships (33:19) Using Tools and Systems to Support Love (35:27) Polyamory Wisdom for All Relationships (35:48) Clear Communication, Time Management, and Intentional Living   Resources: Join the Poly Possibilities course at queertheology.com/poly-possibilities 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 Love is a Verb appeared first on Queer Theology.

Shame is a huge part of culture and we discuss the role of shame in sex and relationships, particularly in relation to purity culture, and the political repercussions of shame. We explore the historical context of shame, such as the Lavender Scare and the rise of the religious right, and how shame has been used as a tool for control and manipulation. There is such an importance to understanding shame as a systemic and political issue, rather than just a personal emotion. But there is power and resistance in self-acceptance and combating shame by embracing our desires and bodies!   Takeaways Shame can be a powerful tool for control and manipulation, and it is important to recognize the political and systemic implications of shame. Understanding the historical context of shame, such as the Lavender Scare and the rise of the religious right, helps to shed light on its origins and effects. Embracing one’s desires and bodies, and resisting societal shame, can be an act of resistance and self-acceptance. Creating a supportive community and engaging in open conversations about shame and desires can be healing and empowering.   Chapters (03:01)The Political Repercussions of Shame (06:53) Unpacking the History of Shame and Purity Culture (12:09) Resisting Shame: Embracing Desires and Bodies (15:04) Creating a Supportive Community to Combat Shame   Resources: Join the Poly Possibilities course at queertheology.com/poly-possibilities 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 Undoing Shame appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this conversation, we discuss the intersection of polyamory, spirituality, and faith. We explore why monogamous individuals should care about polyamory, the importance of integrating spirituality and non-monogamy, and how polyamory can inspire new ways of structuring relationships and the world. We also get into the need for proactive positive messages to counteract shame and negative societal messages and highlight the importance of community, family, and intentional living. What would it look like to expand and imagine more expansive and inclusive possibilities for our relationships AND communities?   Takeaways Polyamory can offer valuable lessons in communication, intentionality, and dealing with difficult emotions like jealousy, which can benefit monogamous individuals as well. Integrating spirituality and non-monogamy is important to counteract shame and negative societal messages, and to define the goodness of polyamory on its own terms. Polyamory invites us to expand our notions of community and family, and to imagine more inclusive and just ways of structuring relationships and the world. It is important to find spaces where we can bring our whole selves, integrate different aspects of our identities, and cultivate connections with others who share our values. Polyamory challenges us to question societal expectations and consider alternative ways of living and relating, fostering a sense of intentionality and joy in our lives.   Chapters (01:26) Why Monogamous Individuals Should Care About Polyamory (08:52) Integrating Spirituality and Non-Monogamy (19:00) Expanding Notions of Community and Family (25:19) Creating Spaces for Wholeness and Integration (27:39) Imagining New Possibilities for Relationships and the World   Resources: Jesus is Polyamorous  Join the Poly Possibilities course at queertheology.com/poly-possibilities Rituals for Resistance & Resilience part of Spiritual Study Hall 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 Poly Possibilities appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of listening to the wisdom of our bodies. Really tuning in and paying attention to what your body is trying to tell you. We explore how societal messages of sex negativity and shame can lead to a disconnection from our bodies, and how reclaiming that connection can be a powerful act of resistance. It is so important to recognize the significance of joy and pleasure in our lives to fuel our activism!   Takeaways Societal messages of sex negativity and shame can lead to a disconnection from our bodies, but it is important to reclaim that connection and listen to the wisdom of our bodies. Reconnecting with our bodies and embracing pleasure and joy is a powerful act of resistance against societal control and manipulation. Tuning into our bodies’ signals and sensations can help us set boundaries, navigate difficult relationships, and prioritize self-care. Joy and pleasure are essential in our lives and in our activism, as they provide the foundation for a positive future and create resilience in the face of challenges. Joining courses like Poly Possibilities and communities like Sanctuary Collective can provide support and resources for exploring these topics further.   Chapters (03:58) Poly Possibilities Course: Exploring the Intersections of Polyamory and Spirituality (08:29) Listening to the Wisdom of Our Bodies: Overcoming Sex Negativity and Shame (13:12) Tuning into Body Signals: Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Self-Care (20:24) The Power of Joy and Pleasure in Activism (25:39) Joy as a Form of Resistance: Creating a Positive Future (28:59) Join the Poly Possibilities Course and Sanctuary Collective for Support and Exploration   Resources: Rituals for Resistance & Resilience part of Spiritual Study Hall 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 Listening to the Wisdom of Your Body appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re answering a listener question on the podcast this week: Have you always been so open minded? And if you haven’t, what was it that made you become this way? Not only do we answer this question but we discuss the importance of curiosity and open-mindedness in ALL aspects of life. We share their personal experiences of how we were able to cultivate curiosity and the role it has played in our journeys of self-discovery and growth. One thing that is so important is the need for courage to stay open to new ideas and perspectives, even when it challenges our beliefs. We’ve also got some practical tips on how to cultivate curiosity and how you can work on being more open to the world around you.   Takeaways Curiosity and open-mindedness are important for personal growth and self-discovery. Cultivating curiosity requires courage to challenge our beliefs and be open to new ideas and perspectives. Reading books and engaging with longer-form content are effective ways to explore new topics and expand our knowledge. Starting with low-stakes topics can help build the muscle of curiosity before diving into more complex issues. Curiosity grounded in joy and connection is vital in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.   Chapters (07:34) The Role of Courage in Challenging Beliefs (13:25) Unhooking from Fear and Indoctrination (19:45) Practical Tips for Cultivating Curiosity (27:27) The Importance of the Micro and Connection (32:26) Curiosity Grounded in Joy and Connection   Resources: Get curious at queertheology.com/books Ask your own question at queertheology.com/listen 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 Cultivating Curiosity [Listener Question] appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this conversation, Brian and Shannon discuss the theme of unlearning and relearning. They share personal experiences and insights on the process of unlearning harmful beliefs and embracing new perspectives. They touch on topics such as masculinity, the fear of not being accepted by God, and the concept of abundance in Christianity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and the ongoing journey of unlearning and relearning.   Takeaways Unlearning involves identifying and challenging harmful beliefs and perspectives that have been ingrained in us. The process of unlearning and relearning is ongoing and requires self-reflection and intentional effort. Masculinity and societal expectations can shape our beliefs and understanding of ourselves. It is important to question and redefine these notions. The fear of not being accepted by God or facing eternal damnation can be a source of anxiety for LGBTQ+ individuals. It is important to explore alternative interpretations of religious teachings. Abundance in Christianity is not about material excess, but about experiencing joy, love, and liberation in all aspects of life. Unlearning and relearning involves letting go of guilt, shame, and fear, and embracing a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of faith and spirituality.   Chapters (10:24) Unlearning and Relearning: Challenging Harmful Beliefs (13:43) Redefining Masculinity: Breaking Free from Societal Expectations (15:07) Finding Acceptance: Overcoming Fear and Doubt (29:24) The Ongoing Journey: Embracing Unlearning and Relearning   Resources: Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community Why “Have you Accepted Jesus?” is the Wrong Question  Is It All About Getting Into Heaven?   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 Unlearning and Relearning appeared first on Queer Theology.

Avra Shapiro (they/them) joins us for a fantastic conversation about God this week. Avra is a queer Jewish mystic and freelance Kohenet and discusses their journey to becoming a Kohenet. Avra shares their understanding of God as an ever-flowing source of support and the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with the divine, especially by using different names for God. Avra explains how exploring the power of using different names for God can unlock new perspectives and connections. They emphasize the importance of finding queer teachers and communities that resonate with your own experiences and desires to deepen this connection. Avra encourages listeners to engage in spiritual practices that connect them to something bigger than themselves and bring joy and grounding to their lives.   Takeaways Cultivating a personal relationship with the divine is crucial and can bring support, grounding, and life-enhancing experiences. Using different names for God can unlock new perspectives and connections, allowing for a more personal and intimate relationship. Finding queer teachers and communities that resonate with your experiences and desires is important for spiritual growth and healing. Engaging in spiritual practices that connect you to something bigger than yourself can bring joy, grounding, and a sense of rootedness. Exploring the teachings and wisdom of different traditions can help reclaim and make them your own, while also acknowledging and addressing the harms of patriarchy and colonization.   Chapters (05:10) Avra’s Journey to Becoming a Kohenet (10:22) Creating Space for the Divine to Come In (15:16) Understanding God and Using Different Names (39:33) Finding Queer Teachers and Communities (44:36) Addressing Harm and Reclaiming Traditions   Resources:  https://www.kohenetavrashapiro.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 Holding Space with Avra Shapiro appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’ve known Rev. Jes Kast for a long time now and it was an absolute pleasure to have her on the pod this week talking queer, country, femme ministry! Jes is a minister of word and sacrament in the United Church of Christ and shares her journey of faith and queerness in this conversation. She discusses her upbringing in a conservative Christian environment and her deep connection to her identity as a queer femme. Jes emphasizes the importance of faith in her life and how it has shaped her understanding of herself and her role as a pastor. Jes reflects on her transition from big city femme to rural queer life and the sense of community she has found in her small town. Jes discusses the beauty and challenges of living in central Pennsylvania and the importance of community and care in small town life. She emphasizes the need to recognize the complexities and realities of both small town and big city life, and to avoid idealizing or romanticizing either.   Takeaways Faith played a significant role in Rev Jes Kast’s upbringing, and she found comfort and strength in her belief in a benevolent God. Jes’s journey of self-discovery as a queer femme led her to embrace her identity and find joy in expressing herself through fashion and artistry. As a pastor, Jes values the opportunity to journey with people through important moments in their lives and create meaningful rituals. Jes’s transition from big city femme to rural queer life has allowed her to reconnect with her small town roots and find a sense of community and safety. Central Pennsylvania is often overlooked and misunderstood, but it has its own unique beauty and interesting people. Small town life is more communal and caring, with a greater reliance on each other. Living in a rural community as an out queer clergy comes with its challenges, but also a deep sense of respect and support. Preaching in a small town requires a different approach, focusing on the realities and concerns of the community. It’s important to recognize the complexities and realities of both small town and big city life, and to avoid idealizing or romanticizing either. Visibility and representation are important, especially in rural areas where there may be fewer queer role models. Finding joy in the presence of sapphic farmers and connecting with the history and spirituality of figures like Hildegard von Bingen. Creating spaces for reflection and connection, such as an echo monastery, can bring joy and a sense of peace.   Chapters (03:06) Exploring Identity as a Queer Femme   (06:01) The Role of Faith in Jes’s Upbringing   (08:01) The Intersection of Faith, Femme, and Fashion   (13:28) Embracing Queerness and Finding Strength in Faith   (25:03) Small Town Faith and Queerness   (27:34) The Communal and Caring Nature of Small Town Life   (32:13) Navigating the Challenges of Being an Out Queer Clergy   (36:02) Preaching with Honesty and Authenticity in a Small Town   (43:21) Recognizing the Complexities of Small Town and Big City Life   (45:17) The Importance of Visibility and Representation in Rural Areas   (47:41) Finding Joy in the Presence of Sapphic Farmers   (52:36) Creating Spaces for Reflection and Connection: The Echo Monastery   Resources: Learn more at https://www.revjeskast.com/  Follow Jes on Instagram at @revjeskast  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 Queer Country Femme Ministry with Rev. Jes Kast appeared first on Queer Theology.

Rabbi Andy Kahn is on the podcast this week sharing their journey of self-discovery, faith, and the intersection of queerness and Judaism. They discuss their experience growing up Jewish, their path to becoming a rabbi, and their work in eco-theology. Our conversation delves into the concept of God, relationality, and the interconnectedness of all life forms. Rabbi Kahn discusses the interplay between God, ritual, and ethical practice, emphasizing the role of ritual in creating space for the divine. They also explore the practical impact of religious practices on daily life and the challenges of religious leadership in an anxious age.   Takeaways Rabbi Andy Kahn’s journey of self-discovery and the intersection of queerness and Judaism. The concept of eco-theology and the interconnectedness of all life forms. The idea of God as an entity within which all things exist, and the relationality between God and the ecosystem. The role of sacred space and rituals in Judaism, and the concept of God existing within the individual’s personal space. Ritual practice creates space for the divine and allows for a realignment of one’s presence in the world. Religious practices, such as prayer and blessings, lead to mindfulness and a broader perspective, impacting one’s behavior and affect. Empathy and reflection are essential in religious leadership, especially in times of disagreement and discord. The practical impact of religious practices extends to daily life, influencing one’s internal world and behavior, and contributing to a sense of purpose and positive affect.   Chapters (00:00) Exploring Identity, Faith, and Queerness (06:28) Eco-Theology and the Interconnectedness of Life (27:01) Sacred Space and the Presence of God (28:54) The Interplay of God and Ritual (42:13) Practical Impact of Religious Practices (47:46) Challenges of Religious Leadership   Resources: https://www.rabbiandruekahn.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 The Feedback Loop of the Divine with Rabbi Andy Kahn appeared first on Queer Theology.

And the big announcement is- we’re writing a book!! We’re so excited that we can finally, officially announce our upcoming book, “Reading the Bible Through Queer Eyes.” This is a working title, the whole publishing process is full of edits and changes. But we’re excited, nervous, scared, ecstatic and we can’t wait to share it with our community. This book is going to offer a whole new way to read and engage with the Bible, drawing from our years of work with QueerTheology. So stay tuned as we go through the publishing process!    Takeaways The announcement of the upcoming book ‘Reading the Bible Through Queer Eyes’ is a significant milestone for Shannon and Brian, marking a new chapter in their work. Books play a vital role in the lives of the LGBTQ+ community, providing support, representation, and a sense of belonging. Community support and engagement are crucial for the success of the book, including pre-orders, requests at local bookstores and libraries, and participation in launch teams. The book aims to offer a new perspective on sacred stories from scripture, anchored in queer and trans experience, and to continue the work of the Queer Theology Podcast. The significance of the book extends beyond its content, as its success will pave the way for more queer and trans stories to be published and shared in the future.   Chapters (00:00) Announcing ‘Reading the Bible Through Queer Eyes’ (02:59) The Power of Books in the LGBTQ+ Community (07:56) Community Support for ‘Reading the Bible Through Queer Eyes’   Resources: 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.   PODCAST TRANSCRIPT The post Brian & Shay: A Big Announcement appeared first on Queer Theology.

Jennifer Knapp discusses her journey on the pod this week as a singer-songwriter in the contemporary Christian music industry and her subsequent shift to more mainstream music. She talks about the tension she felt between the inspiring messages of Christianity and the restrictive expectations and shame associated with it- particularly in relation to purity culture. Knapp shares her decision to leave the Christian music industry and the challenges she faced in reclaiming her own voice as an artist. She also highlights the importance of wrestling with faith and the need for diversity and inclusivity within Christianity. We discuss the importance of embracing one’s unique identity and finding community without the need for external validation  and she expresses her desire to create music that is contemplative, heart-centered, and reflective of personal prayers. Additionally, she discusses her theological studies and the responsibility she feels as a leader in faith spaces. Takeaways Jennifer Knapp experienced tension between the inspiring messages of Christianity and the restrictive expectations and shame associated with it, particularly in relation to purity culture. She made the decision to leave the contemporary Christian music (CCM) industry and reclaim her own voice as an artist. Knapp emphasizes the importance of wrestling with faith and exploring spirituality outside of the confines of a specific religious market. She advocates for diversity and inclusivity within Christianity, recognizing the need to acknowledge and appreciate different perspectives and experiences. Embrace your unique identity and focus on self-discovery rather than conforming to external expectations. Finding community becomes easier when you are confident in who you are and don’t feel the need to defend yourself constantly. Artistic growth and personal development can be nurtured in private, away from the public spotlight. Revisiting past work can be a meaningful exercise to reflect on personal growth and share that journey with others. There is a need for new, thoughtful, and contemplative music in faith spaces that goes beyond traditional hymns and contemporary worship songs. Take responsibility for creating the community and spaces you desire, whether it’s in art, faith, or any other aspect of life. Chapters (02:52) Introducing Jennifer Knapp and Her Background (03:00) Jennifer Knapp’s Introduction at a Fancy Queer Cocktail Dinner Party (08:07) Navigating Tension: Inspiring Messages vs. Restrictive Expectations in Christianity (13:08) Leaving the CCM Industry: Reclaiming My Voice as an Artist (24:19) Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity in Christianity (25:27) Embracing Identity and Finding Community (27:21) Artistic Growth and Personal Development (27:41) Revisiting the Past: The Re-recording of ‘Kansas’ (29:15) Creating Contemplative and Heart-Centered Music (41:21) Theological Studies and Responsibility in Faith Spaces (45:25) Taking Responsibility: Creating the Community You Desire   Resources: Get more information about Jennifer Knapp and her music at https://jenniferknapp.com/  Patreon community with Jennifer Knapp 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 Growing Up with Jennifer Knapp appeared first on Queer Theology.

We have Billie Hoard on the podcast this week for a conversation that explores the intersection of queerness, spirituality, theology, and delving into the impact of disgust and its connections with purity culture and fascism. Billie shares her personal experiences and insights, highlighting the role of disgust in shaping social boundaries and exclusion. The discussion also addresses the concept of ‘eucontamination’ and its relevance in religious and progressive spaces. We also delve into practical ways to lower pre-rational disgust responses within religious traditions.   Resources: Find more of Billie’s writing on Substack: https://billieiswriting.substack.com/  Follow Billie on social: IG- @billieiswriting  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 Being a Good Contaminant with Billie Hoard appeared first on Queer Theology.

Jessica Jacobs joins us this week to talk about her new book of poetry, “Unalone.” It’s a beautiful collection of poems that are inspired by and in conversation with Genesis. As you read through them, you move through Genesis. It’s such an incredible concept and moving poetry! Jessica also talks about her life and experiences as a queer woman who came to religion later in life as well as the power of words. Resources: “Unalone” by Jessica Jacobs Learn more about Jessica Jacobs at her website 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 Conversations with Genesis with Jessica Jacobs appeared first on Queer Theology.

We are so excited to welcome Cassidy Hall to the podcast for a conversation about her book, ‘Queer and Contemplation.’ We talk with Cassidy about the importance of queering traditional religious concepts and practices. She shares her personal experiences with faith and queerness, and how they intersected in her upbringing. Hall defines contemplation as a sacred pause and emphasizes the need for both inner reflection and active engagement. She explores the idea of queering as a way to subvert dominant structures and embrace uniqueness and oddity. Hall also discusses the process of breaking up with traditional theologians and expanding the scope of voices in spiritual discourse. She encourages everyone to recognize the contemplative moments in their lives and to respond with love, justice, and liberation.   Takeaways Contemplation is a sacred pause that allows for inner reflection and listening to one’s inner voice. Queering is a way to subvert dominant structures and embrace uniqueness and oddity. It is important to break up with traditional theologians and expand the scope of voices in spiritual discourse. Everyone already engages in contemplation in their own way, and it is about recognizing and embracing those moments. Contemplation requires both inner reflection and active engagement, responding with love, justice, and liberation.   Chapters (05:57) The Harmful Messages of Evangelical Christianity (08:08) Defining Contemplation (13:09) Queering Traditional Concepts and Practices (21:03) Breaking Up with Traditional Theologians (32:29) Accessibility and Recognition of Contemplation (39:24) The Importance of Action and Response   Resources: “Queering Contemplation” by Cassidy Hall Website: https://cassidyhall.com/about-me/ 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 Queering Contemplation with Cassidy Hall appeared first on Queer Theology.

It’s officially Pride Month and we’re so excited to share how we’re going to celebrate it this year! We share personal stories of pride, acceptance and reflect on the power of queer elders and the generations that have come before us to make Pride what it is today. Not to mention, how they have made the world a better place. We also discuss the importance of finding role models and community support in cultivating pride in one’s queerness. We gotta separate the negative connotations of ‘pride’ as arrogance from the positive sense of self-assuredness and celebration of one’s identity. We encourage you to embrace the scandalous and resistant roots of Pride and to participate in the sacred rituals of queer gatherings.   Takeaways Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate and honor the generations of queer people who have fought for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. Queer elders play a crucial role in the LGBTQ+ community, and their stories and experiences should be valued and celebrated. Finding role models and community support can help cultivate pride in one’s queerness and create a sense of possibility and acceptance. It is important to separate the negative connotations of pride as arrogance from the positive sense of self-assuredness and celebration of one’s identity. Pride has its roots in resistance against discrimination and oppression, and it is important to remember and honor this history. Participating in Pride events and queer gatherings can be a powerful and sacred experience that connects individuals to a larger community and history.   Chapters (00:00) Introduction and Pride Month Plans (02:42) Celebrating Pride Month and Honoring Queer Elders (09:35) Cultivating Pride: Role Models and Community Support (15:06) From Arrogance to Self-Assuredness: Redefining Pride (33:00) The Sacred Rituals of Queer Gatherings   Resources: Join the Queerness Everyday Challenge at queertheology.com/challenge 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 Finding Your Pride appeared first on Queer Theology.

It’s no secret that we’re really big fans of spiritual practice. Especially one that really makes you feel connected to your queer spirituality! In this episode, we discuss the difference between spiritual practices and habits. We explore how spiritual practices can connect us to ourselves, something bigger than us, and other people. We share personal stories and examples of how spiritual practices have enriched our own lives. It is so important to have intentionality and repetition in spiritual practices, so we offer suggestions for infusing queerness into existing practices. And if you are ready to go even deeper, join our Queerness Everyday Challenge!   Takeaways Spiritual practices connect us to ourselves, something bigger than us, and other people. Habits and routines are different from spiritual practices because they may not serve the same purposes. Spiritual practices can be infused with queerness and can be personalized to fit our individual needs and experiences. Repetition and intentionality are key in developing meaningful and transformative spiritual practices. The Queerness Every Day Challenge is a great opportunity to explore and deepen our spiritual practices.   Chapters (0:25) Difference Between Spiritual Practices and Habits (8:18) The Power of Repetition and Intentionality (12:45) Personal Stories of Meaningful Spiritual Practices (26:16) Join the Queerness Every Day Challenge   Resources: Join the Queerness Everyday Challenge at queertheology.com/challenge 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 The 5 Minutes a Day That Will Change Your Life appeared first on Queer Theology.

We discuss the connection between queerness and spirituality in this episode… Yes- that is what we’re ALWAYS trying to get at! Here we share our personal experiences of feeling disconnected from queerness and spirituality in the past. Finding ways to integrate them into our everyday lives has been a journey and we’ve got some ways you can start to feel more connected to your queerness.    Takeaways Queerness and spirituality can be integrated and connected in meaningful ways. Taking intentional, embodied, communal, small and sustainable, and regular actions can deepen the connection between queerness and spirituality. The Queerness Every Day Challenge offers simple actions to help participants integrate queerness and spirituality. The challenge provides a supportive community and resources to explore the intersections of queerness and spirituality.   Chapters (00:00) Feeling Disconnected from Queerness (05:43) Integration of Queerness and Spirituality (11:33) Taking Action to Connect Queerness and Spirituality (19:16) Building Community and Taking Small, Sustainable, and Regular Actions   Resources: Join the Queerness Everyday Challenge at queertheology.com/challenge 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 How to Feel More Connected to Queerness Every Day appeared first on Queer Theology.

We are so excited to bring you a special interview on the pod this week! Not only did we get to preview the new season of “We’re Here,” but we got to interview one of the stars of the show, Latrice Royale. Latrice discusses the importance of the show and how it is shedding light on the struggles of the queer community as well as dispelling misinformation about drag. She also shares her journey of finding her purpose through drag and how it has allowed her to impact others’ lives. Our conversation explores the tension and pushback faced by the drag queens in Oklahoma and the importance of standing up for the community. Latrice emphasizes the need for people to step out of their bubbles, learn from one another, and be allies by voting for change.    Takeaways ‘We’re Here’ sheds light on the struggles of the queer community and dispels misinformation about drag. Drag can be a sacred calling and a ministry that impacts and improves lives. Religious teachings on homosexuality can create conflicts for queer individuals. Inclusive churches provide a welcoming and affirming space for queer people. Drag queens can inspire and motivate change in communities. Allies need to step up and support the queer community by voting for change.   Chapters (1:39) Introducing our wonderful guest, Latrice Royale (3:01) Conversation on queerness, spirituality, and rural America (15:16) Latrice discusses drag as a sacred calling (19:39) Exploration of religious experiences in “We’re Here” and their religious background (22:23) Discussion on rediscovering faith during challenging times (25:43) Latrice reflects on their experiences in an inclusive church   Resources: The new season of “We’re Here” is out on  Join the course 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’re Here Interview with Latrice Royale appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this conversation we explore the topic of prayer from our different perspectives as an atheist and an ordained Catholic priest. We discuss what prayer is and why people pray, as well as the need for alternatives to prayer. We also got 13 alternatives to prayer that you can put into your spiritual practice today (hint- you might already be doing some of them!). The important thing here is the intentionality. And sometimes experimentation in finding a prayer practice that works for each individual can be a really rewarding way to deepen your faith and prayer practice.    Takeaways Prayer is a way to connect with something bigger than ourselves and can take many forms. There are various reasons why someone might need or want alternatives to prayer, such as feeling disconnected from a previous prayer tradition or feeling like their current prayer practice has become stale. Experimenting with different prayer alternatives can help individuals find a practice that resonates with them and brings them a sense of connection and peace. Intentionality and consistency are key in developing a prayer practice, and it’s important to give new practices time to develop and evolve. Changing up prayer practices can lead to new insights and experiences, and it’s beneficial to try different approaches to prayer, even if you already have a prayer practice that works for you.   Chapters (09:54) Reasons for Seeking Alternatives to Prayer (35:38) Experimenting with Prayer Practices   Resources: Rituals for Resistance & Resilience on demand workshop Join Spiritual Study Hall to get access to all QueerTheology resources 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 13 Alternatives to Prayer appeared first on Queer Theology.

Y’all know we love asking questions. So in this episode we’re gonna to get into the importance of asking questions to deepen one’s faith. That might seem counterintuitive to what we’ve been taught because so much of conservative religious upbringing is to NOT ask questions. We explain how asking questions is crucial because it helps individuals clarify what is important to them and what they want to achieve. We also talk about one of our favorite practices (journaling!) and we have 7 questions you can ask yourself right now to start deepening your faith.   Takeaways Asking questions is an important part of deepening one’s faith and clarifying what is important to them. Writing down or speaking out loud one’s thoughts and beliefs can help in gaining clarity and making commitments. Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection and tracking personal growth. The seven questions discussed in the episode can be used to deepen one’s faith and explore different aspects of spirituality.Feeling close to God or the sacred is a personal and unique experience, and it’s important to reflect on specific moments, details, and emotions associated with those experiences. Understanding what closeness means to you and what aspects of those experiences were meaningful can help guide your spiritual journey and bring depth to your faith life. Curiosity plays a crucial role in deepening your religious tradition. Being curious about theological tenets, practices, or learning more about specific aspects can keep you engaged and open to growth. Identifying what you want more of in your faith life requires specificity and clarity. Breaking down your desires into actionable steps and defining when and how you will engage in those practices is essential. Recognizing and addressing barriers that have kept you from deepening your faith is crucial. This may involve external factors, such as lack of access or community, as well as internal obstacles, such as fear or uncertainty. Taking one specific action step at a time can move you closer to your spiritual goals. Scheduling and planning these steps, even in the face of resistance or uncertainty, increases the likelihood of follow-through. Being part of a supportive community and seeking accountability can provide encouragement and guidance in your spiritual journe   Chapters (04:21) The Power of Journaling for Self-Reflection (08:50) Question: When Have You Felt Closest to God? (15:13) Question: Moments of Wanting to Deepen Your Faith (20:51) Question: Continuing the Journey of Deepening Your Faith (25:24) Reflecting on Moments of Closeness to God (32:05) Cultivating Curiosity in Religious Traditions (35:06) Identifying Desires for a Deeper Faith Life (37:49) The Value of Community and Accountability in Spiritual Growth   Resources: Join Spiritual Study Hall to get access to all QueerTheology resources 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 7 Questions to Deepen Your Faith appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this episode, we get into our ever evolving relationship with the Bible. We reflect on our early experiences with the Bible as children, including the simplified and often traumatizing stories we were taught. As we grew older, both of us felt pressure to read the Bible regularly and experienced a ton of guilt when we didn’t meet those expectations. Brian shares how his discovery of his queerness led him to search for inclusion in the Bible, while Shannon explores his journey of reading the Bible academically and finding new meaning through artistic interpretation. We also discuss the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context of the Bible and the importance of knowing history to help make sense of faith.   Takeaways Early experiences with the Bible can be simplified and traumatizing, leading to a need for reevaluation and reinterpretation. Feeling guilty for not reading the Bible regularly is common, but it’s important to find a personal approach that feels authentic. Exploring the Bible academically and artistically can provide new perspectives and meaning. Understanding the historical and cultural context of the Bible is crucial for interpretation and avoiding misinterpretation. Having a grounding library of foundational documents provides a point of reference and a source of inspiration. Knowing our history helps us understand how people have made sense of faith and navigate big questions. Living with tensions and making decisions can be challenging, but community support and communal discernment can provide guidance. Engaging in discussions and learning from diverse perspectives can expand our minds and lead to personal growth.   Chapters (00:27) Early relationship with the Bible   (04:07) Searching for inclusion   (05:32) Viewing the Bible as a creative story   (06:02) Source material for creative works   (06:30) Reading the Bible from a Jewish perspective   (07:00) Different interpretations of the Bible   (09:21) Navigating Christian and Jewish perspectives   (10:48) Transitioning and reimagining the Bible   (13:23) Memorizing Bible verses and devotionals   (14:49) Engaging with the Bible academically   (16:14) Finding new meaning through artistic interpretation   (24:27) The power of texts and foundational documents   (30:07) Knowing history and making sense of faith   (34:20) Living with tensions and making decisions   (44:10) The importance of community and communal discernment   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 The Good, The Bad, The Ugly of The Bible appeared first on Queer Theology.

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.

We got some big news here: Brian is writing a book! He shares his big and exciting news of signing a book deal to write about polyamory and spirituality. A topic we have been keen to talk about for years now, even if it got us some pretty good push-back! Brian discusses his journey to polyamory and the lack of resources from a Christian and queer male perspective. We explore the challenges and stigma of polyamory in Christian spaces and the anxiety surrounding sexuality. Brian explains the unique approach of his book, which goes beyond a how-to guide and delves into the connections between polyamory and spirituality.  Takeaways Brian has signed a book deal to write a book about polyamory and spirituality. Polyamory is often stigmatized and misunderstood in Christian spaces. There is a need for resources that explore the connections between polyamory and spirituality from a Christian and queer male perspective. Integrating polyamory and spirituality involves understanding and aligning personal values with relationship structures.   Chapters (00:00) Introduction and Brian’s Big News (03:36) Brian’s Journey to Polyamory (09:56) Challenges and Stigma of Polyamory in Christian Spaces (14:11) Anxiety about Sexuality in Christian Spaces (22:47) Brian’s Book and its Unique Approach (25:21) The Connection between Polyamory and Spirituality (29:23) What Monogamous People Can Learn from Polyamory (35:43) Integrating Polyamory and Spirituality (38:03) Stay Updated on Brian’s Book (40:32) Closing Remarks Resources: Get more info on when Brian’s book at briangerald.com/book 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. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Love Beyond Monogamy appeared first on Queer Theology.

Fr. Shay talks with Angela J Herrington and discusses her new book, “Deconstructing Your Faith Without Losing Yourself.” Angela shares her personal journey of faith and the experiences that led her to write the book. She talks about her definition of deconstruction as the process of examining and questioning beliefs to determine what is worth keeping. She also addresses common misconceptions about deconstruction and explains why it has become a popular topic of discussion. We touch on the importance of slowing down, embracing uncertainty, and finding joy in the deconstruction process. Her book aims to support individuals navigating deconstruction.   Takeaways Deconstruction is the process of examining and questioning beliefs to determine what is worth keeping. Common misconceptions about deconstruction include viewing it as lazy or the easy way out. Slowing down, embracing uncertainty, and finding joy in the deconstruction process are important for personal growth. Angela’s book, ‘Deconstructing Your Faith Without Losing Yourself,’ offers a practice-based approach to deconstruction and aims to support individuals in their journey. Deconstruction conversations have gained momentum due to the church’s failure to address issues of injustice and the rise of online platforms. It is important to prioritize mental health and seek therapy or coaching support during the deconstruction process. The book is for individuals who are questioning their beliefs, struggling with self-doubt, or feeling stuck in their deconstruction journey. Angela’s website, angelajherrington.com, provides additional resources and information about her work.   Chapters (2:54) The Journey of Faith and Church Experiences (08:48) Questions and Doubts in the Church (13:22) Understanding Deconstruction (17:46) The Rise of Deconstruction Conversations (20:32) Writing the Book and Its Purpose (27:01) Embracing Uncertainty and Slowing Down (35:07) The Book’s Audience and Impact (37:38) Where to Find More Information (40:20) Outro   Resources: Deconstructing Your Faith Without Losing Yourself by Angela Herrington Website, https://angelajherrington.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. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Deconstruct Your Faith Without Losing Yourself with Angela Herrington appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re gonna queer Lent in this episode, y’all! We discuss how to make Lenten practices more inclusive and meaningful for queer and trans individuals and talk about our own personal Lenten practices. We got some ideas for you on how to connect your queerness with spirituality during this season. We also get into the importance of community care, the value of queer organizations, and the significance of reading queer and trans theology. One of our biggest themes is how important it is to take care of our bodies. So it is especially important to  re-inhabit and care for our bodies as part of a queer Lenten practice.    Takeaways Lent is traditionally observed as the 40 days leading up to Easter, and it is a time of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Queering Lent involves making the practice more inclusive and meaningful for queer and trans individuals. Additive practices, such as reading queer and trans theology or supporting queer organizations, can be incorporated into Lenten observance. Re-inhabiting and caring for our bodies is an important aspect of a queer Lenten practice.   Chapters: (02:28) Personal Lenten Practices (09:21) Queering Lent (16:16) Connecting Lent and Queerness (19:38) Additive Practices (24:08) Investing in Community (25:20) Re-inhabiting the Body (27:36) Conclusion and Plug for Sanctuary Collective Resources: 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. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Queering Lent appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’ve got our first crossover episode this week! Fr. Shay is introducing his new podcast, ‘In the Margins,’ and talks about how this podcast is set up like a weekly sermon, mixed with some storytelling, mixed with reading these familiar texts from the margins. For his first episode, “In Christ and in Colossae,” he is diving into Colossians 1:1-2 and confronting the harms these texts have caused. Follow Fr. Shay’s podcast for a new episode each week!    Resources: In The Margins with Shannon TL Kearns 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. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post In the Margins appeared first on Queer Theology.

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of all bodies and embodiment and in this episode we discuss the intersection of bodies and spirituality. We both have had personal experiences with shame and disconnection from our bodies, particularly in relation to  gender identity. Fr. Shay talks about how transitioning helped him become more aware of and connected to his body and also helped him explore the concept of ‘embodied spirituality’ in Catholicism where there is emphasis on taking care of the body as it ages. We want to emphasize by having this conversation the need for self-care and the belief that the body is WORTHY of care.  Takeaways Shame and disconnection from the body can be common experiences, particularly for queer individuals who have been taught to despise their bodies. Transitioning can be a transformative experience that helps individuals become more aware of and connected to their bodies. Embodied spirituality is an important aspect of Catholicism, with rituals and practices that involve the physical body. Taking care of the body is essential, especially as it ages, and it is important to recognize that the body is worthy of care. Starting small and building confidence in caring for the body can open up possibilities for self-discovery and self-acceptance.   Chapters (01:01) Shame and Disconnection from the Body (03:23) Transitioning and Reconnecting with the Body (05:20) Embodied Spirituality in Catholicism (06:28) Using the Body in Spiritual Practices (08:21) Taking Care of the Body and Aging (11:06) The Importance of Self-Care and Worthiness (13:22) Viewing the Body as a Temple (15:20) Creating Rituals for the Body (17:20) Starting Small and Building Confidence (22:05) Opening Up Possibilities through Small Steps (23:18) Invitation to join Soulful Sexuality Resources: Learn more and join Soulful Sexuality Join Spiritual Study Hall 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. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Caring For Your Body as a Sacred Act appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re coming to you this Thursday with a special episode and a special announcement! Registration for our new course, Soulful Sexuality, opens today! In it we’re gonna explore the intersections of sexuality, spirituality, and faith from a queer perspective. We invite you to join us as we reconnect to our bodies and challenge the negative teachings around sex and sexuality. This is a course that will be a sex-positive and inclusive space for open dialogue. You can learn more and register at queertheology.com/soulful-sexuality.    Learn more and register for Soulful Sexuality The post Soulful Sexuality appeared first on Queer Theology.

This episode explores the difference between rules and ethics in the context of faith and spirituality. We share our personal experiences with rule-based perspectives and the anxiety and fear that can come with them. We discuss the presence of rules in both conservative and progressive spaces, highlighting the moral purity often found in the latter. This conversation emphasizes the importance of shifting from a rule-based perspective to one rooted in values and ethics. And we’re here to help you with all of that inside Soulful Sexuality! Takeaways Rules and ethics can play a significant role in shaping our decisions and actions in matters of faith and spirituality. Both conservative and progressive spaces can have their own sets of rules, which can lead to anxiety and fear. Shifting from a rule-based perspective to one rooted in values and ethics allows for greater agency and personal growth. Living out our values and ethics from a place of abundance and joy can lead to liberation and a sense of enoughness.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Difference between rules and ethics 01:26 Personal experiences with rules and ethics 06:15 Progressive spaces and rules 08:10 Fear and anxiety around rules 09:06 Shifting away from rule-based perspective 11:16 Living out values and ethics 17:13 Progressive spaces and moral purity 18:16 Religious and secular anxieties around rule following 22:46 Starting from a place of inclusion 25:02 Shifting from rules to ethics in community 29:08 Living out values from a place of abundance 30:18 Invitation to Soulful Sexuality Resources: Learn more and join Soulful Sexuality Join Spiritual Study Hall 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. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922 Episode Transcript The post Rigid Rules Vs. Sexual Ethics appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this episode, we explore the genealogy of Jesus and the inclusion of “scandalous” women in the biblical narrative. Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, Tamar, and Mary. We dive extra into Rahab’s story, emphasizing her transformation from a sex worker to a great-(great…great…)grandmother of Jesus. The impact of Jesus’ family tree on his worldview and his encounters with scandalous women are discussed. The conversation also delves into the sanitization of biblical stories and the harm it can cause. We get into the power dynamics of controlling sexuality and the intersection of shame and silence. And finally, we talk about the importance of telling our own stories and embracing embodied spirituality. Takeaways The genealogy of Jesus includes scandalous women, challenging traditional notions of purity and righteousness. Sexual scandal has often been used as a means of maintaining power and control. The sanitization of biblical stories can lead to the erasure of the fullness and complexity of women’s experiences. Embracing our sexuality and desires can lead to a more embodied and inclusive spirituality. Chapters (01:56) The inclusion of women in the genealogy (03:25) The story of Rahab and his significance in the genealogy (05:19) The impact of Jesus’ family tree on his worldview (06:47) Jesus’ encounters with scandalous women and how sexual scandal is a threat to political power (08:48) The sanitization of biblical stories and the complexity of biblical characters (11:00) The importance of telling our own stories (13:56) The intersection of shame and silence (16:06) The inclusion of scandalous women in scripture and exploring sexuality and gender in the Bible (18:43) The control of bodies and desires for power (21:28) The fixation on certain sexual issues (22:23) Reflecting on personal sexual histories (24:52) Releasing shame and embracing embodied spirituality (29:18) Creating space for sexuality and desire in spirituality (30:16) Announcement: Soulful Sexuality Course   Resources: Learn more and join Soulful Sexuality Join Spiritual Study Hall Join the Sanctuary Collective Community In the Margins: A Transgender Man’s Journey With Scripture by Fr. Shannon TL Kearns 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. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Sexual Scandal and Uncovering Shame appeared first on Queer Theology.

For this episode, we have a special guest! Brian interviews Kevin Garcia (they/them) about their new book “What Makes You Bloom?” They discuss Kevin’s background, their concept of God, and the importance of finding wonder in nature. They also explore Kevin’s Christian upbringing and their journey to freedom through deconstruction. Kevin shares the challenges of leaving the church and why they ultimately stopped believing in “staying to create change.” They discuss the heartbreak of leaving and the importance of spiritual practice. Kevin shares surprises they encountered while writing the book and who it is for, and emphasizes the power of learning and doing in spiritual growth.   Takeaways Exploring the concept of God and finding wonder in nature are important aspects of spirituality. Deconstruction is a challenging but necessary process for many individuals on their spiritual journey. Staying in church can be a way to create change and support the LGBTQ+ community. Slowing down and taking time to soak in spiritual teachings can lead to a more powerful experience. The book ‘What Makes You Bloom?’ is for those seeking to connect with something greater than themselves and offers practical activities for spiritual growth.   Chapters (03:19) Exploring the Concept of God (06:00) Finding Wonder in Nature (08:03) Christian Upbringing and Journey to Freedom (09:44) The Process of Deconstruction (13:05) The Challenges of Leaving the Church (14:53) Staying in Church to Create Change (16:58) The Heartbreak of Leaving (21:58) The Importance of ‘What Makes You Bloom?’ (22:38) Flirting with Spiritual, Not Religious (31:10) The Role of Practice in Spirituality (34:06) The Importance of Slowing Down (40:45) Surprises While Writing ‘What Makes You Bloom?’ (42:45) Who is the Book For? (46:35) The Power of Learning and Doing (48:21) Conclusion and Where to Find the Book   Resources: Pre-Order What Makes You Bloom? By Kevin Garcia and get more information about them at their website.  Follow Kevin Garcia on Social: IG @thekevingarcia, Twitter @theKevinGarcia 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. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post What Makes You Bloom with Kevin Garcia appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this episode, we’re exploring the topic of desire and going beyond sexual desire to encompass desire in all its various forms. We discuss the negative messages and fear surrounding desire, in both conservative and progressive religious circles and how that also reverberates into other areas of our lives. We emphasize the importance of reconnecting with and honoring one’s desires, as well as the role of intuition in guiding desires. We also explore the intersection of spirituality and desire, highlighting the connection between desire and the essence of creation. We also give you a heads up about our new course, Soulful Sexuality: Cultivating an Embodied Spirituality for all Genders and Sexualities.  Takeaways Desire is often misunderstood and stigmatized, both in conservative and progressive religious circles. Reconnecting with and honoring one’s desires is essential for personal growth and well-being. Desire is not inherently bad or selfish; it can be a source of joy, fulfillment, and connection. Exploring and embracing desire can deepen one’s spirituality and understanding of the divine.   Episode Highlights: (01:17) Fear and disconnection from desire – a common challenge in self-discovery. (03:13) Negative messages about desire can hinder personal growth and fulfillment. (04:12) Cutting off intuition may obstruct the natural flow of one’s desires. (05:32) Personal messaging about desire plays a crucial role in shaping our perceptions. (08:07) Progressive circles and desire – exploring how societal influences impact our desires. (10:01) The ongoing process of discovering desire is a lifelong journey. (12:23) Starting small is an effective approach to tune into your desires. (13:13) Being gentle with yourself is essential in navigating the complexities of desire. (15:18) Journaling serves as a valuable practice for understanding and expressing desires. (18:31) Saying yes and no to desire is a nuanced aspect of personal growth. (21:59) Spirituality and desire are interconnected in the exploration of one’s inner self. (25:50) Desire as the essence of creation – a profound perspective on the nature of desires. (28:31) Reframing the story of desire can empower individuals to embrace their true selves. (32:25) Desire and sexuality in Christianity – a complex intersection worth exploring. (34:17) Upcoming course: Soulful Sexuality promises to delve into the depth of desire. (35:04) Deepening spirituality through desire offers a holistic approach to personal development.   Resources: Spiritual Study Hall  Set up your account on our new resource platform: https://my.queertheology.com/home   Join the community at Sanctuary Collective.  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. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Holy Desire appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re sharing our favorite aspects of queer and trans faith and spiritual practices. We talk about how we’ve developed our own spiritual practices over the years, really leaning into what feels best for us and how they align with our values. The important part of creating spiritual practices is that they must be in line with your values! And sometimes finding spiritual practices means going beyond the traditional notions of what those ought to look like. We also discuss the significance of planning and setting goals, starting small and building over time, and connecting to past and future generations. Shay shares his love for journaling as a spiritual practice, while Brian discusses the power of repeating prayers and wearing physical reminders of spirituality. We invite y’all to reflect on your intentions for queer faith in the new year!   Takeaways Spiritual practices can go beyond traditional notions and encompass living in line with one’s values and engaging in intentional actions. Setting goals and planning can help individuals be more intentional with their time and live into their values. Starting small and building over time is a more sustainable approach to new spiritual practices. Connecting to past and future generations can provide a sense of continuity and inspiration in one’s spiritual journey. Journaling and reflective practices can be powerful tools for self-reflection and envisioning the future. Queerness, transness, and Christianity can intersect and inform one’s spiritual practices and understanding of faith. Reflecting on intentions for queer faith in the new year can help individuals set meaningful goals and engage in transformative practices.   Chapters (1:00) Reflection on the past year (1:28) Rituals and intentions for the New Year (8:00) Living in line with values and expanding the definition of spiritual practices (12:03) Planning and setting goals (15:03) Starting small and building over time (17:36) Connecting to past and future generations (26:55) Journaling and reflective practices (29:15) Queerness, transness, and Christianity (31:10) Inviting queer faith in the New Year   Resources: Spiritual Study Hall  Set up your account on our new resource platform: https://my.queertheology.com/home   Join the community at Sanctuary Collective.  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. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922     EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Queer Spiritual Ritual appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re queering Christmas for this episode of the podcast! First, we’re gonna explore the queer and political aspects of Christmas by examining the gospel of Luke and Matthew from the Bible. Then we discuss the meaning of Christmas and the birth of Jesus, emphasizing the radical and political nature of the story. Finally, we really dive into the birth narratives in both of these books of Luke and Matthew, highlighting the differences and the theological and political messages conveyed in each. This conversation explores the significance of the shepherds and the Magi, as well as the political implications of the angel’s message. We also get into the personal and pastoral relevance of Christmas for queer and trans individuals, emphasizing the importance of chosen family and the call to challenge unjust structures in society.   Takeaways Christmas has a radical and political nature that is often overlooked in the consumer-driven culture. The birth narratives in the books of Luke and Matthew offer different perspectives and emphasize different theological and political messages. The shepherds and the Magi represent marginalized and powerful individuals, respectively, who recognize the significance of Jesus’ birth. Christmas holds personal and pastoral significance for queer and trans individuals, providing an opportunity to reimagine traditions and challenge unjust structures. Chapters (0:00) Introduction and Meaning of Christmas (5:54) A few points about the two scriptures that need to be said (11:41) Diving into Scripture: Luke (23:26) Diving into Scripture: Matthew (25:20) Comparing the Birth Stories (32:33) The Radical Nature of Christmas (35:44) Personal and Pastoral Significance of Christmas (38:31) Outro   Resources: Set up your account on our new resource platform: https://my.queertheology.com/home   Join Spiritual Study Hall to access Reclaim the Bible  Join the community at Sanctuary Collective.  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. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922 The post Queering Christmas appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this episode, we discuss the challenges and stress that can come with the holiday season, particularly for queer and trans individuals. We share personal stories of past stressful holidays and how we’ve learned to navigate and set boundaries with our families. We emphasize the importance of having a plan and a support system in place, as well as the need to do the inner work to recognize one’s worthiness and the right to set boundaries. We share the outline of the four steps of Soul Safe, which include identifying what’s at stake, doing the inner work, setting boundaries, and creating a soul-safe plan. But we also want to highlight the importance of flexibility and the ability to change boundaries over time.   Takeaways Holidays can be particularly stressful for queer and trans individuals due to family dynamics, pressure to be happy, and the amplification of past traumas. Having a plan and a support system in place is crucial for navigating stressful holiday situations. Setting boundaries is essential for self-care and maintaining emotional well-being during the holidays. Boundaries can change over time, and it is important to prioritize one’s own health and wholeness.   Chapters (1:10) Sharing stressful holiday stories (03:31) The importance of having a plan and support system (08:24) Finding support outside of family (10:31) The amplification of family dynamics during holidays (16:10) The challenges of setting boundaries (19:11) The four steps of soul safe (32:54) The importance of flexibility and changing boundaries Resources: Set up your account on our new resource platform: https://my.queertheology.com/home Unaffirming Friends and Family resource: https://my.queertheology.com/checkout/unaffirming-friends-and-family  Join the community at Sanctuary Collective.  Discuss this episode in Circle: https://my.queertheology.com/c/podcast/ 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. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Help For When the Holidays Suck appeared first on Queer Theology.

We both are huge believers in being life-long learners and not just for the benefit of expanding knowledge. We’ve found continued learning, curiosity, and asking questions has had a positive impact on our spiritual lives as well. One thing that really supports learning is being in community with others who are wrestling with and asking similar questions. So we invite you to join us! We’ve got a new and exciting way to connect with community and resources. And as you think about what role learning has played in your life, how can you take it a step further? In this episode, we also answer a listener’s question about dealing with unaffirming family and faith.  Resources: Set up your account on our new resource platform: https://my.queertheology.com/home Unaffirming Friends and Family resource: https://my.queertheology.com/checkout/unaffirming-friends-and-family  Join the community at Sanctuary Collective.    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.   Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Expanding Your Idea of What’s Possible appeared first on Queer Theology.

It’s that time of year when people start thinking about setting goals and resolutions so Brian is taking this episode and discussing his thoughts on how we can take better care of ourselves and our communities! He invites you to reflect back on the year with some questions and reflections around loving yourself and loving your neighbor. Modern life is HARD and full of distractions so taking care of yourself and taking care of others needs to be an intentional priority.  Resources: New resource platform: https://my.queertheology.com/home Podcast series on Rituals for Resistance & Resilience:  https://www.queertheology.com/podcast/445/  https://www.queertheology.com/podcast/447/  https://www.queertheology.com/podcast/448/    Join the community at Sanctuary Collective.    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. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Learning To Love Yourself & Others Well appeared first on Queer Theology.

Father Shay shares a sermon based on Matthew 21:33-46 for this episode. Has there ever been a time someone told you the truth about yourself that hurt you or you didn’t want to hear? Sometimes the truth can hurt or be hard to hear but we must learn to listen to the truth-tellers.    Join the community at Sanctuary Collective.    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. Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Listening to the Truthtellers appeared first on Queer Theology.

Worship music might be killing your soul, but attending an unaffirming church, reading material that is unaffirming, and hate-following accounts that are actively harmful against the LGBTQ community is killing your soul too! People often tell us that it’s hard to leave behind worship music and that it helps them feel connected to God, but we’re here to tell you that you kinda have to. Seriously, you’ll feel so much better and might even build some really life giving spiritual practices in the meantime.   We also answer a listener question: if the Bible can be wrong, does that mean that God can make mistakes too?   Resources: Workshop: Digging the Details Online Course: Journey Into the Bible Book recommendations: https://bookshop.org/shop/queertheology    Want to have your question featured on an episode? Call or text us at (240)200-0922   Join the community at Sanctuary Collective.    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 Worship Music Is Killing Your Soul appeared first on Queer Theology.

One of the things that comes up the most often in our work with people is that they have this feeling of loneliness, a feeling of not being connected to others or able to find a community. We very strongly feel that it’s important to be connected to a community, but what happens when you outgrow a community before finding a new one? We’re dedicating this episode to talking about making new friends and the importance of friendship and spiritual supporters! We got some practical tips for finding friends, deepening your friendships, and avoiding a few pitfalls in the process.    Join the community at Sanctuary Collective.    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 Find Your People (And Change Your Life) appeared first on Queer Theology.

Thinking about your religion as only a personal relationship with God is dangerous to you and to others. There are so many ways claiming a personal connection to God can be powerful and life-giving, but you have to really examine if minimizing religions and rituals that come with other religions are actually a way to minimize communities and avoid accountability. In this episode, we talk about how important it is to have a personal connection to the Divine, but also how important it is to recognize the beauty of community that can come with religion and ritual practices.    Resources: Podcast series on rituals: Ep. 445: Rituals for Resistance and Resilience  Ep. 447: The Surprising Meaning Behind What We Have Ep. 448: You Might Have More Rituals Than You Think  Ep. 449: Creating Your Own Rituals Rituals for Resistance & Resilience  on-demand workshop.    Join the community at Sanctuary Collective.    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.   Photo by Kaboompics .com Episode Transcript The post Is It A Relationship or a Religion? appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re coming up on All Souls Day and this has us thinking about death, dying, and grief. What was your experience around death growing up? For us, it was all about celebrating the people who were now in heaven with little room for grieving. But the grief and loss was still very much there. We talk about the importance of rituals and community when it comes to grief. A supportive community and rituals can help you heal amidst loss and the good news is that these rituals do not have to be religious to be holy and healing!   Join us for an All Souls Worship Experience that comes when you join the community at Sanctuary Collective.    Podcast episode: Scary Things- The Great Snatch & The End of the World   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 Why We Remember Those We’ve Lost? appeared first on Queer Theology.

It’s not enough to leave a church or faith that is harmful, you still have to unlearn the bad theology that was taught in those spaces. Why? Because that sh*t is going to keep coming up and having an impact on you and you’ll still be in a place of anger and fear!  In this episode we get into the ways you can recognize where shame, anger, and fear are still coming up for you and what you can do next.. Psst- it has to do with learning HOW to read the Bible better!    We also answer a couple listener questions about the 1946 documentary film and how to get back to your Christian roots as an LGBTQ+ person of faith without returning to a harmful church.   Resources: Want to have your question featured on the podcast? Send us a voicemail or text message at  (240)200-0922 or submit through queertheology.com/listen www.queertheology.com/resources Digging the Details Clobbering the Clobber Passages Active Advocacy Flip Your Faith waitlist Book Recommendations at bookshop.org/shop/queertheology   Join the community at Sanctuary Collective.    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.   Photo by Tara Winstead EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Moving Past Terrible Theology appeared first on Queer Theology.

Last week we talked all about harm reduction. But we don’t want you to just go from hurting to numb- we want you to get you all the way to thriving! And for this you really gotta lean in and parse out what exactly you want, what exactly you are feeling. Previous faith communities might have made you feel isolated and alone, but there may also have been moments of joy and love. What are those things? Can you name them and bring them out? It’s so important to recognize the nuance and how the places we came from that might have hurt us, can be complicated and multifaceted. You can reclaim some of that joy while also keeping strong boundaries in place. And, while we are talking about religion or churches that might have caused harm, this can be a really healthy practice you can apply beyond rebuilding a spiritual home.    Flip Your Faith – join the waitlist Rituals for Resistance & Resilience   Join the community at Sanctuary Collective.    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 Tools For Rebuilding A Spiritual Home appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re getting into our feelings in this episode talking about that sense of homesickness for a place/home/church you can’t go back to. A place that might have caused you harm, a place you are still healing from. And this is a great reminder that no matter how much you are thriving, there might still be some hurt that you are harboring or wounds that need to be healed. Are you healed from the places that hurt you? What ARE those feelings that come up for you when you hear or think about a former faith home or family? We have some tips on how to figure out where you are at in this healing journey and where to start if you are still activated by your former faith life. Because your feelings are valid- but you deserve to thrive!    Click here for the Feelings List   Join the community at Sanctuary Collective.    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   Photo by Alexander Krivitskiy The post Healing from the Places that Hurt You appeared first on Queer Theology.

One thing we often hear is that people are so overwhelmed they can’t possibly start making changes or living their authentic life right now. But that is often EXACTLY the time to start! We’re not talking about doing something rash or unsafe, but taking one small first step. Sometimes you might not know what the next steps will be until you take that first step!    In this episode, we talk about how to notice if “not the right time” is “exactly the right time.” We got some questions to help you determine if now is the time to begin the move from surviving to thriving and we’re here to support you in all this. It can be scary to start, but it is SO worth it. We’re encouraging you to take that bold, brave, baby step into growth!    We put together a checklist of a few different exercises you could try out — that all take less than 5 minutes — and it’s available to Patreon supporters and Sanctuary Collective members. If you’re not already a member, you can sign up at Sanctuary Collective.    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   Photo by Andrea Piacquadio The post Moving From Surviving to Thriving appeared first on Queer Theology.

As we head into the new season we are reflecting and setting intentions for the fall. Maybe it’s the years we spent in school, but September just kinda always feels like the beginning of the year in a way!   This summer we hosted a bunch of amazing guests, we held the Queerness Every Day Challenge, and we kicked off a cohort of Flip Your Faith. One of the things that we continually notice is how often people feel they are alone. Alone in a journey, alone in deconstruction, alone in their questions. And when they find that they are not alone, that there are others going through a similar journey, it is a transformative experience of community building! So we encourage you to set some intentions with us and start something small that will lead to a much bigger goal or practice.    Add your name to our email list at queertheology.com  Have a question for us? Send a voicemail or text at (240)200-0922 Add your name to the waitlist for the next cohort of Flip Your Faith: queertheology.com/waitlist  Send us an email at connect@queertheology.com Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.    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   Photo by Ece AK from Pexels The post Start Small… but Start appeared first on Queer Theology.

For the final episode of our Summer Guest Series we are joined by Cindy Wang Brandt. Cindy describes herself as ‘someone who wants to find interesting things and do them’ and, as we found in this interview, she definitely does that and has so much wisdom from her experiences!   Cindy Wang Brandt is an author, podcaster, and speaker. She hosts conferences and communities that help parents heal from religious trauma to raise children with healthy spirituality.   We discuss how religious trauma shows up and how it can be defined. We unpack what it means to go forward with healthy spirituality and parent in a way that is not harmful. Cindy talks about deconstructing and setting boundaries after leaving the evangelical church and how that has made her a more gentle parent to the child within herself, and to her own children. We often get questions about parenting and it is a real pleasure to get some expert advice and wisdom from Cindy. This is for parents, the children of parents, and those who are thinking of the possibility of being a parent- everyone!   Resources: Website: https://cindywangbrandt.com/ Book: Parenting Forward, by Cindy Wang Brandt Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-forward/id1403686245 Parenting Forward online community: https://cindywangbrandt.com/  Substack: https://substack.com/@cindywangbrandt  Facebook Group: Raising Children Unfundamentalist   Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.    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 Recovering from Religious Trauma with Cindy Wang Brandt appeared first on Queer Theology.

Candice Marie Benbow is on the podcast this week talking about growing up in the Black Baptist Church, Red Lip Theology, and the beauty of faith in marginalized folks.   Candice is a multi-genre theologian who situates her work at the intersections of beauty, faith, feminism and culture, giving voice to Black women’s shared experiences of healing and journeying toward wholeness. Reimagining how faith can be a tool of liberation and transformation for women and girls, she challenges Black women to think critically about how they see God, themselves and the world. She is the author of “Red Lip Theology: For Church Girls Who’ve Considered Tithing to the Beauty Supply Store When Sunday Morning Isn’t Enough”. Candice is all about seeing God as so much bigger than the small God we were taught. How some churches need better doctrine, need better theology, and to stop preaching a faith that continues divisions. Her messages about inclusivity and critical questions are inspiring and beautiful! Resources: “Red Lip Theology” by Candice Marie Benbow Social: Twitter: @CandiceBenbow, IG: instagram.com/candicebenbow Website: https://candicebenbow.com/ Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.   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 Red Lip Theology with Candice Benbow appeared first on Queer Theology.

We are talking with Candace Simpson on this episode of our Guest Series about a God who gives a damn with no room for cheap, easy theology!  Candace (she/they) is a sister, educator and preacher. She went to Trinity College and Union Theological Seminary and served as site coordinator for the Concord Freedom School for several years. It is their joy to design immersive participatory experiences where people can “be responsible for their own learning.” She is one of the associate ministers at Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Brooklyn, New York. Most recently, Minister Simpson served on a team of Faith and Justice Educators at a faith-based non-profit. She’s most interested in the possibilities (and limits) of Christian Education infrastructure as a form of political education. We are loving this conversation about finding queerness in the Bible and using that to connect with faith in really beautiful ways. Candace talks about what keeps them Christian, sleep as spiritual practice, and the existential anxiety that comes with facing a world that can’t seem to recognize how close the possibility is of heaven on Earth. In her words, “Heaven is a revolution that must begin here on Earth.” I mean.. SO MUCH YES!! Resources: Fish Sandwich Heaven website: https://www.fishsandwichheaven.com/  Website: https://faithandleadership.com/authors/candace-simpson Social: Instagram: @candycornball, Twitter: @CandyCornball Rev. Dr. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes: https://www.gabbycudjoewilkes.com/about  Rev. Dr. Prathia Hall: https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Eden-Collected-Sermons-Prathia-ebook/dp/B09VJSJTJ7  Rev. Dr. Courtney Pace: https://bwim.info/this-is-what-a-minister-looks-like-courtney-pace/  Dr. James Hal Cone: https://liberationtheology.org/people-organizations/james-hal-cone-2/  Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.  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 God Who Gives A Damn with Candace Simpson appeared first on Queer Theology.

It is such a privilege to have Bishop Karen Oliveto on the podcast for this guest series episode. She describes herself as a pastor, preacher, teacher, and activist who works with diverse communities to change the world through her work as a Bishop in the United Methodist Church and we think adding ‘cultivator of joy’ to that list is also appropriate!   Bishop Oliveto was consecrated as a bishop of The United Methodist Church and assigned to the Mountain Sky Episcopal Area, which includes 355 congregations in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and a small section of Idaho. She is the first woman to serve as senior pastor of one of The United Methodist Church’s 100 largest congregations. Bishop Oliveto has the distinction of being the first openly lesbian bishop in The United Methodist Church and is the co-author of Talking About Homosexuality: A Congregational Resource, as well as the author of Our Strangely Warmed Hearts: Coming Out into God’s Call and Together at the Table: Diversity without Division in The United Methodist Church.    Bishop Oliveto talks about how she was called to ministry at a young age, despite growing up in a home with an atheist father. She reminds us how far we’ve come, but how important it is to stay vigilant in the face of injustice. We are so here for her words of wisdom on love, community, queer sacred spirituality, and – that common theme in this episode!- JOY!     Resources: Social: Twitter: @BishopOliveto Facebook: facebook.com/BishopOliveto/ Instagram: bishopkarenoliveto Bishop Karen Oliveto at the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church.  Books: Our Strangely Warmed Hearts, Together at the Table, by Karen P. Oliveto. Talking About Homosexuality: A Congregational Resource by Karen Oliveto, Traci C. West, and Kelly D. Turney Somebody Somewhere podcast episode with Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen    Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.    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 Cultivating Joy with Bishop Karen Oliveto appeared first on Queer Theology.

It. Is. HERE! Y’all, we are at our 500th podcast episode and it just so happens to also coincide with our 10 year anniversary of Queertheology.com! (a whole decade!! ) Over the last couple months we’ve been anticipating this as a pretty incredible milestone and we’re so excited to celebrate 500 episodes of queer joy, queer spirituality, and community! For this episode, we reflect on what life was like a decade ago, what it is like now, and our hopes for the next 10 years. We’ve got some of our friends joining us to share their experiences too, you might recognize some of their voices as past guests on the podcast. We hope you’ll join us in looking back at the progress we’ve made, celebrating where we are at, and joining us in the work that’ll shape the next decade! Join the online community Sanctuary Collective. 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 10 Years and 500 Episodes appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re so excited to invite y’all to join us for our Queerness Everyday Challenge! It’s a big ol’ celebration of queerness and the sacred, of community and finding more queer joy, of recognizing queerness in yourself whether you are just starting your journey or have been out and proud for a long time. We’re inviting EVERYONE to join in this fun challenge of finding more queerness between your faith life and spirituality. What are you waiting for? Join us!!   Join the Queerness Everyday Challenge: https://www.queertheology.com/challenge/    Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.    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 Bonus Episode: Queerness Everyday Challenge appeared first on Queer Theology.

We have Kate Boyd as our guest this week for a conversation that will really resonate with folks who have seen contradictions between what was in the real world versus what was taught in church.  Kate is the author of “An Untidy Faith” and host of the Happy & Holy podcast. She helps weary and wounded Christians rebuild their relationship with Scripture and community and love God and their neighbors with their whole selves. She is currently pursuing a masters in theological studies with an emphasis in biblical studies at Perkins School of Theology.  We talk about making sense of your faith in light of questions and how important it is to ask questions and make space for questions. Kate, like many of us, were taught that the body doesn’t matter- only the soul matters. But what she has found is that the gospel is good news for our bodies and taking care of them is just as important as taking care of our souls.    Resources: Book: anuntidyfaith.com   Website: kateboyd.co Instagram: @kateboyd.co Twitter: @thekateboyd Untidy Faith Newsletter: kateboyd.co/newsletter Podcast: kateboyd.co/podcast   Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.  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 An Untidy Faith with Kate Boyd appeared first on Queer Theology.

One prominent voice in the polyamory community is that of Kevin A. Patterson. Kevin is an active member of the Philadelphia polyamory community. He’s been practicing ethical nonmonogamy since 2002 after opening up a relationship that eventually became his marriage. He was inspired to start Poly Role Models, an interview series for people describing their experiences with polyamory and was part of a drive and a desire to change the way poly lives and communities are viewed. He has written both a non-fiction book, Love’s Not Color Blind, and fiction books that are a sci-fi novel series. Kevin shares how he came to be part of a polyamorous relationship and how that has enriched his life in more ways than he could have imagined. Storytelling is a big part of Kevin’s work and we discuss how it can open up a whole world for people who may feel isolated or marginalized in their experiences. Brian was thrilled to get the chance to sit down with one of HIS poly role models to talk more about the conversations around the polyamory community and the power of sharing those stories. Resources: Books by Kevin A Patterson: Love’s Not Colorblind, For Hire: Operator, For Hire: Audition. Website: https://www.kevinapatterson.com/ Social Media: IG: Poly Role Models, Twitter: @PolyRoleModels, Tumblr: polyrolemodels Dirty Lola: https://www.dirtylola.co/ Multiamory: https://www.multiamory.com/ Alicia Bunyan Sampson: https://www.aliciabunyansampson.com/ Cunning Minx podcast Polyamory Weekly   Join the online community Sanctuary Collective. 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 The Power of Polyamorous Stories with Kevin Patterson appeared first on Queer Theology.

This week we have an inspiring interview with Madison Morrigan as part of our continuing Summer Guest Series.  Madison is an international award winning life coach, speaker, creative consultant and creator of Awaken Her Soul, a 14 week mentorship program designed to help womxn embody their worth, power and fullness. Centered on self-responsibility and full expression, Madison coaches ambitious and creative women as they shed the layers of old programming keeping them small and finally come home to their true selves.  Madison was a spiritual kid who didn’t grow up in a religious home and she talks about what led her into Christianity – and to what eventually led her out. She is passionate about listening to what our bodies are trying to tell us (often loudly if we would listen!) and living into our own liberation. We’re totally here for her conversation on centering joy, queer aliveness, and liberation as opposed to the abusive evangelical Christian theology that has been the focus of the last decade.   Resources: Madison Morrigan website: https://www.madisonmorrigan.com/  Podcast: Everything Belongs Social: IG https://www.instagram.com/madisonmorrigan/ , TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@madisonmorrigan  Book: Already Free by Bruce Tift Tara Brach: https://www.tarabrach.com/   Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.  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 Living Your Liberation with Madison Morrigan appeared first on Queer Theology.

If you’ve been here with us for a while, you’ll know how much we like to highlight context and historical perspective when reading the Bible. You’ll also know we often reference and recommend reading the work of scholar, John Dominic Crossan. We’re so honored to have the opportunity to chat with him about the historical Jesus and what that means for Christians today.  John Dominic Crossan is an Irish-American biblical scholar with two-year post-doctoral diplomas in exegesis from Rome’s Pontifical Biblical Institute and in archeology from Jerusalem’s École Biblique. He has been a mendicant friar and a catholic priest, a Co-Chair of the Jesus Seminar, and a President of the Society of Biblical Literature. His focus, whether scholarly or popular, whether in books, videos, or lectures, is on the historical Jesus as the norm and criterion for the entire Christian Bible. Crossan’s method is to situate biblical texts within the reconstructed matrix of their own their own genre and purpose, their own time and place, and to hear them accurately for then before accepting or rejecting them for now.  Crossan explains how interpretation of translation can make a big difference in understanding the meaning behind biblical texts. ‘Gospel,’ for example, means ‘good news.’ But we can totally see how different people can interpret what would be good news to them! Crossan is excellent at showing how learning more and reading these texts as a scholar can be a faith building exercise as opposed to taking everything literally from an evangelical lens.   Resources: How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian by John Dominic Crossan Other books by John Dominic Crossan: https://www.harpercollins.com/collections/books-by-john-dominic-crossan  Does classes with Trip Fuller of Home Brewed Christianity https://trippfuller.com/2023/01/23/resource-page-easter-stories-w-john-dominic-crossan/  Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.    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 The Heart Of A Scholar with John Dominic Crossan appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re so excited to bring this discussion with former colleague and activist comrade, J Mase III for this episode of our Summer Guest Series! We get into the intersections of faith, transness, and queerness and his impactful work as a creative and public theologian.  J Mase III is an award winning Black Trans poet, author, educator, and filmmaker. He was raised in a Christian and Muslim home and coined the term ‘Black Trans Liberation Theology’ alongside his creative partner, Lady Dane Figueroa Edidi. His recent book, Josephine: a trans story of biblical proportions is available now and he talks with us about his love of this familiar story. He is winner of a Lambda Literary Award for Transgender Non-Fiction and a Creative Capital Award, he is co-director of the forthcoming documentary, the Black Trans Prayer Book and is finishing his latest solo work, Is Your God a Violent God? Finding a Theology for Survivors.   We discuss with J Mase his work and healing from the trauma of a violent religion, the importance of centering arts to center activism, poetry as prayer, and moving resources as impactful justice work.    Resources: Josephine by J Mase III, illustrated by Wriply Bennet Website: https://jmaseiii.com/  Follow on Social: IG:https://www.instagram.com/jmaseiii/ , TikTok: @jmaseiii The Black Trans Prayer Book Wit López, artist: https://witlopez.com/  Virginia Theological Seminary Reparations work https://vts.edu/reparations-faq/  Decolonizing Wealth: Indigenous Wisdom to Heal Divides and Restore Balance by Edgar Villanueva Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.  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 Centering Black Trans Experience with J Mase III appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re breaking into our Guest Series to give you an update on what we’ve got going on behind the scenes and what you can expect over the next couple months. It’s incredible to think we’re celebrating 10 years of QueerTheology.com and almost our 500th podcast episode ( !!). We’re so excited to share this journey with you and are really excited to bring you the next chapter of QueerTheology!   Join the QueerTheolgy email list: https://www.queertheology.com/    Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.    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. The post BONUS Episode: Special Update! appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re so honored to get the opportunity to have Rob Bell on for this episode of our guest series! Some of you might know the Rob Bell of 7 Rob’s ago… And some of you might know him currently- a New York Times Bestselling author of 13 books and plays which have been translated into 25 languages and the host of a podcast called The RobCast. But what we found about Rob is that there is beauty in allowing yourself to change and become a different version of yourself as long as you just be YOU.  It was an absolute pleasure to sit down with Rob and talk about his journey and how he came to be at the place he is now. He discusses his passion for storytelling, his fascination with people and all their complexities, and finding the beauty in growth, disruption, and reorientation. We hope you’re inspired to give your past self some grace while also recognizing the season that you are in. We’ve all got many versions of ourselves with more waiting to be discovered!   Resources: https://robbell.com/  The RobCast Podcast- https://robbell.com/podcast/    Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.    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 Wrestling and Dancing With the Big Questions with Rob Bell appeared first on Queer Theology.

Claire Willet is a powerful storyteller. Her plays are insightful and her Twitter threads impressive! Brian met Claire at an Ex-Gay Survivor conference years ago and it has been wonderful to see her thrive and flourish as a creative storyteller.    Claire is a playwright, novelist, and former Catholic youth minister. Her most recent projects include “How Can I Keep From Singing?”, a play about the intersection of Catholicism and queerness. Her play “Dear Galileo”, which explores the intersection of Catholicism and astrophysics, has been workshopped across the country and her first novel, “The Rewind Files”, was published in 2015.   We talk with Claire about how her art embodies the intersection of queerness, spirituality, and creativity. She discusses what it means to her to remain in a religion that has caused so much harm and how telling her story through creative writing has been a therapeutic way to unpack and reconstruct her faith.   Resources: Social Media: Twitter @clairwillet, IG clairewillettpdx http://clairewillettwrites.com/  The Rewind Files by Claire Willett  Ex-gay Survivor Conference video     Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.  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 The Power of Story with Claire Willet appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re pretty passionate about storytelling over here so it was a real pleasure to sit down with Adil Mansoor and chat with him about art, theater, and storytelling!  Adil is a theater director centering the stories of queer folks and people of color. His performance “Amm(i)gone” adapts Sophocles’s “Antigone” as an apology to and from his mother. Mansoor is a founding member of Pittsburgh’s Hatch Arts Collective and the former Artistic Director of Dreams of Hope, an LGBTQA+ youth arts organization. We talk with Adil about the intersection of his queerness and Islam. He explains how his performance is both vulnerable and therapeutic. We discuss the power of art and how it can be a way to process the world around us. Adil is joyful and thoughtful in his approach to storytelling and we agree with him that the more vulnerable, authentic, and specific we are in telling our stories, the more powerful and impactful they are across a larger audience. Resources: Website: adilmansoor.com IG: @adilman   Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.  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 Vulnerable Storytelling with Adil Mansoor appeared first on Queer Theology.

Tamice Spencer-Helms is a force and we are excited to share this interview with you as part of our Guest Series. Tamice is a published author, speaker, and theologian based in Richmond, Virginia. After 16 years of full-time ministry, she founded Sub: Culture Incorporated, a nonprofit that provides holistic support and crisis relief for Black College Students. Over the years, Tamice has been a change-maker and pioneer for young people in her community. We talk with her about her book, “Faith Unleavened: The Wilderness Between Trayvon Martin & George Floyd”, and its important message for people of faith. In this interview, we really dig into the ways in which white supremacy has infected Chrisitanity. Tamice offers some practical insight into how to unpack that from our own theologies. She also talks about the dichotomy of her queerness and faith, how reclaiming common sense has been a powerful way for her to follow Jesus while enriching her faith, and recognizing real freedom and love. Resources: Faith Unleavened: The Wilderness Between Trayvon Martin & George Floyd by Tamice Spencer-Helms Sub: Culture Incorporated if you want to make donations to Tamice’s non-profit Social: IG @tamicenamaespeaks, Twitter @TamiceNamae, TikTok tamice_namae_speaks Subscribe to Substack: https://tamicenamaespeaks.substack.com/   Join the online community Sanctuary Collective. 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 I Followed Jesus Out with Tamice Spencer-Helms appeared first on Queer Theology.

It was such an honor and privilege for Shay to sit down with the creators of “Somebody Somewhere”, Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen, to talk about this groundbreaking show. Not gonna lie, Shay is a HUGE fan and was so excited to get the chance to watch the new season before anyone else PLUS get the inside scoop from two fantastic writers!  Hannah and Paul are best friends, writers, actors, and both grew up in the midwest. Paul talks about growing up in rural Minnesota and Hannah about the suburbs of Chicago. They explain how art and theater are something that gave them a sense of self during their teen years and the beauty of chosen family.  The show is unique in that it is unabashedly queer, but also takes seriously rural life, family, and religion and much of this comes from the intention of Hannah and Paul to showcase the joy in the silence. If you want to check out the trailer for the second season of “Somebody Somewhere”, you can visit queertheology.com/trailer. Or watch the show if you haven’t already.. Both seasons.. You won’t regret it.. (note: this interview was recorded before the 2023 Writers Strike)   Somebody Somewhere https://www.hbo.com/somebody-somewhere  The Debate Society http://www.thedebatesociety.org/  Hannah Bos https://www.hannahbos.com/    Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.    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 Joy In The Silence with Hannah Bos & Paul Thureen appeared first on Queer Theology.

Rev. Solomon Missouri’s bio is succinct: Twitter pastor, play cousin, problem, and preeminent marriage counselor to wayward athletes. His ministry focuses on sexuality and spirituality outside and beyond church walls, which is where we have been following him on Twitter for some time now. His humor and commitment to inclusion is evident in the work he does and the message he brings. This interview has moments of gravity and moments of hilarity (you gotta hear what is bringing him joy lately )  Shay talks with Rev. Solomon about the importance of centering marginalized voices, building constructive and healthy communities, and the importance of using humor in this second episode of our Summer Guest Series.    Resources: Rev. Solomon Missouri Website Senior Pastor @ Invitation AME Zio Social: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube Support Rev. Solomon Missouri on Patreon Dr. John Sprung  Unprotected Texts by Jennifer Wright Knust  Dr. Rita Weems Sex Nerd Sandra   Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.  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. The post Cultivating Healthy Communities with Rev. Solomon Missouri appeared first on Queer Theology.

  We kick off this guest series with a returning guest, Rabbi Denise Eger, who is also joined by Rev. Neil Thomas. Rabbi Eger is the founding Rabbi at Congregation Kol-Ami (Brian’s synagogue!) and Rev. Neil Thomas is the Senior Pastor at Cathedral of Hope in Dallas. They have co-authored a book, 7 Principles for Living Bravely, that brings together universal truths of faith and wisdom, giving readers a comforting framework to make sense of it all with smart tips for getting through difficult periods of life. They give us some insight into what went into writing a book from two different religious traditions, ones that are often at odds with each other or pitted against each other in our society, and how their mutual friendship and respect has underscored the values of the book. Both Rabbi Eger and Rev. Thomas were on the front lines in their ministry work during the AIDS crisis of the 80s and recognized the need to write this book during the COVID pandemic. They talk about the resilience of the queer community, the beauty of working together in respect of each others’ religion, and the absolute importance of rest in a non-stop world. Resources: 7 Principles for Living Bravely by Rabbi Denise Eger and Rev. Neil Thomas Cathedral of Hope – Dallas Rabbi Denise Eger at her website Congregation Kol Ami Ani Zonneveld Muslims for Progressive Values Join the online community Sanctuary Collective 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 Living Bravely with Rabbi Eger and Rev. Neil appeared first on Queer Theology.

We close our series on Galatians with chapter 6 and it seems to be a bit of an abrupt ending- especially when taken out of context! We really see how Paul’s words can be taken and used in a different way than he intended and we discuss how conservatives and evangelicals often use these verses to condemn marginalized folks. They create a list of what NOT to do, but Paul is much more on the side of progressive Christians than it seems! It’s important to not seed Paul to conservatives and purity culture, but also important to learn to read the Bible well so we can wrestle with these questions in a constructive way. What does it mean for us today to have a community of mutual responsibility? Instead of waiting for people to show up for you, are we also asking how we’re showing up for others? Paul’s instruction to the Galatians is to be led by faith, not by rules, and we want to embrace that while being mindful of the nuance and complexity of the world we live in today. Resources: Digging the Details on-demand workshop Journey Into the Bible on demand course Join the online community Sanctuary Collective 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 Community of Mutual Responsibility: Galatians Chapter 6 appeared first on Queer Theology.

We enter chapter 5 in the middle of a thought from Paul because (reminder!) this is a continuous letter being interrupted by chapter breaks that was meant to be read as a whole. This chapter is heavy. It’s where we get many of those lists of dos and don’ts. And this dualistic language, fruits of the flesh vs. fruits of the spirit, can be really harmful when read and interpreted out of context. We gotta look at this from the perspective of Paul framing an argument, using examples, imploring new Christians to live into this community, and wrestling with the trauma that came from the religion that he left. We talk about Paul’s continuous dialogue about circumcision and why he’s really the worst kind of convert… But how we can’t get rid of him completely because he does have an important message in there! Resources: A Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies Teaches Us About The New Testament, Dr. Amy Jill Levine Podcast Episode Digging the Details, on demand workshop Journey Into the Bible, on demand course Join the online community Sanctuary Collective 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 Leads To Justice? Galatians Chapter 5 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Chapter 4 of Paul’s letter to the Galatians is full of dense passages and obscure references. It’s especially important in this chapter to pay attention to who his audience is- Non-Jewish, new Christians. We talk about how Paul makes the point that scripture is allegory (he literally says don’t take it literally!) and how Jesus is separate from God (the gospels and Paul’s letters were written before the Nicene Creed determined the Trinity!). So what does this mean for us today? We discuss how we can make sure our spiritual practices are not a distraction from moving us towards justice and also the importance of sacred storytelling in creating some productive discomfort. Resources: Join the online community Sanctuary Collective. Rob Bell’s video Everything is Spiritual Rituals for Resistance & Resilience Workshop 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 Holy Discomfort and Scriptural Allegory: Galatians, Chapter 4 appeared first on Queer Theology.

We are on chapter 3 of Galatians and here is where we get Paul talking about the Law and equality. But can (and does!) he live up to the things he says he believes in? Paul is making an intricate and intense argument in this letter and this is where he starts to diverge from Judaism, the religion that he has inherited. This brings up some questions about how we understand the Law versus Faith dichotomy, the importance of faith versus works, and who is included, but then later excluded, as equal members in the community. What is interesting for us, is that reading these texts and looking at context gives us a much different perspective on Paul’s message than what we were taught growing up. We’re essentially getting a peek into a new religion and new theology being formed in real time and as with all things human relating to spiritual, they can get messy! Resources: Join the online community Sanctuary Collective Podcast Interview with Dr. Amy-Jill Levine Digging the Details Workshop Why Did Jesus Die? 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 Scripture Arguing With Itself: Galatians Ch. 3 appeared first on Queer Theology.

We are on Chapter 2 of Galatians- but really we are just picking up on an interrupted thought in a letter Paul meant to be read as a whole. (Reminder: this was a letter meant to be read in full with the nuance of the time, reference to stories that would be well known, and to a specific group of people!) In this text, we get a glimpse into the messiness of the early Christian church… The messiness that continues today mostly because it IS complicated and people ARE going to have a human response when trying to make sense of their experiences. We look at what this argument means in regard to a “common table”. How can we keep our distinctive identities but create a space of welcome? It’s a 2000 year old question and we’ve got to find that common rallying point! Resources mentioned in the episode: Join the online community Sanctuary Collective. 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 Disagreement and Belonging: Galatians Chapter 2 appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re kicking off another series, this time on Galatians! It’s been a looooong time since both of us have read these texts. And part of that has to do with Paul.. We’ll talk about what’s going on with him.. But it’s important to note that although we are approaching this by a chapter per week, this was originally written as a letter and would have been read in its entirety. There’s interesting tidbits of history in this letter, some interesting claims by Paul that when examined in context of his time are a little out of the ordinary, and a lot of crabbiness on Paul’s part as he addresses this group of his converts that seem to have been easily swayed to other beliefs in his absence. We’ll have a worksheet that goes along with this series like we did with the Matthew series as well! I’ll post it in the comments, feel free to respond here if you want to share what these prompts bring up for you! Episode Transcript The post What’s the Deal With Paul? Galatians Ch. 1 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Finding a community or creating new friendships can be hard and it can be actual work to move out of your comfort zone or into a new zone. But the benefit of finding or creating a community with people who support you, cheer for you, lift you up, listen to you, and care for you is so rewarding. We talk in this episode about the people in our lives who have made us feel that more was possible, that pushed us to expand our understanding, and enrich our lives. Things just get easier by being in a community and we want that for you! We also answer some more questions submitted by listeners: How can I start bringing a new message to my congregation as the pastor of a small church? Are they ready? I am in the process of deconstruction, but what if it ends with me not being a Christian anymore? (Note: Brian has a major life update in this section!) I feel like I’ve checked all the boxes for being queer and coming out. How do I bring spirituality into my sex life without thinking that God is creepily judging me? Resources: Join the online community Sanctuary Collective. Faithful Sexuality – on demand course Christianity & Polyamory – on demand course 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 The People Who Shape You (+ some Q&A) appeared first on Queer Theology.

We talk a lot about the importance of community. Like, a. lot. And we do that because we both have benefited from the support a strong community can bring during times of questioning, transition, deconstruction, reconstruction, and evolving faith. It’s why we created our community, Sanctuary Collective. And we’re so amazed by what the folks inside Sanctuary Collective bring to the discussion and community everyday. It’s a place for celebration, conversation, hard questions, support, togetherness, and learning. We’d love to have you with us! In this episode we answer a couple questions submitted to us: Does the Bible even matter for a Christian? What do I do with all of this knowledge I’ve gained around the Bible and Christianity?   Resources: Join the online community Sanctuary Collective. Bookshop.org/shop/queertheology for a reading list we put together. Lord Prepare Me to Be a Sanctuary: song   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 Q&A and The Importance of Community appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re at the final episode of our eight part series on Matthew! And here is where we come to crucifixion and resurrection.. The End… but really, the Beginning. It’s important for us to call out and recognize in these texts the significant polemic against the Jewish leaders, even if most of Matthew’s audience still considered themselves to be Jewish. The context is crucial here for us to not continue the anti-semitic rhetoric that “the Jews killed Jesus”, but underline that the Roman Empire killed Jesus. We have stories of the anointing of Jesus, the last supper, his betrayal, the trial, and subsequent punishment of death. From the story of the resurrection, we really look at who Jesus entrusted the continued work of discipleship. It is not to perfect angels that this work is given to continue, but to the doubting, flawed, messy, complicated people. How can we embrace that same call to follow Jesus today? Resources referenced in the episode: Journey Into The Bible Rituals for Resistance & Resilience Celebrating Jewish Empowerment & Teaching the Masses Via Tik-Tok with @milli_no_so_vanilli Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.    Episode Transcript 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. The post The End. Or Is It?: Matthew Chapters 26-28 appeared first on Queer Theology.

This week, we’re talking about Holy Week! But Matthew’s Gospel is so dense, we only get through Monday and Tuesday! This passage starts with Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem (often called Palm Sunday but spoiler alert: it didn’t happen on a Sunday!). We look at Jesus’s temple protest and some of the ways that story has fueled antisemitism (sometimes even unwittingly). We talk about what it means that Jesus left Jerusalem that night, the wild story about the Withering Fig Tree, and more activity at the temple. And the (in)famous passage about sorting sheep from goats and are you going to burn in hell for eternity?!?! There’s lot in this passage about the cost of discipleship, who Jesus is, why he’s here, what this all means, and what this passage asks of YOU here and now.   New Interpreters Commentary Volume VII Scary Things Series, podcast episode Sheep and Goats podcast episode Black Pink Abolition Sanctuary, Dr. Nikia Smith and her podcast interview: Abolition As Spiritual Practice   Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.    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 Photo by Soul Winner’s For Christ The post The Cost of Discipleship: Matthew Chapters 21-25 appeared first on Queer Theology.

We are on part 6 of our series on Matthew and here is where Jesus finally goes to Jerusalem! But first we get the Transfiguration, a bunch of familiar sayings, and questions from Pharisees. We have healing stories, references to children, temple tax, and some harsh words from Jesus. For the Disciples to say at that time that ‘I want to be at the side of Jesus,’ means in Rome that ‘you are going to be executed by the state.’ We look at what it means in the modern world to ‘follow Jesus,’ how we need to decide our level of commitment, practice doing small things to push back and resist empire, so that when it comes time to confront oppression and harm, we are ready.    Digging the Details Tricky Questions About Sex Clobbering the Clobber Passages Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg On Repentance and Repair Ep. 435 Jewish annotated New Testament Edited by Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler In the Margins: A Transgender Man’s Journey with Scripture by: Fr. Shannon TL Kearns   Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.    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.   Photo by Mathias Reding The post Join The Resistance: Matthew Chapters 17-20 appeared first on Queer Theology.

For part 5 of our series on Matthew, we look at the death of John the Baptist, some miracle stories, and Jesus’ call to treason. We see Jesus in these chapters take a political and active stance against Rome. Here is where the Disciples are tested and called to really follow the teachings of this new community. There is so much in these passages that relate to the time, to previous stories of the Israelites, to the inclusive nature of Jesus’ movement taking in outsiders. With this, we can really examine what it means for us today to “take up the cross” and follow Jesus and to consider the treasonous acts we may be called to participate in.    Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.    Digging the Details Workshop Peter Staley How to Survive a Plague   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. Photo by mahdi rezaei onUnsplash The post Called To Treason: Matthew Chapters 14-16 appeared first on Queer Theology.

We are on part 4 of our series on Matthew and these chapters include ministry stories of Jesus and parables. Something we keep talking about is context. And it is so important to reiterate that context really matters to the richness and density of these texts, that this message was written to a community who were trying to learn how to live under empire. So the world coming to an end, apocalyptic references, and final judgment are understandable when the audience was a marginalized and oppressed people! This message is just as important today when talking about standing up for justice and truth, fighting back, and paying attention to the spaces and places that are oppressive under empire now.   Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.   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. The post The Sky Is Falling: Matthew Chapters 10-13 appeared first on Queer Theology.

We are on the 3rd episode in our series on Matthew and here is where we get a long sermon followed by some healing stories! These are well known and well used passages, there is so much to uncover here. We have the Sermon on the Mount, one of the longest recorded speeches by Jesus, and it is so rich in nuance when you look at the carefully composed discourse and deliberate structure that will become the core of Jesus’ teachings. We look at what that meant for that early Christian community, how the themes of healing were exposing the sickness caused by the Roman Empire, and what it looks like in our world today to put your faith into action. Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.  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. Photo by Patricia McCarty The post Jesus Changes Everything. Or Does He?: Matthew Chapters 5-9 appeared first on Queer Theology.

In the second episode of our series on Matthew we cover chapters 3 and 4 and there is so much richness and goodness here. We really see Jesus as intentionally political and there is a theme of politics throughout these texts. We dig into what it means to follow the Kingdom of Heaven/God when you are living under empire, what discipleship and following the teachings of Jesus looked like in the time of Matthew and what it means to us now. Reading the Bible doesn’t have to be boring when you start to tease out some of the interesting bits here like the political implications of the word “worship” and how the temptations of Jesus by Satan were directly connected to the view a marginalized group had of the Roman Empire at the time!  Links mentioned: Rituals For Resistance & Resilience: https://www.queertheology.com/rituals/ Scary Things Podcast Series: Scary Things: The Great Snatch and the End of the World Scary Things: The Devil and His Many Names Scary Things: The Fiery Pit Scary Things: Will You End Up In Hell? Growing up Suburban Jewish & Finding Your Faith With Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg What’s The Deal With The Pigs?: Mark Week 2 Here are the synoptic gospel images side-by-side in columns for your reference. Join the online community Sanctuary Collective. 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. The post Jesus is Political: Matthew Chapters 3 & 4 appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re back in the studio and recording an 8 week series on the Gospel of Matthew! Prepping for this series reminded both of us how much we love diving into scripture and pulling out those beautiful, sacred nuances that make it so wholly (holy?) fascinating across generations. In this episode, we start with chapters 1 and 2. Yes, that genealogy that you might have skipped over in anticipation of the more meaty bits has so. much. depth. Follow us as we go deep into this sacred scripture, what it means for us, and what it meant for people during the time of Jesus, the Magi and the birth of Jesus and how this was a threat to religious and political power.    Matthew and the Margins: A Sociopolitical And Religious Reading By: Warren Carter Join the online community Sanctuary Collective.  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. Photo by Jeswin Thomas The post The Meaning of the Beginning: Matthew Chapters 1 & 2 appeared first on Queer Theology.