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

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:

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 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

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:

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 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

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:

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 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

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:

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 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

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:

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

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:

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

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:

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

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:

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 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

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:

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

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:

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.