Queer Theology

By Queer Theology / Brian G. Murphy & Shannon T.L. KearnsReligion & Spirituality Christianity

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31 min
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Queer Theology episodes

November 24, 2024The Misunderstood Mystical Meaning of Advent
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.
21 min
November 17, 2024How To Handle Fraught Situations
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.
20 min
November 10, 2024The Messy Scandal of Ruth
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.
22 min
November 07, 2024 huddled together after the election
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.
13 min
November 03, 2024Remembering Who We Come From
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.
21 min
October 27, 2024Healing When It’s Hard
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.
26 min
October 20, 2024The Stories That Shape Us
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.
21 min
October 13, 2024Rewrite Your Story
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.
32 min
October 06, 2024Spirituality Outside of Boxes: Listener Q&A
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.
27 min
September 29, 2024Cruising For God: Queering Jacob
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.
21 min

About Queer Theology

From the publisher's feed

The longest running podcast for and by LGBTQ Christians and other queer people of faith and spiritual seeker. Hosted by Fr. Shannon TL Kearns, a transgender Christian priest and Brian G. Murphy, a…