Queer Theology

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

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Queer Theology episodes

May 05, 202413 Alternatives to Prayer
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.
38 min
April 28, 20247 Questions to Deepen Your Faith
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.
55 min
April 21, 2024The Good, The Bad, The Ugly of The Bible
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.
49 min
April 14, 2024We Come From Fighters
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.
33 min
April 07, 2024What’s an LGBTQ-Affirming Bible translation?
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.
32 min
March 31, 2024Do You Have To Believe In Miracles?
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.
25 min
March 24, 2024Fear & Faith On Palm Sunday
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.
28 min
March 17, 2024Affirming Theology Vs. 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.
32 min
March 10, 2024A Trans Perspective on Masculinity
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.
34 min
March 03, 2024Love Beyond Monogamy
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.
41 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…