Queer Theology

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

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Typical duration
31 min
per episode

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Queer Theology episodes

February 25, 2024Deconstruct Your Faith Without Losing Yourself with Angela Herrington
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.
41 min
February 18, 2024Queering Lent
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.
29 min
February 11, 2024In the Margins
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.
30 min
February 04, 2024Caring For Your Body as a Sacred Act
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.
25 min
February 01, 2024 Soulful Sexuality
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.
10 min
January 28, 2024Rigid Rules Vs. Sexual Ethics
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.
32 min
January 21, 2024Sexual Scandal and Uncovering Shame
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.
32 min
January 14, 2024What Makes You Bloom with Kevin Garcia
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.
47 min
January 07, 2024Holy Desire
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.
37 min
December 31, 2023Queer Spiritual Ritual
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.
33 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…