The Transformational Power of Queering Scripture – John 20:19-31

There is so much work that goes into reading the Bible from a queer lens, but why do we do it? We find value in sharing the good news as it is meant to be – for all. We are called to do this work especially now that we are in the midst of a very troubling time. 

Today we answer a listener question about feeling separated from Christianity while feeling confident in their sexuality. “I’m settled in my bisexuality and polyamory, but I am still a closeted Christian in a lot of areas in my life. Does anyone have experience or relate to that?”

We also queer a text from John 20:19-31, the story about doubting Thomas. We talk about how beautiful this story is and how this has become a transformational tool for both Fr. Shay and Brian. So stay tuned to episode 325.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Life updates [0:39]
• Shout out to Nate FitzGerald who has been a supporter since this fall [5:12]
• A reader question that was posted inside of our Sanctuary Collective. We have a channel where we discuss the week’s podcast [5:37 ]
• Brian leaving Christianity at 19 years old [6:29]
• “I worry sometimes about  what people’s assumption of my Christianity is…” [9:36]
• Invitation to Sanctuary Collective [13:24]
• We queer a text from John 20:19-3 [13:55]
• Jesus’s Scars & Transgender Bodies [16:09]
• Fr. Shay’s personal experience with this passage [18:51]
• This work that we do – queering the Scripture, is valuable [23:44]

Remember registration for Queering The Bible is now open. Learn more about the course to decide if it’s right for you at queertheology.com/queerbible

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

If you’d like to be featured in future episodes, email your question or Bible passage suggestion to connect@queertheology.com 

 

Link(s) mentioned in this episode:
Jesus’s Scars & Transgender Bodies
Jesus Comes Out

 

John 20:19-31

It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you don’t forgive them, they aren’t forgiven.”

Thomas, the one called Didymus, one of the Twelve, wasn’t with the disciples when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We’ve seen the Lord!”

But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger in the wounds left by the nails, and put my hand into his side, I won’t believe.”

After eight days his disciples were again in a house and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus entered and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. No more disbelief. Believe!”

Thomas responded to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!”

Jesus replied, “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.”

Then Jesus did many other miraculous signs in his disciples’ presence, signs that aren’t recorded in this scroll. But these things are written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ, God’s Son, and that believing, you will have life in his name.

Photo by Hannah Busing

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