Keegan Osinski, an academic librarian and author of "Queering Wesley, Queering the Church," brings a fresh perspective on theology and Queer Theory. They explore the implications of queering theology for both LGBTQ+ individuals and the Church. The discussion dives into the intersections of faith, identity, and inclusivity, reflecting on John Wesley's influence. Keegan challenges traditional views of sin, emphasizing the need for love and authenticity in faith. With laughter and joy, they advocate for a more accepting and transformative church community.
Keegan Osinski emphasizes queering traditional theology to highlight the inherent LGBTQ inclusivity within Wesleyan thought and teachings.
The conversation explores how the tension between traditional church doctrine and progressive LGBTQ acceptance catalyzes important changes for marginalized voices.
Osinski posits that queer liberation benefits everyone by challenging oppressive norms, promoting authentic self-expression rooted in love and acceptance.
Deep dives
The Journey of Queering Theology
The discussion highlights the transformative journey of queering traditional theology, particularly within the Wesleyan denominations. Keegan Osinski emphasizes the accessibility of John Wesley's sermons for queer interpretations, making the case that Wesleyan theology inherently supports LGBTQ inclusivity. The rewriting of ten of Wesley's sermons through queer theology serves to demonstrate the compatibility of being both Wesleyan and LGBTQ affirming, ultimately advocating for love over exclusion. This synthesis of queer and Wesleyan thought suggests the potential for creating a more inclusive faith community that embraces diversity.
The Impact of the Church of the Nazarene Trial
Keegan shares his experience as a witness in the trial of Tom Ord, which centered around LGBTQ inclusion in the Church of the Nazarene. This event underscores the tension between traditional church doctrine and the progressive push for acceptance of LGBTQ individuals within the faith community. The trial raised questions not only about Tom's teachings but also about the broader implications for LGBTQ rights within the church. Keegan articulates the importance of standing up for marginalized voices and how such moments in church history can catalyze change for future generations.
Queer Liberation as a Universal Concept
The episode posits that queer liberation is not solely beneficial for LGBTQ individuals but can lead to broader societal liberation for all. Keegan argues that by challenging rigid societal norms and expectations surrounding gender and sexuality, everyone is afforded the freedom to express themselves authentically. This freedom is rooted in the understanding that love and acceptance can transcend labels and stereotypes, ultimately promoting a more inclusive society. Thus, the movement towards queer liberation also becomes a movement towards liberation from oppressive norms for everyone.
The Intersection of Pleasure and Christian Faith
Keegan explores the relationship between pleasure, eroticism, and the Christian life, particularly in the context of Wesleyan thought. The conversation challenges the traditional view that frames pleasure as sinful, suggesting instead that pleasure can be a pathway to understanding God's intended perfection for creation. Utilizing themes from BDSM and consent, he illustrates how healthy expression of pleasure aligns with love and relational integrity. By redefining pleasure within the framework of love, it becomes an essential aspect of a holistic and affirming Christian spirituality.
Open and Relational Theology in Practice
The dialogue introduces the alignment between queer theory and open and relational theology, highlighting their shared focus on risk, change, and relationality. Keegan explains that both frameworks reject static norms and instead embrace fluidity in identity and relationships, emphasizing the necessity of intentionality in our interactions. This approach allows individuals to navigate their personal journeys of self-discovery and expression in a supportive environment. The conversation ultimately points towards a hopeful future where both queer theory and open theological perspectives foster an inclusive community that cherishes diversity.
This week Keegan Osinski joins me to discuss Queer Theory, Theology, and the Church. Keegan wrote an amazing book called "Queering Wesley, Queering the Church" that we used as the foundation of our conversation. What exactly is Queer Theory? What does it mean to Queer our theology? Is Queer theology only good news for Queer folks? What lessons does the Church need to learn from the Queer community? We talk about all of these questions and many more in this conversation. I really had a great time talking with Keegan and learned a lot from our time together. Not only did she bring the theological goods, but she also brought tons of laughter and joy as well. Enjoy!
