Queer Theology Learn & Change the World – 1 Kings 3:5-12
A listener wants to know “How do you move past the difficulty of reconciling gender issues found in the Bible? How can you simply focus on Jesus and the faith that you are keeping or trying to build?” We answer that question, but maybe not in the way you’re expecting.
We also queer a text from 1 Kings where we are reminded, through Solomon, that wisdom and ability to discern are far more valuable than any worldly treasures. There’s also a reminder to first take the time to learn, grow yourself… and then, change the world.
Things we talked about:
- Opening chat: this week, it’s all about books [0:39]
- Anonymous listener question [9:07]
- Can you come out and keep your faith mostly as-is? [10:38]
- Anti-LGBTQ Christianity is obsessed with sex and gender [12:38]
- Queering the lectionary text: 1 Kings 3:5-12 [16:00]
- Desire for more wisdom and deeply learn [17:48]
- How LGBTQ people are cut off from our family history [19:25]
- Why it’s important to honor the experiences of the youth [21:17]
- Be whole and healthy by taking care of yourself [22:36]
- Tap into the vast work that’s already being done [23:22]
Books mentioned
- Color of Violence edited by INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence
- Captive Genders
- Queer (In)Justice by Andrea Ritchie, Joey L. Mogul, and Kay Whitlock
- Shadowshaper Legacy by Daniel José Older
Mentioned in this episode
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
1 Kings 3:5-12
The Lord appeared to Solomon at Gibeon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask whatever you wish, and I’ll give it to you.”
Solomon responded, “You showed so much kindness to your servant my father David when he walked before you in truth, righteousness, and with a heart true to you. You’ve kept this great loyalty and kindness for him and have now given him a son to sit on his throne. And now, Lord my God, you have made me, your servant, king in my father David’s place. But I’m young and inexperienced. I know next to nothing. But I’m here, your servant, in the middle of the people you have chosen, a large population that can’t be numbered or counted due to its vast size. Please give your servant a discerning mind in order to govern your people and to distinguish good from evil, because no one is able to govern this important people of yours without your help.”
It pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. God said to him, “Because you have asked for this instead of requesting long life, wealth, or victory over your enemies—asking for discernment so as to acquire good judgment— I will now do just what you said. Look, I hereby give you a wise and understanding mind. There has been no one like you before now, nor will there be anyone like you afterward.
Photo by NESA by Makers
The post Learn & Change the World – 1 Kings 3:5-12 appeared first on Queer Theology.