Queer Theology

In today’s episode, we answered a question from one of our Sanctuary Collective members about the Bible and how some use the Old Testament to promote abusive behaviors. “How do we call out Christians or Jews who use the OT to promote abusive behavior by individuals or nations without being anti Semitic?” Tune in to find out what we think about having to call out other groups.  We also queered the text from Exodus which most, if not all of our listeners are familiar with. It’s the text that talks about and enumerates the 10 commandments. It nicely ties up to the question we answered in today’s episode as well.  Key takeaways: Fr. Shay reflecting on the changes that the pandemic has brought [0:58] Brian and Lent [3:20]  Question from a Sanctuary Collective member about how the Old Testament is being used to promote abusive behavior [8:54] On homophobia and genocide in Hebrew scripture [11:34] Why do we need to call out others instead of calling out our own people? [14:41] Criticizing unfairly [17:26] Queering the text: Exodus 20:1-17 [19:37] All of the 10 commandments still make sense [21:33] A more holistic approach [25:00] The importance of understanding the context [27:02] How we typically read the text [27:42] Links mentioned in this episode: How to read the Bible – join the waitlist here All Theology Is Contextual – watch the video and read the article here Book mentioned:  The Bible With and Without Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Brettler Rabbis: Rabbi Ruti Regan – https://twitter.com/RutiRegan Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg – https://twitter.com/TheRaDR Rabbi Sandra Lawson – https://twitter.com/rabbisandra 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    Exodus 20:1-17 Then God spoke all these words:   I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.   You must have no other gods before me.   Do not make an idol for yourself—no form whatsoever—of anything in the sky above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth. Do not bow down to them or worship them, because I, the Lord your God, am a passionate God. I punish children for their parents’ sins even to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me. But I am loyal and gracious to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.   Do not use the Lord your God’s name as if it were of no significance; the Lord won’t forgive anyone who uses his name that way.   Remember the Sabbath day and treat it as holy. Six days you may work and do all your tasks, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. Do not do any work on it—not you, your sons or daughters, your male or female servants, your animals, or the immigrant who is living with you. Because the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and everything that is in them in six days, but rested on the seventh day. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.   Honor your father and your mother so that your life will be long on the fertile land that the Lord your God is giving you.   Do not kill.   Do not commit adultery.   Do not steal.   Do not testify falsely against your neighbor.   Do not desire and try to take your neighbor’s house. Do not desire and try to take your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox, donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.   Photo by Levi Meir Clancy The post Queering the 10 Commandments – Exodus 20:1-17 appeared first on Queer Theology.

The question we received from Tumblr felt like it was created for Brian as he’s our resident expert on polyamory: “My partner and I are considering opening up our relationship due to differences in sex drive. I’m worried about the religious stuff surrounding that. Does the Bible say anything about polyamory?” Tune in to find out more about what the Bible says about polyamory. We also queered the text from Genesis and we can see queerness all over it. From the fact that God allows changing of names such as that of Abraham and Sarah, to showcasing the greatness of our lineage. This text shows where all of us came from and there’s so much holiness in it that no one can deny. Key takeaways: The feeling of “normalcy” for Brian [0:43] Fr. Shay and his time at his church is coming to an end real fast [5:50] Question from Tumblr [11:15] Polyamory, monogamy and the Bible [11:58] Looking at the Bible through a polyamory lens[14:22] Queering the text: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 [16:21] Transgender and this text [17:45]  How the narrative form of the Bible affects how we understand the passages [20:33] Queers have always been here [23:33] Holiness is part of our lineage [25:10] Links mentioned in this episode: Polyamory & Christianity Tricky Questions About Sex 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  Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am El Shaddai. Walk with me and be trustworthy. I will make a covenant between us and I will give you many, many descendants.” Abram fell on his face, and God said to him, “But me, my covenant is with you; you will be the ancestor of many nations. And because I have made you the ancestor of many nations, your name will no longer be Abram but Abraham. I will make you very fertile. I will produce nations from you, and kings will come from you. I will set up my covenant with you and your descendants after you in every generation as an enduring covenant. I will be your God and your descendants’ God after you. God said to Abraham, “As for your wife Sarai, you will no longer call her Sarai. Her name will now be Sarah. I will bless her and even give you a son from her. I will bless her so that she will become nations, and kings of peoples will come from her.” Photo by Jennifer-Ann Coffin-Grey The post Walk Into Your New Name – Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 appeared first on Queer Theology.

In today’s episode, we answered a question from a listener about the Rapture and how we feel about it. “Do you ever get freaked out by the Rapture? I heard that it basically starts next year and it freaks me out a lot. What are your beliefs on the Rapture?” Tune in to listen to our answer. We think a lot of you will be able to relate.  We also queered a text from 1 Peter that tells us that God is NOT some bully in heaven who wanted Jesus to suffer and die. It gives us reassurance that salvation comes through the resurrection.  Key takeaways: Brian and Fr. Shay’s life updates [0:47] “When you inevitably break the chain, don’t let more than a day go before picking up the chain again.” [6:06] If you feel like you can benefit from support or accountability, send us a DM and we can help you [9:40] Listener/reader question about the Rapture [10:58] Angst about the Rapture [13:15] How the rapture is a sign of manipulation [15:42] If your belief causes you fear and anxiety, who truly benefits it? [17:55] Queering the text: 1 Peter 3:18-22 [19:26] A lot of language about Jesus, suffering, and salvation [20:27] Jesus paid for ALL [22:32] Salvation comes through the resurrection [26:09] Links mentioned in this episode: Dance Naked – click here to read Sanctuary Collective – click here to join 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 Peter 3:18-22 Christ himself suffered on account of sins, once for all, the righteous one on behalf of the unrighteous. He did this in order to bring you into the presence of God. Christ was put to death as a human, but made alive by the Spirit.  And it was by the Spirit that he went to preach to the spirits in prison.  In the past, these spirits were disobedient—when God patiently waited during the time of Noah. Noah built an ark in which a few (that is, eight) lives were rescued through water. Baptism is like that. It saves you now—not because it removes dirt from your body but because it is the mark of a good conscience toward God. Your salvation comes through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is at God’s right side. Now that he has gone into heaven, he rules over all angels, authorities, and powers. Photo by Mads Schmidt Rasmussen The post Jesus, Suffering & Salvation – 1 Peter 3:18-22 appeared first on Queer Theology.

This episode is a little different because the question that we received from Tumblr is about a specific text and so we’re going to approach this episode as a 2-in-1: queer the text and answer a listener question all at the same time. The question: is there really a right or wrong way of praying? What is the best way to talk to the divine and have we been doing it wrong all this time? Tune in to hear our answers.  Key takeaways: Brian’s stretching routine [1:17] Fr. Shay is MARRIED [2:32] Listener question from Tumblr about the “proper” way of praying [8:32]  Let go of the anxiety about praying [11:07] There is NO one right way to pray [12:23] What comes to mind for Brian [13:02]
Is being anxious when praying helpful? [15:16] Let your connection flow and try other ways of praying [16:49] Check out or get a copy of Queers The Word here 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  Matthew 6:5-14  “When you pray, don’t be like hypocrites. They love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners so that people will see them. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get.  But when you pray, go to your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is present in that secret place. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you. “When you pray, don’t pour out a flood of empty words, as the Gentiles do. They think that by saying many words they’ll be heard. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask.  Pray like this: Our Father who is in heaven, uphold the holiness of your name. Bring in your kingdom so that your will is done on earth as it’s done in heaven. Give us the bread we need for today. Forgive us for the ways we have wronged you, just as we also forgive those who have wronged us. And don’t lead us into temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. “If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Photo by KTMD ENTERTAINMENT The post God, Praying & Anxiety – Matthew 6:5-14 appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this episode, we answer a question from a listener: Emma asks about the kingdom of God or heaven. It’s a question that we’re certain a lot of you are asking in your head right now. Stay tuned to find out what we think about the where’s and when’s of the Kingdom of God.  We also queered the text from Isaiah which we are super happy to be able to talk about today. It also ties neatly into this week’s listener question. This text is a great reminder that God is indeed everywhere, one with us. Key takeaways: Fr. Shay is getting married! [1:43] Brian and The Good Place — don’t worry, no spoilers! [2:37] Listener question about the Kingdom of God [4:40] A frank, but not helpful answer [5:24] When you get to heaven vs. when all is made right [6:32] Accepting that we don’t have to agree with what the kingdom of means [7:55] The problem with having a “supernatural” belief [8:46] Queering the text: Isaiah 40:21-31 [13:20] The importance of knowing the context of every scripture [16:13] God is part of us [18:25] 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  Isaiah 40:21-31 Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard?     Wasn’t it announced to you from the beginning?     Haven’t you understood since the earth was founded? God inhabits the earth’s horizon—     its inhabitants are like locusts—     stretches out the skies like a curtain     and spreads it out like a tent for dwelling.     God makes dignitaries useless     and the earth’s judges into nothing. Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown,     scarcely is their shoot rooted in the earth     when God breathes on them, and they dry up;     the windstorm carries them off like straw. So to whom will you compare me,     and who is my equal? says the holy one. Look up at the sky and consider:     Who created these?     The one who brings out their attendants one by one,     summoning each of them by name. Because of God’s great strength     and mighty power, not one is missing. Why do you say, Jacob,     and declare, Israel,     “My way is hidden from the Lord,     my God ignores my predicament”? Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard?     The Lord is the everlasting God,     the creator of the ends of the earth.     He doesn’t grow tired or weary. His understanding is beyond human reach,     giving power to the tired     and reviving the exhausted. Youths will become tired and weary,     young men will certainly stumble;     but those who hope in the Lord     will renew their strength;     they will fly up on wings like eagles;     they will run and not be tired;     they will walk and not be weary. Photo by Marc-Olivier Jodoin The post God is Everywhere – Isaiah 40:21-31 appeared first on Queer Theology.

In today’s episode, we answer a question from one of our listeners about figuring out ways to come out as Christian to their non-religious queer group or chosen family. “How do you ‘come out’ as Christian when you’re not even sure yourself about this Jesus guy, but you can’t seem to shake the faith off?” We queered the text from Mark 1:21-28. We adore the book of Mark because of how straight-forward it is. Jesus, in this text,  inspires people through his teachings. We love how Jesus is able to strike a chord with the people who were there to listen to him. This inspires us to be able to speak with authority and be able to reach out and touch the lives of more people.  Key takeaways: Brian and Fr. Shay’s January update [1:12] How can people transition during this weird time? [6:05] Listener question on coming out as a Christian to non-religious queer chosen family [9:01] What kind of conversation do you want to have with your chosen queer family? [10:12] Be clear: You talking about your faith is not your way of converting your friends [11:44] Queering the text: Mark 1:21-28 [15:49] Why do we love the gospel of Mark? [16:53] Where is our authority coming from and who is recognizing our authority? [18:04] How the text reminds Brian about conversations around LGBTQ lives [21:07]  Mentioned in the episode: Faithful Sexuality Course registration is now open until February 5, 2021. Click here to register. 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  Mark 1:21-28 Jesus and his followers went into Capernaum. Immediately on the Sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and started teaching. The people were amazed by his teaching, for he was teaching them with authority, not like the legal experts. Suddenly, there in the synagogue, a person with an evil spirit screamed, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are. You are the holy one from God.”   “Silence!” Jesus said, speaking harshly to the demon. “Come out of him!” The unclean spirit shook him and screamed, then it came out.   Everyone was shaken and questioned among themselves, “What’s this? A new teaching with authority! He even commands unclean spirits and they obey him!” Right away the news about him spread throughout the entire region of Galilee. Photo by Nick Fewings The post The Divine Authority – Mark 1:21-28 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Today we answer an anonymous question from Tumblr about having to listen to their therapist go on about how being bi is wrong. The therapist is a Christian, but her opinion left our listener feeling depressed and scared about being outed by the therapist. “How can I escape this without outing myself or giving the therapist a chance to out me?” We also queered the text from Mark 1:14-20 where it revealed to us the possible reason for Jesus’ path into public ministry. This reason illuminates how our movements today are sometimes moved into action. It also showed us what a true follower is and what it entails to truly believe in Jesus. It’s not simply saying a prayer, but to go out into the world and do the work.  Key takeaways: Fr. Shay’s winter and congregation update [0:52] Brian’s sexual resolution update [3:43] Listener/reader question from Tumblr about working with a non-affirmative therapist [9:53] The ethical responsibility of a licensed therapist [11:51] Confirm if the therapist is licensed and check for federal laws surrounding confidentiality [13:44] Tip on finding a Christian therapist [14:57] Queering the text: Mark 1:14-20 [16:26] The critique of progressive Christianity [17:22] What brings Jesus into public ministry? [20:18] Putting yourself in a path of conflict and arrest [23:36] We are called to make moral judgments [24:42] Mentioned in the episode: Faithful Sexuality Course registration is now open until February 5, 2021. Click here to register. 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  Mark 1:14-20 After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee announcing God’s good news, saying, “Now is the time! Here comes God’s kingdom! Change your hearts and lives, and trust this good news!” As Jesus passed alongside the Galilee Sea, he saw two brothers, Simon and Andrew, throwing fishing nets into the sea, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” he said, “and I’ll show you how to fish for people.” Right away, they left their nets and followed him. After going a little farther, he saw James and John, Zebedee’s sons, in their boat repairing the fishing nets. At that very moment, he called them. They followed him, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired workers. Photo by Devin Avery The post The Catalyst – Mark 1:14-20 appeared first on Queer Theology.

In today’s episode, we answer a listener question wondering about the concepts of sin and Hell, and how Christianity teaches about them. Does not checking a certain set of boxes make you less of a Christian and does that mean you’ll go to Hell?  We then queered the text from 1 Corinthians, one of the texts that is often used against us. It talks about sexual immorality and how our bodies are a  temple and should be treated as such. But it’s helpful to understand the history behind this text and how its writer, presumably Paul, might have some personal issues with his own body and with sex. More on that in today’s episode, so stay tuned. Key takeaways: New member area for Sanctuary collective [1:00] The foundation of this work: it never ends [4:00] There is always new insights and revelations in the Bible [5:50] Listener question from Tumblr about the concepts of sin and hell [8:33] The concepts are all interconnected AKA all jumbled up [9:47] The real point as a follower of Jesus [11:08]  The bottom line: there are more ways to understand Christianity [14:22] Queering the text: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 [19:04] Paul might have some issues with sex and this might be a specific response to specific answers [21:06]  Finding beauty in this passage [24:23]  Reading the Bible with rose-colored glasses [25:36] Mentioned in the episode: Tricky Question About Sex Workshop – free workshop on January 17, 2021, 4:00 – 5:00 pm EST (9-10 pm GMT). Click here.  Faithful Sexuality Course registration is now open until February 5, 2021. Click here to register. Learning About God’s Love From Hooking Up 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 Corinthians 6:12-20 I have the freedom to do anything, but not everything is helpful. I have the freedom to do anything, but I won’t be controlled by anything.  Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, and yet God will do away with both. The body isn’t for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body.  God has raised the Lord and will raise us through his power. Don’t you know that your bodies are parts of Christ? So then, should I take parts of Christ and make them a part of someone who is sleeping around? No way!  Don’t you know that anyone who is joined to someone who is sleeping around is one body with that person? The scripture says, The two will become one flesh.  The one who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. Avoid sexual immorality! Every sin that a person can do is committed outside the body, except those who engage in sexual immorality commit sin against their own bodies. Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you? Don’t you know that you have the Holy Spirit from God, and you don’t belong to yourselves? You have been bought and paid for, so honor God with your body. Photo by Simon Rae The post My Temple My Rules – 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Happy New Year! We hope you had a lovely NYE celebration, hopefully, safe and at home.  In today’s episode, we received a reader question on Tumblr asking how to be proud of who you truly are and still be a Christian despite learning that being queer is a sin. “Is there anything in the Bible on accepting yourself and being proud of who you are without it being vanity?”  We also queered the text from Acts which Fr. Shay loves because of how the early Christian community is messily and gloriously human. It also shows that if there is a compelling message or movement people always want to be part of it. Tune in to hear more of how we queered today’s text.  Key takeaways: Fr. Shay’s silent retreat (at home) [0:53] Brian’s sexual resolutions [3:32] Tricky Questions About Sex Workshop [7:38] Tumblr question about accepting your queer self and still be proud to be Christian [9:57] God is “angry” at you and will “punish” you [10:46] Whose side is God on? [12:03] Unpacking unhealthy theology [12:59] Check-in with yourself if you are being oppressive [13:57] Queering the text: Acts 19:1-7 [15:58] The chaotic early Christian community [17:02] A compelling message that people want to be part of [17:46] The tension and good intention [20:09] Find ways to get started and be open to corrections [20:44] Tricky Question About Sex Workshop: queertheology.com/trickyquestions Links mentioned: How to set Sexual Resolutions Set Sexual Resolutions for New Year’s Resolutions Why Did Jesus Die? Some resources about Pride: My First Pride, PRIDE (SHAME) issue of Spit & Spirit, Coming Down From The Pride High Bible verses to remind you God loves you and cares about your well-being 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  Acts 19:1-7 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul took a route through the interior and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you came to believe?” They replied, “We’ve not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Then he said, “What baptism did you receive, then?” They answered, “John’s baptism.” Paul explained, “John baptized with a baptism by which people showed they were changing their hearts and lives. It was a baptism that told people about the one who was coming after him. This is the one in whom they were to believe. This one is Jesus.” After they listened to Paul, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in other languages and prophesying. Altogether, there were about twelve people. Photo by Jeremy Bishop The post Grow And Change – Acts 19:1-7 appeared first on Queer Theology.

In today’s episode, we answer an anonymous reader question from Tumblr. The reader is a transfeminine nonbinary person who is scared to transition for fear of a transphobic family. “What should I do? Do I lose everything for me or do I suffer for others?”  We also queered the text from John 1:1-18 where we realize how similar the gospel is to Queer Theology and the work that we all do. We acknowledge the fact that there are congregations that read and understand the gospel of John in ways that it wasn’t meant to be understood. But more importantly, we recognize the beauty and boldness of what this text really means.   Key takeaways: Why Fr. Shay is excited for 2021 and reminiscing on the “weirdness” that was 2020 [1:03] Brian’s intentional thoughts for 2021 and bringing back some Queer Theology courses [2:37] Talking more about our Faithful Sexuality course [4:00]  Reader question from Tumbler about being scared of transitioning [7:07] The idea that suffering is noble [7:55] Fr. Shay’s turning point [9:28] What you need to realize if you lose your family [12:08] Queering the text: John 1:1-18 [13:47] The authors of the gospel writing to make meaning out of circulating stories about Jesus [16:40] How some conservative Christians read John [18:46] Bodies matter: a bold and scandalous claim [20:32] If we believe that bodies matter, what do we do then? [21:15] Links mentioned: To LGBTQ Kids With Unaffirming Parents: You Deserve Better Self-care workshop  Faithful Sexuality: Building a Sexual Ethic That Fits 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  John 1:1-18 In the beginning was the Word     and the Word was with God     and the Word was God. The Word was with God in the beginning. Everything came into being through the Word,     and without the Word     nothing came into being. What came into being     through the Word was life,     and the life was the light for all people. The light shines in the darkness,     and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light.   A man named John was sent from God. He came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through him everyone would believe in the light. He himself wasn’t the light, but his mission was to testify concerning the light.   The true light that shines on all people     was coming into the world.   The light was in the world,     and the world came into being through the light,         but the world didn’t recognize the light. The light came to his own people,     and his own people didn’t welcome him. But those who did welcome him,         those who believed in his name,     he authorized to become God’s children,         born not from blood         nor from human desire or passion,         but born from God. The Word became flesh     and made his home among us. We have seen his glory,     glory like that of a father’s only son,         full of grace and truth.   John testified about him, crying out, “This is the one of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is greater than me because he existed before me.’”   From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace;     as the Law was given through Moses,     so grace and truth came into being through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God.     God the only Son,         who is at the Father’s side,         has made God known. Photo by Cosmopolitano Music The post Body & Flesh Matters – John 1:1-18 appeared first on Queer Theology.