Queer Theology

In today’s episode, we answer a question from a listener about Hillsong worship songs. Now if you’ve been listening to us for some time, you might remember Brian saying that their lyrics are violent, abusive, and pretty terrible. The listener goes on to ask if it’s a “general feature of this branch of Christianity/evangelicalism?” Tune in to hear our answer. We also queer the text from Matthew that talks about the Pharisees and how they planned on trapping Jesus with his words. They failed miserably at it. We share in this episode how disingenuous the Pharisees were with their question. How their ultimate goal was to use Jesus’ words against him. We also share how this passage relates to LGBTQ Christians (of course!)   Key takeaways: Life and fall updates from Brian and Fr. Shay [0:40] Listener question from Tumblr: on Hillsong’s music with violent and abusive lyrics [6:13] Brian’s super short answer… [6:48] A small caveat [8:22] What this worship music reminds us [9:44] If a regular human father does what we think God does, what would we think? [10:50] 3 problems in these worship songs [12:17] Queering the Bible: Matthew 22:15-22 [14:39] On trapping Jesus with his words [15:51] Jesus is not a dummy [16:51] How this passage is used to justify paying taxes and government propaganda [18:14] Relevance to the queer Christians [19:09] Links mentioned: Atonement webinar: queertheology.com/whydidjesusdie Name That Tune: Christian Music Edition LGBTQ Christian Worship Music: The Many Are Here Jess Grace Garcia posts originals and reimagined covers on her Instagram stores – https://www.instagram.com/jessgracegarcia/ Grace Semler Balbridge describes her music as “creepy queer folk.” She has a Christian background  and posts queer Christian music TikToks: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebaldridges 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 22:15-22 Then the Pharisees met together to find a way to trap Jesus in his words. They sent their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are genuine and that you teach God’s way as it really is. We know that you are not swayed by people’s opinions, because you don’t show favoritism. So tell us what you think: Does the Law allow people to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” Knowing their evil motives, Jesus replied, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used to pay the tax.” And they brought him a denarion. “Whose image and inscription is this?” he asked. “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” When they heard this they were astonished, and they departed. Photo by Masaaki Komori  The post It’s a Trap! – Matthew 22:15-22 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Happy National Coming Out Day! For those who haven’t come out yet, still deciding or about to, we will pray for you and we are with you in spirit. In keeping with National Coming Out Day our listener question from Tumblr is all about just that — coming out. This person is asking for any advice on coming out to a possibly unaffirming family.  We then queer the text from Philippians that we are pretty sure you’ve seen all over inspirational images, home decors, and coffee mugs. So you might wonder, how do we queer this? Tune in to find out and it might even be surprised. Key takeaways: National Coming Out Day stories from Fr. Shay and Brian [0:40] The LGBT community problems [5:15] Learn about OUR history [6:57] Question from Tumblr: on coming out [9:13] How Brian’s parents’ reacted to his coming out [10:22] You don’t owe ANYONE [11:48] The importance of choosing people who you can trust [12:40] The mindset of deciding when you’re ready [16:17] Queering the Bible: Philippians 4:1-9 [18:26] There is something calming about this passage especially during this time [20:49] Let’s sit in this passage without queering it [21:35] Find moments to bask in the greatness of people you choose to surround yourself with [23:08] Helpful Resources: Resources on coming out 3-part video series on self-care around unaffirming family 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  Philippians 4:1-9 Therefore, my brothers and sisters whom I love and miss, who are my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord. Loved ones, I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to come to an agreement in the Lord. Yes, and I’m also asking you, loyal friend, to help these women who have struggled together with me in the ministry of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the scroll of life. Be glad in the Lord always! Again I say, be glad! Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near. Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.THe  From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise. Practice these things: whatever you learned, received, heard, or saw in us. The God of peace will be with you. Photo by Sharon McCutcheon The post Coming Out Day: A Comforting Word – Philippians 4:1-9 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Today we answer a listener question about the pushback around the use of the word “queer” and how their pastors felt uncomfortable and strongly preferred LGBTQIA+ instead. “Yet, some sources are saying that it is exclusively for those questioning, gender fluid, or not adopting of a specific label.“ Tune in to hear our answer and let us know if you’ve experienced this pushback yourself. We also queer a text from Philippians which holds a very important message of our frailty as humans to intellectualize the way we connect with the divine. That we expect a certain connection to God because we believe that we are righteous and that we’ve done our “work”. This message underlines the importance of knowing what connection and relationship we are really looking at with the divine.  Key takeaways: Fr. Shay’s birthday is coming up and he shares his angst on getting older [0:42] Brian’s excitement over a secret project [4:46] Listener question: using the word “queer” at church [6:16] How Queer Theology website and podcast receive pushback on the word “queer” [7:37] What does the word “queer” really mean [8:25] The irony of the cross [12:47] The work is to sit in the discomfort [14:52] Queering the Bible: Philippians 3:4b-14 [17:52] What Brian loves about this passage [19:48] What won’t save you [21:11] Safety vs. being saved [22:03] Don’t intellectualize your way into a connection with God [24:30]  Figure out who God and Jesus is to you [25:30] The concept of oppression holds true across all forms of Christianity [26:02] 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  Philippians 3:4b-14 Though I have good reason to have this kind of confidence. If anyone else has reason to put their confidence in physical advantages, I have even more: I was circumcised on the eighth day. I am from the people of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin. I am a Hebrew of the Hebrews. With respect to observing the Law, I’m a Pharisee. With respect to devotion to the faith, I harassed the church. With respect to righteousness under the Law, I’m blameless. These things were my assets, but I wrote them off as a loss for the sake of Christ. But even beyond that, I consider everything a loss in comparison with the superior value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have lost everything for him, but what I lost I think of as sewer trash, so that I might gain Christ and be found in him. In Christ I have a righteousness that is not my own and that does not come from the Law but rather from the faithfulness of Christ. It is the righteousness of God that is based on faith. The righteousness that I have comes from knowing Christ, the power of his resurrection, and the participation in his sufferings. It includes being conformed to his death so that I may perhaps reach the goal of the resurrection of the dead. It’s not that I have already reached this goal or have already been perfected, but I pursue it, so that I may grab hold of it because Christ grabbed hold of me for just this purpose. Brothers and sisters, I myself don’t think I’ve reached it, but I do this one thing: I forget about the things behind me and reach out for the things ahead of me. The goal I pursue is the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus. Photo by Vaishakh pillai The post Safety vs. Being Saved – Philippians 3:4-14 appeared first on Queer Theology.

In today’s episode, we answer a question from one of our listeners, “Why do LGBTQ individuals need to be the light?” While it’s an honor to be viewed as such, our answer might surprise you — or not, so tune in for that.  We also queer the text from Exodus which is relatable not only at a macro level but also on a personal level. This text clearly illuminates the frailty and weakness of humans especially around the concepts of being patient and desiring comfort all the time.  Key takeaways: Brian’s life update: depression, therapy and living today to the fullest [0:39] Fr. Shay’s playwright retreat [3:32] Listener question [6:30] Putting our salvation on other people is harmful [7:49] Straight, cisgender folks’ comfort gets prioritized over queer folks [9:39] More about Transfigured: A Course in Trans Theology [13:32] Queering the Bible: Exodus 17:1-7 [16:19] The weakness of humans to easily question God once something bad happens [17:34] How quickly we dismiss something if we don’t get instantaneous results [18:15] The path to healing is sometimes uncomfortable at first [20:56] Link(s) mentioned in this episode: Transfigured: A Course in Trans Theology: queertheology.com/enroll 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 17:1-7 The whole Israelite community broke camp and set out from the Sin desert to continue their journey, as the Lord commanded. They set up their camp at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. The people argued with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why are you arguing with me? Why are you testing the Lord?” But the people were very thirsty for water there, and they complained to Moses, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?” So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What should I do with this people? They are getting ready to stone me.” The Lord said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of Israel’s elders with you. Take in your hand the shepherd’s rod that you used to strike the Nile River, and go. I’ll be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Hit the rock. Water will come out of it, and the people will be able to drink.” Moses did so while Israel’s elders watched. He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites argued with and tested the Lord, asking, “Is the Lord really with us or not?” Photo by Aarón Blanco Tejedor The post The Uncomfortable Path to Healing – Exodus 17:1-7 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Happy Bisexuality Day!!!  So to celebrate that, let’s start today’s episode by answering a listener question from a bi woman. While she is in a great relationship with a straight man, she sometimes likes to look at pictures of naked women — which her partner finds healthy, by the way. Her concern stems from a Bible passage that says, “if you look at a woman in lust you’ve already committed adultery in your heart.”  She adds: “Because when I look at pictures of a woman’s boobs I don’t actually have any true desire to have sex with her, it’s just a moment of fantasy, and I don’t know if indulging in that fantasy is wrong.” Then, we queer a very interesting text from Jonah in which you’ll see a petulant Jonah who God matched at being petty, too. We then call out those who have been against the LGTBQ community and have turned an abrupt 360 only after someone in their family comes out. We unpack so much in this episode so make sure you don’t miss it.  Key takeaways: Brian’s update, still from New York City [0:37] Fr. Shay: Fall educational programming (weird) kick-off [3:52] Listener question from a bi woman [7:32] Tune in to the intentions of your divine insight [9:12] Consent — is key [12:56] The transfigured course is now open and why Brian is excited about this course [13:08] Queering the Bible: Jonah 3:10-4:11 [17:39] Why is this text a quirky story? [19:24]  Jonah and God being petty [22:05] How people are “wishy-washy” about LGBTQ folks [23:19] What have you done to repair the harm you caused while you were on your journey? [25:40] Asking the question: ”Is your anger a good thing?” allows room for clarification [26:08] Link(s) mentioned in this episode: Transfigured: A Course in Trans Theology: queertheology.com/enroll QueerTheology.com/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 If you’d like to be featured in future episodes, email your question or Bible passage suggestion to connect@queertheology.com  Jonah 3:10-4:11 God saw what they were doing—that they had ceased their evil behavior. So God stopped planning to destroy them, and he didn’t do it. But Jonah thought this was utterly wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, “Come on, Lord! Wasn’t this precisely my point when I was back in my own land? This is why I fled to Tarshish earlier! I know that you are a merciful and compassionate God, very patient, full of faithful love, and willing not to destroy. At this point, Lord, you may as well take my life from me, because it would be better for me to die than to live.” The Lord responded, “Is your anger a good thing?” But Jonah went out from the city and sat down east of the city. There he made himself a hut and sat under it, in the shade, to see what would happen to the city. Then the Lord God provided a shrub, and it grew up over Jonah, providing shade for his head and saving him from his misery. Jonah was very happy about the shrub. But God provided a worm the next day at dawn, and it attacked the shrub so that it died. Then as the sun rose God provided a dry east wind, and the sun beat down on Jonah’s head so that he became faint. He begged that he might die, saying, “It’s better for me to die than to live.” God said to Jonah, “Is your anger about the shrub a good thing?” Jonah said, “Yes, my anger is good—even to the point of death!” But the Lord said, “You ‘pitied’ the shrub, for which you didn’t work and which you didn’t raise; it grew in a night and perished in a night. Yet for my part, can’t I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than one hundred twenty thousand people who can’t tell their right hand from their left, and also many animals?” Photo by Matthew Brodeur The post Is Your Anger a Good Thing? – Jonah 3:10-4:11 appeared first on Queer Theology.

In today’s episode, we answer a reader question from Tumblr. He thinks that religions started out as anti-LGBT and over time many of them changed their views and became affirming. He wants to know: even though a lot of these religions are now advocates and allies of LGBTQ+ people, how can we be certain that being LGBTQ is not a sin considering that religious history?  We also queer a text from Romans: It’s one of those passages that often gets used against queer and trans folks, but don’t worry, that’s not the path that we’re going for today. What does it mean to be “weak in faith” and how does being LGBTQ fit in (or not) with that? Tune in to hear our take. Key takeaways: Fr. Shay recovery update [0:45] Brian’s New York City quarantine update [1:51] Reader question from Tumblr [3:54] Not realizing that we are swimming in white supremacy?[4:28] We bring our own assumptions to texts [6:42] Queering the Bible: Romans 14:1-12 [9:24]  Fr. Shay’s belief in honoring God while being queer [11:38] You don’t have to have queer sex [13:51] On having the inner sense of faith, self-confidence, and assurance — it is a gift [15:11] We need to do the work to figure out what it is we actually believe [17:14] When and where to put up boundaries on your convictions? [19:34] Link(s) mentioned in this episode: LIVE from Q Christian Fellowship Conference with Sarah Ngu of Church Clarity Queertheology.com/is-it-ok QueerTheology.com/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 If you’d like to be featured in future episodes, email your question or Bible passage suggestion to connect@queertheology.com  Romans 14:1-12 Welcome the person who is weak in faith—but not in order to argue about differences of opinion. One person believes in eating everything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Those who eat must not look down on the ones who don’t, and the ones who don’t eat must not judge the ones who do, because God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servants? They stand or fall before their own Lord (and they will stand, because the Lord has the power to make them stand). One person considers some days to be more sacred than others, while another person considers all days to be the same. Each person must have their own convictions. Someone who thinks that a day is sacred, thinks that way for the Lord. Those who eat, eat for the Lord, because they thank God. And those who don’t eat, don’t eat for the Lord, and they thank the Lord too.  We don’t live for ourselves and we don’t die for ourselves. If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to God.  This is why Christ died and lived: so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you look down on your brother or sister? We all will stand in front of the judgment seat of God. Because it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me,     and every tongue will give praise to God. So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Photo by Logan Fisher The post Get Off The Hamster Wheel – Romans 14:1-12 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Once in a while, we have those off days/weeks when things don’t go according to plan and it’s alright. What’s important is that we all take things in stride and move along whatever obstacles have been thrown our path, and that’s what we are doing this week. In today’s episode, we are sharing a throwback episode where we took a break from the regular lectionary to talk about queer sacred sites. Two years ago, Brian released a video about his experience on Fire Island and how he realized that it’s a sacred place. Fr. Shay talks about his holy experience at a small-town gay bar. And we invite you to consider the sacred sites, rituals, and experiences in your life that might have gone unnoticed before. Learn how to queer the Bible and tell your own queer, Christian stories like this. Key takeaways: Updates from Fr. Shay and Brian’s very busy week [0:39] How queer spaces can be sacred spaces too [2:00] The importance of remembering LGBTQ ancestors who have been in the same physical space that we are now [3:01] Being surrounded by queer people, past and present [4:15] What queer “tea dances” have in common with walking meditation and communion [4:45] Reconnecting sacred rituals and spaces to queerness [5:07] Fr. Shay’s safe space: small-town gay bar [5:23] Where would Jesus be if he were alive? [7:36] Queerness and faith are not separate, they exist together in us [8:15] Queerness and the gospel [8:55] The video mentioned in this episode: Queer Sacred Sites: Fire Island Link(s) mentioned in this episode: QueerTheology.com/community Queer Theology YouTube Channel 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  Photo by Juliette F The post Queer Sacred Space #throwback appeared first on Queer Theology.

We received a listener question via Twitter and it’s one that’s very timely with the unusual times we’re in right now. “How do we minister to the sick and those in need during this pandemic?” Tune in to hear what our answer was. And then we queer the text from Romans which also nicely ties into our listener’s question. We are reminded so much of the queer community and how we’ve fought against the oppressors and how we are still doing the work of taking care of others. How about you? How does this resonate with you? Key takeaways: Updates from Fr. Shay’s and Brian [0:52]  Listener question from Twitter [6:17] How the pandemic has shown a spotlight on issues that have already existed? [8:42] On paying attention to risks and taking COVID seriously while still showing up for one another [9:36] Practical ways to be there for others during the pandemic [10:52] Queering the Bible: Romans 12:9-21 [12:56] A strategic and tactical move to shame the oppressors [15:14] Seeing the queer community in this text [17:12] What “you will pile burning coals of fire upon his head” is a reminder of? [18:29]  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  Romans 12:9-21 Love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil, and hold on to what is good. Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other. Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord! Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer. Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome strangers into your home. Bless people who harass you—bless and don’t curse them. Be happy with those who are happy, and cry with those who are crying. Consider everyone as equal, and don’t think that you’re better than anyone else. Instead, associate with people who have no status. Don’t think that you’re so smart. Don’t pay back anyone for their evil actions with evil actions, but show respect for what everyone else believes is good.   If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people. Don’t try to get revenge for yourselves, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. It is written, Revenge belongs to me; I will pay it back, says the Lord. Instead, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. By doing this, you will pile burning coals of fire upon his head. Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good. Photo by Elyssa Fahndrich The post The Power of Queer Community – Romans 12:9-21 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Today is a very special podcast episode as we are joined by Indigo and Beatrice who share their personal stories about being black, in an interracial marriage, being queer, and developing a relationship with Christ. Indigo joined us in a past episode (link below) and we’re thrilled that she wanted to come back, and with a plus 1. Indigo and Beatrice share their passion for the Black Lives Matter movement and how it translates to their relationship. So make sure you stay tuned. Key takeaways: Episode introduction [0:35] Story of Christ and how it relates to our current times and events [2:55] Jesus is never neutral [6:00] Kentucky polling siphoning [6:30] What the Black Lives Matter movement looks like for a white person [9:05] Read books from black authors [11:36] Episode mentioned in this episode Divine In The Differences, Feat Indigo Rose 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  The post Blackness, Queerness & Following Christ with Indigo and Beatrice appeared first on Queer Theology.

A reader asked us if there’s any truth to this statement from his favorite drama series Greenleaf, “The only way to work on the church is to be in it.” Do LGBTQ folks just endure the anxiety, stress, and judgment that non-affirming churches and its members bring on us in order to bring about change? We answer that, and more, in today’s episode. We also queer 2 passages — 1 from Isaiah, 1 from Romans — that talk about our salvation: what is it, how do we achieve it, and the work that still needs to be done. We are reminded that God has the heart for justice and we are called to be part of that work. Make sure you stay tuned. Things we talked about: Brian’s life updates: drag queen shows, date nights, and zoom time [0:40]  Fr. Shay possibly going back to being a hermit, playwriting class [3:55]  Reader question [9:33]  You don’t have to stay in order to make a church change [11:24] Very similar to our fight against police brutality [13:23]  Make queerphobia an unsustainable position [16:46]  If you decide to stay in an unaffirming church, here’s what to do if you are in solidarity with LGBT people [20:10]  Queering the Bible: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 & Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 [25:00]  Social justice warrior Christians are just taking the Bible seriously [27:00]  Christians in general, set up a dichotomy of who is in and who is out [29:57]  The key piece of this passage [31:07]  Essay mentioned in this episode How To Change A System Links mentioned in this episode QueerTheology.com’s online community: Sanctuary Collective Transgender course waitlist 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 56:1, 6-8 The Lord says:     Act justly and do what is righteous,     because my salvation is coming soon,     and my righteousness will be revealed. The immigrants who have joined me,     serving me and loving my name, becoming my servants,     everyone who keeps the Sabbath without making it impure,     and those who hold fast to my covenant:    I will bring them to my holy mountain,     and bring them joy in my house of prayer.     I will accept their entirely burned offerings and sacrifices on my altar.     My house will be known as a house of prayer for all peoples,         says the Lord God,     who gathers Israel’s outcasts. I will gather still others to those I have already gathered. Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 So I ask you, has God rejected his people? Absolutely not! I’m an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God hasn’t rejected his people, whom he knew in advance. Or don’t you know what the scripture says in the case of Elijah, when he pleads with God against Israel? God’s gifts and calling can’t be taken back. Once you were disobedient to God, but now you have mercy because they were disobedient. In the same way, they have also been disobedient because of the mercy that you received, so now they can receive mercy too. God has locked up all people in disobedience, in order to have mercy on all of them. Photo by Mic Narra The post What Is Our Salvation? – Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 & Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 appeared first on Queer Theology.