

Queer Theology
Queer Theology / Brian G. Murphy & Shannon T.L. Kearns
The longest running podcast for and by LGBTQ Christians and other queer people of faith and spiritual seeker. Hosted by Fr. Shannon TL Kearns, a transgender Christian priest and Brian G. Murphy, a bisexual polyamorous Jew. and now in its 10th year, the Queer Theology Podcast shares deep insights and practical tools for building a thriving spiritual life on your own terms. Explore the archives for a queer perspective on hundreds of Bible passages as well as dozens of interviews with respected LGBTQ leaders (and a few cis, straight folks too). Join tens of thousands of listeners from around the world for the Bible, every week, queered.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 25, 2016 • 0sec
Sodom & Gomorrah – Isaiah 1:10-18
This passage has some pretty harsh words for Sodom — but they aren’t what you might expect — and ends with a popular verse about red sins being washed white as snow… that also has a twist you haven’t heard about.
Isaiah 1:10-18
Hear the word of the Lord,
you rulers of Sodom;
listen to the instruction of our God,
you people of Gomorrah!
“The multitude of your sacrifices—
what are they to me?” says the Lord.
“I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
of rams and the fat of fattened animals;
I have no pleasure
in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
When you come to appear before me,
who has asked this of you,
this trampling of my courts?
Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
Your incense is detestable to me.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—
I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.
Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals
I hate with all my being.
They have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.
When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I hide my eyes from you;
even when you offer many prayers,
I am not listening.
Your hands are full of blood!
Wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
stop doing wrong.
Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.
“Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
The post Sodom & Gomorrah – Isaiah 1:10-18 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Oct 21, 2016 • 0sec
Is it all about getting into heaven?
This week, Brian takes a look at the essence of Christianity: is it all about getting into heaven?
He weaves together his own experience, that of his friends, and passages from Scripture to lay out how he sees Jesus’s ministry and God’s kingdom.
If you want to dive deeper into how LGBTQ genders and sexualities can enrich your life and the church, head over to queertheology.com/dive-deeper and we’ll send resources your way.
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Read this podcast as an article
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Oct 11, 2016 • 0sec
What does it mean to be inspired? – 2 Timothy 3:14 – 4:2
Show Notes
We focus in “Every scripture is inspired by God” and look at what Scriptures exactly this passage is referring to
Call out some intellectually dishonest ways this passage has been used
We look at what it means for Scripture to be in inspired
Other places we find inspiration
How understanding what this passage really means about scripture can impact our relationship with scripture
Remember to leave us a review by going to queertheology.com/review
2 Timothy 3:14-4:2
But you must continue with the things you have learned and found convincing. You know who taught you. Since childhood you have known the holy scriptures that help you to be wise in a way that leads to salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus. Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character, so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good.
I’m giving you this commission in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is coming to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearance and his kingdom. Preach the word. Be ready to do it whether it is convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction.
Photo by shock264
The post What does it mean to be inspired? – 2 Timothy 3:14 – 4:2 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Oct 5, 2016 • 0sec
This is my good news … God’s word cannot be imprisoned – 2 Timothy 2:8-13
2 Timothy 2:8-13
Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead and descended from David. This is my good news. This is the reason I’m suffering to the point that I’m in prison like a common criminal. But God’s word cannot be imprisoned. This is why I endure everything for the sake of those who are chosen by God so that they too may experience salvation in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 1his saying is reliable:
“If we have died together, we will also live together.
If we endure, we will also rule together.
If we deny him, he will also deny us.
If we are disloyal, he stays faithful”
because he can’t be anything else than what he is.
Show Notes
Queer Theology’s twitter: @qtheology
Prison abolition is an LGBT Christian issue
Join Queer Theology’s online community: queertheology.com/sanctuary-collective
The post This is my good news … God’s word cannot be imprisoned – 2 Timothy 2:8-13 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Sep 28, 2016 • 0sec
God did not give you a spirit of timidity! – 2 Timothy 1:6-14
When you look at your life (and your work and your passions), what makes you come alive? where are you most useful and most of service? In what ways might you be holding yourself back and in what ways might God be inviting you to use your gifts to serve the world? That’s what we look at this week.
2 Timothy 1:6-14
Because of this, I’m reminding you to revive God’s gift that is in you through the laying on of my hands. God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.
So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord or of me, his prisoner. Instead, share the suffering for the good news, depending on God’s power. 9 God is the one who saved and called us with a holy calling. This wasn’t based on what we have done, but it was based on his own purpose and grace that he gave us in Christ Jesus before time began. Now his grace is revealed through the appearance of our savior, Christ Jesus. He destroyed death and brought life and immortality into clear focus through the good news. I was appointed a messenger, apostle, and teacher of this good news. This is also why I’m suffering the way I do, but I’m not ashamed. I know the one in whom I’ve placed my trust. I’m convinced that God is powerful enough to protect what he has placed in my trust until that day. Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you heard from me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Protect this good thing that has been placed in your trust through the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
Show Notes
Magic Lessons podcast with Elizabeth Gilbert (Fr. Shay talked about ep 209 with guest Glennon Doyle Melton)
In memory of Amanda Arkansassy Harris
“If there is no God, God is in it” – Brian’s ever-changing, often-contradictory thoughts on God
Get queer-positive affirmations + reflection questions delivered right to your inbox every weekday morning by signing up for free at queertheology.com/daily
Request a passage or ask a question for us to cover on the podcast!
The post God did not give you a spirit of timidity! – 2 Timothy 1:6-14 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Sep 20, 2016 • 0sec
Don’t Worry Be Happy? – 1 Timothy 6:6-19
On the one hand, we want to be happy with what we have and trust God to take care of us. And on the other hand, one day we will likely get old and need to have a plan for our retirement. How do we “live Biblically” when it comes to money without falling into platitudes?
Show Notes
Read the passage on Biblegateway
If you have a question for the podcast, you can now ask it here
We’re having a live conversation on Thursday at 8:30 pm EDT with author Chase Night to talk about queer Christian teenage love — reflecting on what it was like growing up LGBTQ in Christian communities, finding ourselves and coming, and why representation in fiction is important. Register at queertheology.com/chicken
The post Don’t Worry Be Happy? – 1 Timothy 6:6-19 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Sep 13, 2016 • 0sec
What the F*#k Do You Do with Money? Luke 16:1-13
In Luke 16, Jesus tells a parable about a dishonest account who ends up being praised by the master he swindled. We get some seemingly contradictory messages:
Use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves so that when it’s gone, you will be welcomed into the eternal homes.
but also
You cannot serve God and wealth.
What do we make of all of this? Take a listen!
P.S. Queer Theology’s Queer Lectionary podcast is made possible through supporters on Patreon and members of our online community, Sanctuary Collective. If you want to help support the podcast, you can pledge monthly at patreon.com/queertheology or join our interactive online community of LGBTQ Christians and straight cisgender supporters—full of additional resources, a book club, and more—at queertheology.com/sanctuary-collective
Photo by Nathan Congleton
The post What the F*#k Do You Do with Money? Luke 16:1-13 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Sep 8, 2016 • 0sec
Changing God’s Mind – Exodus 32:7-14
Sometimes what you think about God reveals something about what you think about yourself or the world around you.
In this passage, a petulant God plans to rage destruction upon the Hebrew people but Moses gets God to change God’s mind. Huh? What might we learn about God—and ourselves—from that. Dive in with Brian and Fr. Shay and let’s unpack it together.
Read the transcript (PDF)
Photo by levi.bare
The post Changing God’s Mind – Exodus 32:7-14 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Sep 4, 2016 • 0sec
You are not ruined – Jeremiah 18:1-11 & Philemon 1-21
For Brian’s last episode alone while Shay comes back from his speaking travels abroad, we dive way in and take a look at two passages (Jeremiah 18:1-11 & Philemon 1-21) PLUS closing out the episode with the Collect for Sunday.
Read the transcript (PDF)
Show Notes
Leave a review for the Queer Lectionary podcast on iTunes. It really helps other people find the podcast.
The Sermon on the Mount isn’t passive. Read Marcus Borg’s article on Jesus, Walter Wink, and ‘Turning the other cheek’
Queer Theology’s Queer Lectionary podcast is made possible through supporters on Patreon and members of our online community, Sanctuary Collective. If you want to help support the podcast, you can pledge monthly at patreon.com/queertheology or join our interactive online community of LGBTQ Christians and straight cisgender supporters—full of additional resources, a book club, and more—at queertheology.com/sanctuary-collective
Photo by Bronte Lockwood
The post You are not ruined – Jeremiah 18:1-11 & Philemon 1-21 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Aug 23, 2016 • 0sec
Psalm 68:4-7,10-11 – God’s Recurring Priorities
Sometimes Fr. Shay and I feel like we’re a bit of a broken record. I mean, how many times can we possibly talk about justice? Today’s lectionary text reminded Brian that we talk about many of the same themes and issues at Queer Theology because those issues come up OVER AND OVER AGAIN in the Bible.
In this episode, Brian delves into God’s recurring priorities and how they can inform your life (and ease your worry).
Read the transcript (PDF)
Photo Credit by Dren P
The post Psalm 68:4-7,10-11 – God’s Recurring Priorities appeared first on Queer Theology.


