Queer Theology

Jennifer Knapp discusses her journey on the pod this week as a singer-songwriter in the contemporary Christian music industry and her subsequent shift to more mainstream music. She talks about the tension she felt between the inspiring messages of Christianity and the restrictive expectations and shame associated with it- particularly in relation to purity culture. Knapp shares her decision to leave the Christian music industry and the challenges she faced in reclaiming her own voice as an artist. She also highlights the importance of wrestling with faith and the need for diversity and inclusivity within Christianity. We discuss the importance of embracing one’s unique identity and finding community without the need for external validation  and she expresses her desire to create music that is contemplative, heart-centered, and reflective of personal prayers. Additionally, she discusses her theological studies and the responsibility she feels as a leader in faith spaces. Takeaways Jennifer Knapp experienced tension between the inspiring messages of Christianity and the restrictive expectations and shame associated with it, particularly in relation to purity culture. She made the decision to leave the contemporary Christian music (CCM) industry and reclaim her own voice as an artist. Knapp emphasizes the importance of wrestling with faith and exploring spirituality outside of the confines of a specific religious market. She advocates for diversity and inclusivity within Christianity, recognizing the need to acknowledge and appreciate different perspectives and experiences. Embrace your unique identity and focus on self-discovery rather than conforming to external expectations. Finding community becomes easier when you are confident in who you are and don’t feel the need to defend yourself constantly. Artistic growth and personal development can be nurtured in private, away from the public spotlight. Revisiting past work can be a meaningful exercise to reflect on personal growth and share that journey with others. There is a need for new, thoughtful, and contemplative music in faith spaces that goes beyond traditional hymns and contemporary worship songs. Take responsibility for creating the community and spaces you desire, whether it’s in art, faith, or any other aspect of life. Chapters (02:52) Introducing Jennifer Knapp and Her Background (03:00) Jennifer Knapp’s Introduction at a Fancy Queer Cocktail Dinner Party (08:07) Navigating Tension: Inspiring Messages vs. Restrictive Expectations in Christianity (13:08) Leaving the CCM Industry: Reclaiming My Voice as an Artist (24:19) Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity in Christianity (25:27) Embracing Identity and Finding Community (27:21) Artistic Growth and Personal Development (27:41) Revisiting the Past: The Re-recording of ‘Kansas’ (29:15) Creating Contemplative and Heart-Centered Music (41:21) Theological Studies and Responsibility in Faith Spaces (45:25) Taking Responsibility: Creating the Community You Desire   Resources: Get more information about Jennifer Knapp and her music at https://jenniferknapp.com/  Patreon community with Jennifer Knapp Join the  Sanctuary Collective 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.   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Growing Up with Jennifer Knapp appeared first on Queer Theology.

We have Billie Hoard on the podcast this week for a conversation that explores the intersection of queerness, spirituality, theology, and delving into the impact of disgust and its connections with purity culture and fascism. Billie shares her personal experiences and insights, highlighting the role of disgust in shaping social boundaries and exclusion. The discussion also addresses the concept of ‘eucontamination’ and its relevance in religious and progressive spaces. We also delve into practical ways to lower pre-rational disgust responses within religious traditions.   Resources: Find more of Billie’s writing on Substack: https://billieiswriting.substack.com/  Follow Billie on social: IG- @billieiswriting  Join the  Sanctuary Collective 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.   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Being a Good Contaminant with Billie Hoard appeared first on Queer Theology.

Jessica Jacobs joins us this week to talk about her new book of poetry, “Unalone.” It’s a beautiful collection of poems that are inspired by and in conversation with Genesis. As you read through them, you move through Genesis. It’s such an incredible concept and moving poetry! Jessica also talks about her life and experiences as a queer woman who came to religion later in life as well as the power of words. Resources: “Unalone” by Jessica Jacobs Learn more about Jessica Jacobs at her website Join the  Sanctuary Collective 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. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Conversations with Genesis with Jessica Jacobs appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this conversation, Cassidy Hall, an author and award-winning filmmaker with a focus on contemplative spirituality, shares her insights from 'Queer and Contemplation.' She discusses the significance of queering traditional religious concepts, drawing from her personal experiences with faith and queerness. Hall emphasizes contemplation as a 'sacred pause' that fosters inner reflection and active engagement. She advocates for amplifying marginalized voices in spiritual discourse and encourages everyone to recognize and embrace their unique moments of connection to the divine.

It’s officially Pride Month and we’re so excited to share how we’re going to celebrate it this year! We share personal stories of pride, acceptance and reflect on the power of queer elders and the generations that have come before us to make Pride what it is today. Not to mention, how they have made the world a better place. We also discuss the importance of finding role models and community support in cultivating pride in one’s queerness. We gotta separate the negative connotations of ‘pride’ as arrogance from the positive sense of self-assuredness and celebration of one’s identity. We encourage you to embrace the scandalous and resistant roots of Pride and to participate in the sacred rituals of queer gatherings.   Takeaways Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate and honor the generations of queer people who have fought for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. Queer elders play a crucial role in the LGBTQ+ community, and their stories and experiences should be valued and celebrated. Finding role models and community support can help cultivate pride in one’s queerness and create a sense of possibility and acceptance. It is important to separate the negative connotations of pride as arrogance from the positive sense of self-assuredness and celebration of one’s identity. Pride has its roots in resistance against discrimination and oppression, and it is important to remember and honor this history. Participating in Pride events and queer gatherings can be a powerful and sacred experience that connects individuals to a larger community and history.   Chapters (00:00) Introduction and Pride Month Plans (02:42) Celebrating Pride Month and Honoring Queer Elders (09:35) Cultivating Pride: Role Models and Community Support (15:06) From Arrogance to Self-Assuredness: Redefining Pride (33:00) The Sacred Rituals of Queer Gatherings   Resources: Join the Queerness Everyday Challenge at queertheology.com/challenge Join the  Sanctuary Collective 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.   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post Finding Your Pride appeared first on Queer Theology.

It’s no secret that we’re really big fans of spiritual practice. Especially one that really makes you feel connected to your queer spirituality! In this episode, we discuss the difference between spiritual practices and habits. We explore how spiritual practices can connect us to ourselves, something bigger than us, and other people. We share personal stories and examples of how spiritual practices have enriched our own lives. It is so important to have intentionality and repetition in spiritual practices, so we offer suggestions for infusing queerness into existing practices. And if you are ready to go even deeper, join our Queerness Everyday Challenge!   Takeaways Spiritual practices connect us to ourselves, something bigger than us, and other people. Habits and routines are different from spiritual practices because they may not serve the same purposes. Spiritual practices can be infused with queerness and can be personalized to fit our individual needs and experiences. Repetition and intentionality are key in developing meaningful and transformative spiritual practices. The Queerness Every Day Challenge is a great opportunity to explore and deepen our spiritual practices.   Chapters (0:25) Difference Between Spiritual Practices and Habits (8:18) The Power of Repetition and Intentionality (12:45) Personal Stories of Meaningful Spiritual Practices (26:16) Join the Queerness Every Day Challenge   Resources: Join the Queerness Everyday Challenge at queertheology.com/challenge Join the  Sanctuary Collective 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. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post The 5 Minutes a Day That Will Change Your Life appeared first on Queer Theology.

We discuss the connection between queerness and spirituality in this episode… Yes- that is what we’re ALWAYS trying to get at! Here we share our personal experiences of feeling disconnected from queerness and spirituality in the past. Finding ways to integrate them into our everyday lives has been a journey and we’ve got some ways you can start to feel more connected to your queerness.    Takeaways Queerness and spirituality can be integrated and connected in meaningful ways. Taking intentional, embodied, communal, small and sustainable, and regular actions can deepen the connection between queerness and spirituality. The Queerness Every Day Challenge offers simple actions to help participants integrate queerness and spirituality. The challenge provides a supportive community and resources to explore the intersections of queerness and spirituality.   Chapters (00:00) Feeling Disconnected from Queerness (05:43) Integration of Queerness and Spirituality (11:33) Taking Action to Connect Queerness and Spirituality (19:16) Building Community and Taking Small, Sustainable, and Regular Actions   Resources: Join the Queerness Everyday Challenge at queertheology.com/challenge Join the  Sanctuary Collective 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. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post How to Feel More Connected to Queerness Every Day appeared first on Queer Theology.

We are so excited to bring you a special interview on the pod this week! Not only did we get to preview the new season of “We’re Here,” but we got to interview one of the stars of the show, Latrice Royale. Latrice discusses the importance of the show and how it is shedding light on the struggles of the queer community as well as dispelling misinformation about drag. She also shares her journey of finding her purpose through drag and how it has allowed her to impact others’ lives. Our conversation explores the tension and pushback faced by the drag queens in Oklahoma and the importance of standing up for the community. Latrice emphasizes the need for people to step out of their bubbles, learn from one another, and be allies by voting for change.    Takeaways ‘We’re Here’ sheds light on the struggles of the queer community and dispels misinformation about drag. Drag can be a sacred calling and a ministry that impacts and improves lives. Religious teachings on homosexuality can create conflicts for queer individuals. Inclusive churches provide a welcoming and affirming space for queer people. Drag queens can inspire and motivate change in communities. Allies need to step up and support the queer community by voting for change.   Chapters (1:39) Introducing our wonderful guest, Latrice Royale (3:01) Conversation on queerness, spirituality, and rural America (15:16) Latrice discusses drag as a sacred calling (19:39) Exploration of religious experiences in “We’re Here” and their religious background (22:23) Discussion on rediscovering faith during challenging times (25:43) Latrice reflects on their experiences in an inclusive church   Resources: The new season of “We’re Here” is out on  Join the course From Affirmation to Liberation at queertheology.com/class  Join the  Sanctuary Collective 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. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post We’re Here Interview with Latrice Royale appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this conversation we explore the topic of prayer from our different perspectives as an atheist and an ordained Catholic priest. We discuss what prayer is and why people pray, as well as the need for alternatives to prayer. We also got 13 alternatives to prayer that you can put into your spiritual practice today (hint- you might already be doing some of them!). The important thing here is the intentionality. And sometimes experimentation in finding a prayer practice that works for each individual can be a really rewarding way to deepen your faith and prayer practice.    Takeaways Prayer is a way to connect with something bigger than ourselves and can take many forms. There are various reasons why someone might need or want alternatives to prayer, such as feeling disconnected from a previous prayer tradition or feeling like their current prayer practice has become stale. Experimenting with different prayer alternatives can help individuals find a practice that resonates with them and brings them a sense of connection and peace. Intentionality and consistency are key in developing a prayer practice, and it’s important to give new practices time to develop and evolve. Changing up prayer practices can lead to new insights and experiences, and it’s beneficial to try different approaches to prayer, even if you already have a prayer practice that works for you.   Chapters (09:54) Reasons for Seeking Alternatives to Prayer (35:38) Experimenting with Prayer Practices   Resources: Rituals for Resistance & Resilience on demand workshop Join Spiritual Study Hall to get access to all QueerTheology resources Join the  Sanctuary Collective 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. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post 13 Alternatives to Prayer appeared first on Queer Theology.

Y’all know we love asking questions. So in this episode we’re gonna to get into the importance of asking questions to deepen one’s faith. That might seem counterintuitive to what we’ve been taught because so much of conservative religious upbringing is to NOT ask questions. We explain how asking questions is crucial because it helps individuals clarify what is important to them and what they want to achieve. We also talk about one of our favorite practices (journaling!) and we have 7 questions you can ask yourself right now to start deepening your faith.   Takeaways Asking questions is an important part of deepening one’s faith and clarifying what is important to them. Writing down or speaking out loud one’s thoughts and beliefs can help in gaining clarity and making commitments. Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection and tracking personal growth. The seven questions discussed in the episode can be used to deepen one’s faith and explore different aspects of spirituality.Feeling close to God or the sacred is a personal and unique experience, and it’s important to reflect on specific moments, details, and emotions associated with those experiences. Understanding what closeness means to you and what aspects of those experiences were meaningful can help guide your spiritual journey and bring depth to your faith life. Curiosity plays a crucial role in deepening your religious tradition. Being curious about theological tenets, practices, or learning more about specific aspects can keep you engaged and open to growth. Identifying what you want more of in your faith life requires specificity and clarity. Breaking down your desires into actionable steps and defining when and how you will engage in those practices is essential. Recognizing and addressing barriers that have kept you from deepening your faith is crucial. This may involve external factors, such as lack of access or community, as well as internal obstacles, such as fear or uncertainty. Taking one specific action step at a time can move you closer to your spiritual goals. Scheduling and planning these steps, even in the face of resistance or uncertainty, increases the likelihood of follow-through. Being part of a supportive community and seeking accountability can provide encouragement and guidance in your spiritual journe   Chapters (04:21) The Power of Journaling for Self-Reflection (08:50) Question: When Have You Felt Closest to God? (15:13) Question: Moments of Wanting to Deepen Your Faith (20:51) Question: Continuing the Journey of Deepening Your Faith (25:24) Reflecting on Moments of Closeness to God (32:05) Cultivating Curiosity in Religious Traditions (35:06) Identifying Desires for a Deeper Faith Life (37:49) The Value of Community and Accountability in Spiritual Growth   Resources: Join Spiritual Study Hall to get access to all QueerTheology resources Join the  Sanctuary Collective 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.   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT The post 7 Questions to Deepen Your Faith appeared first on Queer Theology.