Queer Theology

In today’s episode, we respond to a reader from Tumblr about managing a long-distance relationship while living with conservative family members. We share our own personal experiences, what we went through, things we did to keep ourselves sane, and so much more. We also queer this week’s texts which come from Jeremiah 28:5-9 & Matthew 10:40-42. We tackled the importance of understanding biblical contexts in order to better appreciate and explore this week’s lectionary text. We also discussed the prophecies the prophets made and what was their purpose for doing it. There’s so much good stuff in today’s podcast so make sure to stay tuned. Things we talked about: Brain’s life update and birthday plans [0:42] Queering the Bible course update and reunion call [2:14] Fr. Shay’s life updates [3:27] Discussion about defunding the police [4:37] Is wearing a mask really a sign of fear and weakness? [6:03] Reader question from Tumblr on managing a long-distance relationship while living with strict Christians [8:36] We queer the lectionary texts from Jeremiah 28:5-9 & Matthew 10:40-42 [19:31] Understand the context of exile to understand Hebrew scripture [22:05] Why Fr. Shay finds Jeremiah fascinating [22:49] The prophet’s prophecies and what they are [23:49] No Justice; No Peace [24:46] Why do we revile prophets? [27:28] Helpful links An LGBTQ Christian Guide to Self Care (good for folks who have unaffirming people in their lives) Is it OK to be LGBTQ & Christian? Waitlist for Queering The Bible 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  Jeremiah 28:5-9 Then the prophet Jeremiah responded to Hananiah in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the Lord’s temple. The prophet Jeremiah said: “Indeed. May the Lord do just as you have said! May the Lord fulfill the words that you have prophesied and bring back from Babylon the equipment of the Lord’s temple and all the exiles to this place. However, listen closely to what I have to say to you and all the people: The prophets who came before you and me long ago prophesied war, disaster, and disease against many lands and great kingdoms. So the prophet who prophesies peace is recognized as one who is actually sent by the Lord only when that prophet’s message is fulfilled.” Matthew 10:40-42 “Those who receive you are also receiving me, and those who receive me are receiving the one who sent me. Those who receive a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. Those who receive a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. I assure you that everybody who gives even a cup of cold water to these little ones because they are my disciples will certainly be rewarded.” Photo by Robert Koorenny The post Responding To The Call – Jeremiah 28:5-9 & Matthew 10:40-42 appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this episode, we answer a question from a Tumblr follower about finding a way to connect with God. For someone who grew up without a strong, solid foundation it can be very difficult to believe in God. “I just find it difficult to believe that God is really there, that they really exist. I don’t know what to do next.” We also queer this week’s text from Matthew 10:26-39 which reminds us that we are indeed called to fight. That following our faith asks us to speak our truth and in that same essence, prepare ourselves for the onslaught of pain and conflicts. We’ve heard of the phrase, “pick up and carry your cross…”, but what does it really mean? Stay tuned! In this episode, we talk about: How are things at Fr. Shay’s location [0:47] Brian remembers the Pulse nightclub massacre [3:47] Your personal role in all that’s happening in the world [5:04] The arc doesn’t naturally bend towards justice [5:42] The internal work you need to start doing [7:02] Reader question from Tumblr on how to connect to God and find his faith [10:50] How most think that God as an anthropomorphic person [13:20] For most, connecting to God means doing the work and noticing the moments of sacredness [15:17] To experience God is to do good to other people [17:17] Invitation to Sanctuary Collective [18:41] We queer the lectionary texts from Matt 10:26-39 [19:13] Emphasis on peaceful fights [21:00] For queer’s who are living their truth, it sometimes creates riffs [25:58] Picking up your cross is scary and what it really means [28:45] On denying jesus before people [30:45] Sometimes when I'm at a gay club, I take a step back & watch my friends shower each other with physical affection. Hugs and kisses and winks and nods and silly faces and pinched cheeks and grinding and making out. If you squint your eyes just right, you can see the Holy Spirit — Brian & Shay | QueerTheology.com (@QTheology) January 18, 2019 Article mentioned in this episode: Skeptics guide to Christianity @ queertheology.com/skeptics 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 10:26-39 “Therefore, don’t be afraid of those people because nothing is hidden that won’t be revealed, and nothing secret that won’t be brought out into the open. What I say to you in the darkness, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, announce from the rooftops. Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body but can’t kill the soul. Instead, be afraid of the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell. Aren’t two sparrows sold for a small coin? But not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father knowing about it already. Even the hairs of your head are all counted. Don’t be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows. “Therefore, everyone who acknowledges me before people, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven. But everyone who denies me before people, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.  “Don’t think that I’ve come to bring peace to the earth. I haven’t come to bring peace but a sword. I’ve come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. People’s enemies are members of their own households. “Those who love father or mother more than me aren’t worthy of me. Those who love son or daughter more than me aren’t worthy of me. Those who don’t pick up their crosses and follow me aren’t worthy of me. Those who find their lives will lose them, and those who lose their lives because of me will find them. Photo by Clay Banks The post Prophetic Troublemaking – Matthew 10:26-39 appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this episode, we answer a question from a Tumblr follower about how the concept of being saved is uncomfortable. To this person, it feels like they have done something wrong hence, they need to “be saved”. This question actually ties in perfectly to the question we answered from last week: that’s at queertheology.com/332. We also queer this week’s text from Matt 9:35,10:8-23 where we talk about how we are sent out to do the work and proclaim the good news. We are also reminded that if we want to transform the world, it will be an uncomfortable and scary process to go through.  In this episode, we talk about: How are things in Minneapolis going? [0:40] Is the momentum of Black Lives Matter slowing down in LA? [2:32] /li> The work doesn’t stop “mattering”, it takes decades [4:21] Tumblr question on why we need to be “saved” and what did they do wrong? [6:38] The conservative view of salvation [7:05] An alternative idea of salvation [8:37] Our experiences and environment shape us and our values [9:14] The dual meaning of salvation [9:53] We queer the lectionary texts from Matt 9:35,10:8-23 [11:15] Communism and the lectionary text [13:30] Find connections between the Bible and lived experiences [14:39] Proclaiming the good news and being saved [16:14] The pain of the process [16:33] Why is this passage a blueprint? [17:01] Memes on approaching change [18:00] On stepping outside your comfort zone and expanding it [19:33] The transformative power of doing things that scare you [19:54] Articles mentioned in this episode: Why Did Jesus Die (webinar) Prison Abolition Additional Resources: Pamela Lightsey: Our Lives Matter: A Woman: A Womanist Queer Theology James Cone: A Black Theology of Liberation | The Cross & The Lynching Tree Here’s a NPR interview with Rev. Cone “Why Anti-Racism Must Be Part of Our Faith” – IGTV video from Rev. Jacqui Lewis Black Lives Matter The Movement for Black Lives Critical Resistance – an international movement to end the Prison Industrial  Black Visions Collective, Reclaim the Block, MPD150 – learn from Minneapolis groups that have been doing this work for years Sister Outsider – essays and speeches by Audre Lorde Color of Violence a collection of essays by INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence That’s Not How That Works podcast – an exploration of diversity, inclusion, and equity and how these things show up, (or don’t) in our personal and professional communities Still Processing – a New York Times culture podcast “Divine In The Differences” featuring Indigo Rose – Queer Theology podcast episode looking at Romans 1:24 – 2:8 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 (with some original poetry!) The Next Question – a web video series exploring how expansive racial justice can be Kat Blaque – YouTuber & children’s illustrator Evelyn From The Internets – digital storyteller, filmmaker, and comedian Meaning Through Movement – a series of virtual fitness & mental health events with Alison Mariella Désir and special guests Anti-Racism Masterclass with Rev. Jacqui Lewis Lisa Sharon Harper – theologian, writer, speaker, and activist ARROWS – entrepreneur, storyteller, and fashion icon (also YouTuber) Purity Culture on-demand workshop with Lola from No Shame Movement If you’re looking for books, check out these Black-owned bookstores 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 9:35,10:8-23 Jesus traveled among all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, announcing the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, and throw out demons. You received without having to pay. Therefore, give without demanding payment. Workers deserve to be fed, so don’t gather gold or silver or copper coins for your money belts to take on your trips. Don’t take a backpack for the road or two shirts or sandals or a walking stick. Whatever city or village you go into, find somebody in it who is worthy and stay there until you go on your way. When you go into a house, say, ‘Peace!’ If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if the house isn’t worthy, take back your blessing. If anyone refuses to welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet as you leave that house or city. I assure you that it will be more bearable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on Judgment Day than it will be for that city. “Look, I’m sending you as sheep among wolves. Therefore, be wise as snakes and innocent as doves. Watch out for people—because they will hand you over to councils and they will beat you in their synagogues. They will haul you in front of governors and even kings because of me so that you may give your testimony to them and to the Gentiles. Whenever they hand you over, don’t worry about how to speak or what you will say, because what you can say will be given to you at that moment. You aren’t doing the talking, but the Spirit of my Father is doing the talking through you. Brothers and sisters will hand each other over to be executed. A father will turn his child in. Children will defy their parents and have them executed. Everyone will hate you on account of my name. But whoever stands firm until the end will be saved. Whenever they harass you in one city, escape to the next, because I assure that you will not go through all the cities of Israel before the Human One comes. Photo by Koshu Kunii The post Stand Firm and Be Saved – Matthew 9:35,10:8-23 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Uprisings for Black Lives Matter continue across the country and around the world, after beginning last week in Minneapolis, where Fr. Shay lives, in response to the murder of George Floyd by the police. The movement continues to swell as we recognize Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and countless others. As we head into LGBTQ Pride month, we recognize the interconnectedness of all our community’s struggles. In this episode, we answer a listener question and talk about the concept of the original sin. “From what I’ve seen, at best, it casts all humans as inherently sinful or lesser (which I don’t believe) and at worst, it’s used as a reason to insult/degrade women.” We also queer this week’s text from 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 & Matthew 28:16-20 which is very timely with what’s going on in the US right now. We are reminded to “Put things in order” or make things right, and to continue to go out there to continue to fight this fight. Black Lives Matter is part of that work. In this episode, we talk about: LGBTQ Pride Month, Stonewall, Black Lives Matter, and the Bible: it’s all connected Listener question regarding Eve and the apple The original sin and how conservative Christianity understands it Reframing the idea of the original sin Original blessing: what our responsibility is? We queer the lectionary texts from 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 & Matthew 28:16-20 What we encourage you to do when reading scriptures On “putting things in order” Harmony and peace? What does it look like? The story of Christian faith: reimagining the world very differently 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   2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Finally, brothers and sisters, good-bye. Put things in order, respond to my encouragement, be in harmony with each other, and live in peace—and the God of love and peace will be with you. Say hello to each other with a holy kiss. All of God’s people say hello to you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.   Matthew 28:16-20 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.” Photo by Aarón Blanco Tejedor The post Original Blessing, Not Sin – 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 & Matthew 28:16-20 appeared first on Queer Theology.

We recorded this episode earlier in the week, before the murder of George Floyd by (now former) Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin. On Friday, we quickly recorded a special introduction to briefly address that injustice and the ensuing organization for justice in Minneapolis, where Fr. Shay. A big part of that for us, as white guys, is to listen to and follow the lead of Black organizers. We share some of that in the episode and below. We’ll talk in more depth about this in next week’s episode. Organizations mentioned in the “pre-show” Minnesota Freedom Fund Reclaim The Block Black Visions Collective MPD 150 Find a chapter of Showing Up For Racial Justice (SURJ) near you or how to start one if there isn’t one near you Anti-Racism Resources for White People The Color of Violence by INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence Happy Pentecost! In today’s episode, we answer a reader/listener question that was sent via Tumblr about heaven, hell, and satan. This reader was also wondering if NOT believing any of this would automatically cancel out your Christianity? If you’re interested to know our thoughts around that, then stay tuned.  We also queer this week’s text from Acts 2:1-21 and we share our love for this passage. We also share how this passage is very relatable for queer folks and the work that we do. There’s so much that we’ve unpacked in this episode and we’re excited to dive into it with all of you. In this episode, we talk about: Fr. Shay’s life updates: reading books and cooking on an instant pot [0:40] Brian’s current book read: Autoboyography [2:00] Queering the Bible course update [2:57] Shoutout to Jodi Hasel [4:03] Tumblr listener/reader question about the afterlife [4:32] Reacting to conservative understandings of heaven and hell [5:44] Can you still be a Christian if you don’t believe in the afterlife? [6:35] What does “believing” really mean? [8:09] We queer a text from Acts 2:1-21 [9:53] Why does Brian love this passage? [10:18] On bringing our WHOLE self to this passage [11:11] A sense of community [12:15] What are we being emboldened to say right now? [14:12] Pentecost and LGBT Pride festivals [14:53] Check QueerTheology.com/queerbible to stay on the loop [16:31] Articles mentioned in the podcast: Is It All About Getting Into Heaven? Holy Flamers: Pentecost Sunday 2013 The Power Of 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  Acts 2:1-21 When Pentecost Day arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be individual flames of fire alighting on each one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak. There were pious Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. When they heard this sound, a crowd gathered. They were mystified because everyone heard them speaking in their native languages. They were surprised and amazed, saying, “Look, aren’t all the people who are speaking Galileans, every one of them? How then can each of us hear them speaking in our native language? Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; as well as residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the regions of Libya bordering Cyrene; and visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the mighty works of God in our own languages!” They were all surprised and bewildered. Some asked each other, “What does this mean?” Others jeered at them, saying, “They’re full of new wine!” Peter stood with the other eleven apostles. He raised his voice and declared, “Judeans and everyone living in Jerusalem! Know this! Listen carefully to my words! These people aren’t drunk, as you suspect; after all, it’s only nine o’clock in the morning! Rather, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.     Your sons and daughters will prophesy.     Your young will see visions.     Your elders will dream dreams.     Even upon my servants, men and women,         I will pour out my Spirit in those days,         and they will prophesy. I will cause wonders to occur in the heavens above     and signs on the earth below,         blood and fire and a cloud of smoke. The sun will be changed into darkness,     and the moon will be changed into blood,         before the great and spectacular day of the Lord comes. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Photo by Andrej Lišakov The post Christianity Checklist? – Acts 2:1-21 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Like most people who love music and art, we understand them as a “voice” or expression of our soul. Art can express and reflect our values. Sometimes, worship music or Christian movies are thought of as separate from other types of art. Is that helpful? And what about Christian media for progressive and LGBTQ people? We address a listener question from our Tumblr on just that topic in today’s episode. We also queer this week’s text from Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 which ties beautiful. Psalms were songs, what might they teach us about “worship music” today? We explore the intersection of worship music and protest songs? Songs that empower us and allow us to continue the fight.  This is going to be a very lovely, yet thought-provoking episode which we know you all will love. So stay tuned. In this episode, we talk about: Brian’s life and language learning update [0:35] Fr. Shay’s life and church work update [1:59] Shoutout to Caryn Saxon who is a long-time supporter and was a guest on the podcast [3:53] Tumblr listener question on Christian music and movies [4:22]  Warning: Fr. Shay has strong feelings about this topic [5:00] Have you heard of a Christian knock-off of the High School Musical? [5:29] Art and Christianity: the effects on spirituality [6:40] Dixie Chicks’ music and Brian [7:50] We queer a text from Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 [8:53] Perhaps a different type of Christian music? [10:55] What if hymns were protest songs? [12:40] The power of marginalized folks’ voices [13:30] “Die Cis Scum” and how it affected Brian [14:54] A Broadway musical lyric to bring us home! [16:12] Name that tune: Contemporary Christian Music Edition 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  Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 Let God rise up; let his enemies scatter; let those who hate him run scared before him! Like smoke is driven away, drive them away! Like wax melting before fire, let the wicked perish before God! But let the righteous be glad and celebrate before God. Let them rejoice with gladness! Sing to God! Sing praises to his name! Exalt the one who rides the clouds! The Lord is his name. Celebrate before him! Father of orphans and defender of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the lonely in their homes; he sets prisoners free with happiness, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land. When you went forth before your people, God, when you marched through the wasteland, Selah the earth shook! Yes, heaven poured down before God, the one from Sinai— before God, the God of Israel! You showered down abundant rain, God; when your inheritance grew weary, you restored it yourself, and your creatures settled in it. In your goodness, God, you provided for the poor. Sing to God, all kingdoms of the earth! Sing praises to my Lord. Selah Sing to the one who rides through heaven, the most ancient heaven. Look! God sends forth his voice, his mighty voice. Recognize how strong God is! His majesty extends over Israel; his strength is in the clouds. You are awesome, God, in your sanctuaries— the God of Israel who gives strength and power to his people! Bless God! Photo by Jason Rosewell The post From Worship Songs to Protest Hymns – Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 appeared first on Queer Theology.

In today’s episode, we talk about very important topics like self-care and mental health as we answer an anonymous question from a listener. The question deals with giving oneself permission to be human, but how does one do that? And what does the Bible say about this problem? We also queer this week’s text from John 14:15-21. We remind everyone to take the time to accept and honor the divinity that is within us. That while it feels like the world is oppressing us, we can be comforted that Jesus is with us and we have our community behind us, rallying with us. So stay tuned and we hope you learn something from this episode. In this episode, we talk about: Life and weather updates from Fr. Shay and Brian [0:41] Shoutout to Zabby Heying who joined 6 months ago [3:55] An anonymous listener question about what does the Bible say about self-care [4:28]  The Bible talks a lot about mental health, but it’s not the only tool available [5:04] Elijah and his depression [6:16] Jesus’ self-care practice [6:54] Join us in Sanctuary Collective [7:52] We queer a text from John 14:15-21 [8:49] There’s more to the scripture: honor the divinity inside of you [10:16] The feeling of being orphaned [11:24]   The assurance of having a comforter in Jesus and in our community [11:53] Fr. Shay hates the gospel of John because… [12:17] The spirit in the queer people [13:07] 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 14:15-21 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. I will ask the Father, and he will send another Companion, who will be with you forever. This Companion is the Spirit of Truth, whom the world can’t receive because it neither sees him nor recognizes him. You know him, because he lives with you and will be with you. “I won’t leave you as orphans. I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live too. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” Photo by Greg Rakozy The post Your Inner Divinity – John 14:15-21 appeared first on Queer Theology.

This episode is filled with so much good stuff and we’re excited for you to dive in. We have a question from Bella about how to talk about your faith without making other people uncomfortable. How do we disconnect sharing our faith from some people’s ideas about evangelising people. We also queer this week’s passage from 1 Peter 2:2-10. We talk about what it means and feels like to be nourished by God’s word and how the experience of queerness and transness can be a touchpoint for the entire church. So stay tuned and enjoy this episode. In this episode, we talk about: Brian talks about learning Danish and cooking [0:00] Fr. Shay talks about cooking monstastic soups [1:26] Shout out to a new Patreon supporter [3:14] A question from Bella about how to talk about your faith [4:04] Fr. Shay talks about the pressure to evangelize that he grew up with [5:11] Brian shares about how progressive folks sometime move too far in the other direction [6:15] Fr. Shay talks about disconnecting sharing from conversion [9:03] Invitation to Sanctuary Collective [10:33] We queer a text from 1 Peter 2:2-10 [11:06] Brian talks about the joy of being nourished by God’s Word [12:45] Fr. Shay talks about what it means to taste that the Lord is good [13:50] Brian delves into the power of learning to trust your body [14:35] Fr. Shay talks about the power of those rejected to build something incredible [15:16] 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 2:2-10 Instead, like a newborn baby, desire the pure milk of the word. Nourished by it, you will grow into salvation, since you have tasted that the Lord is good. Now you are coming to him as to a living stone. Even though this stone was rejected by humans, from God’s perspective it is chosen, valuable. You yourselves are being built like living stones into a spiritual temple. You are being made into a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Thus it is written in scripture, Look! I am laying a cornerstone in Zion, chosen, valuable. The person who believes in him will never be shamed. So God honors you who believe. For those who refuse to believe, though, the stone the builders tossed aside has become the capstone. This is a stone that makes people stumble and a rock that makes them fall. Because they refuse to believe in the word, they stumble. Indeed, this is the end to which they were appointed. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who are God’s own possession. You have become this people so that you may speak of the wonderful acts of the one who called you out of darkness into his amazing light. Once you weren’t a people, but now you are God’s people. Once you hadn’t received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Photo by Sharon McCutcheon The post Queerness is a Cornerstone – 1 Peter 2:2-10 appeared first on Queer Theology.

This episode is filled with so much good stuff and we’re excited for you to dive in. First off, we have a question from Em about how best to find affirming churches. What are the best resources to use to find a community to be part of especially in areas where religious establishments are often homophobic and transphobic? We also queer this week’s passage from Acts 2:42-47, which is actually one of Brian’s favorites. How the message clearly speaks to us queers and how it simply shows that we are in a very caring community. So stay tuned and enjoy this episode. In this episode, we talk about: Catching up on quarantine [0:00] Shout out to a new Patreon supporter [3:42] A question from Em about finding an affirming church [7:10] Websites you can use to find an affirming church in your area [5:15] Specific tips on how to search online for searches [7:00] Red flags to look out for [7:45] How you can use social media  [9:15] A few recommendations for streaming services and virtual church [11:35] Invitation to Sanctuary Collective [11:53] We queer a text from Acts 2:42-47 [12:35] How Brian experienced this text in his real-life through queerness [13:50] Echoes of this passage from a queer culture in the 80s [15:15] What it means to be “saved” in the context of this passage [17:25] “If someone finds the goodness of God because they are no longer in debt, what a gift that is.” [18:20] What might it mean like to “get back to the root of the Bible”? [19:52] Assignment for you! Yes you, listeners. [20:16] 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 2:42-47 The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the community, to their shared meals, and to their prayers. A sense of awe came over everyone. God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles. All the believers were united and shared everything. They would sell pieces of property and possessions and distribute the proceeds to everyone who needed them. Every day, they met together in the temple and ate in their homes. They shared food with gladness and simplicity. They praised God and demonstrated God’s goodness to everyone. The Lord added daily to the community those who were being saved. Photo by Jack Sharp The post Queerness is Caring – Acts 2:42-47 appeared first on Queer Theology.

In today’s episode, we answer a reader question about how certain ideas about what happened on the cross (what theology geeks call “penal substitutionary atonement”) and other harmful interpretation passages can foster shame and decrease a queer person’s self-esteem. “For some reason, this is something I still struggle with, perhaps due to the toxic church environment I grew up in.”  We also queer this week’s passage from Luke 24:13-35. We talk about how beautiful it is for Jesus to have made an impact on his disciples that it allows him to reveal himself through simple gestures: gestures and actions that are somehow recognizable to those closest to him.  In this episode, we talk about: Queering the Bible course update [0:39] Shout out to Kaya Oakes who is our dear friend and has been a supporter ever since [5:50] A reader question about his struggles with the verse about Jesus dying on the cross for our sins [7:10] The atonement [8:04] Queer people were created in God’s image (also) [11:30] Invitation to Sanctuary Collective [15:51] We queer a text from Luke 24:13-35 [16:36] Brian’s view of Jesus [19:01] Things Jesus did that’s recognizable to others [22:40] Breaking the bread moment [24:07] “Recognition that we can find Jesus in these small moments that breakthrough in our daily lives.” [24:26] Remember registration for Queering The Bible is now open and will end on Thursday, April 30, 2020. Learn more about the course to decide if it’s right for you at queertheology.com/queerbible 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  Link(s) mentioned in this episode: Webinar on atonement: Why Did Jesus Die? Luke 24:13-35 On that same day, two disciples were traveling to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking to each other about everything that had happened. While they were discussing these things, Jesus himself arrived and joined them on their journey. They were prevented from recognizing him. He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk along?” They stopped, their faces downcast. The one named Cleopas replied, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who is unaware of the things that have taken place there over the last few days?” He said to them, “What things?” They said to him, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth. Because of his powerful deeds and words, he was recognized by God and all the people as a prophet. But our chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the one who would redeem Israel. All these things happened three days ago. But there’s more: Some women from our group have left us stunned. They went to the tomb early this morning and didn’t find his body. They came to us saying that they had even seen a vision of angels who told them he is alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women said. They didn’t see him.” Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! Your dull minds keep you from believing all that the prophets talked about. Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then he interpreted for them the things written about himself in all the scriptures, starting with Moses and going through all the Prophets. When they came to Emmaus, he acted as if he was going on ahead. But they urged him, saying, “Stay with us. It’s nearly evening, and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. After he took his seat at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?” They got up right then and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying to each other, “The Lord really has risen! He appeared to Simon!” Then the two disciples described what had happened along the road and how Jesus was made known to them as he broke the bread.   Photo by Debby Hudson The post Breaking the Bread – Luke 24:13-35 appeared first on Queer Theology.