Queer Theology

Brian and Shay talk about the political overtones of the casting demons into the swine and what it means for us as American citizens. What could it mean for us as queer people, as Americans, and as Christians to “de-colonize” our minds? Read the transcript (PDF) Luke 8:26-39 They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places. Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left. The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. The post Got Demons? – Luke 8:26-39 appeared first on Queer Theology.

This week, Brian & Fr. Shay look at Jesus’s encounter with a “sinful woman” and — perhaps more importantly — Simon’s reaction to the experience. What sins are forgiven? How? And why? We cover all that and more, queerly as often, in this week’s podcast. Take a listen! (6:01) The post How are sins forgiven? Luke 7:36-8:3 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Galatians 1: 11-24: In this podcast Brian and Shay talk about recovering from fundamentalism and what it means to be converted. We also talk about asking for permission and trusting our own stories. (4:48) We’d love to hear your thoughts on this week’s reading and on the episode, leave a comment below or shoot an email to connect@queertheology.com and let us know! The post Don’t Ask Permission: Galatians 1:11-24 appeared first on Queer Theology.

This discussion explores the essence of the Gospel of Jesus and its implications for modern preaching. The hosts emphasize the importance of courage in ministry, especially when delivering a message that aligns with God rather than societal approval. They also highlight the cost of following a Gospel that celebrates inclusivity, sharing personal experiences that showcase the power of faith communities. Insights into preaching effectively while challenging the status quo make this conversation both enlightening and impactful.

It’s Pentecost this Sunday and this week on Reading Queerly: The Queer Lectionary Podcast, we’re talking about the story of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-21) and Romans 8:14-17. This episode is–suprisingly–flaming pun-free. We do talk about The Spirit of God Trusting that we our children (and heirs!) of God Is there a “right” way to be gay/queer/trans? Moving from scarcity to abundance Finding ways to interact with faith that work for us What does it mean for churches to really be inclusive of LGBTQ people? As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the passages and the podcas. Leave a comment and let us know! The post Holy Flamers: Pentecost Sunday 2013 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Welcome to the very first episode of Reading Queerly, the Queer Theology podcast. In each podcast, we take a queer look at the week’s lectionary reading. We are very excited to kick off this podcast because we firmly believe that passages should be read through a queer lens. In today’s episode, we read the passage from Psalm 23. We unpacked quite a couple of interesting thoughts and we love to hear from you, too. What did this lectionary reading evoke in you? Psalm 23 A psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd.     I lack nothing. He lets me rest in grassy meadows;     he leads me to restful waters;     he keeps me alive. He guides me in proper paths     for the sake of his good name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley,     I fear no danger because you are with me. Your rod and your staff—     they protect me. You set a table for me     right in front of my enemies. You bathe my head in oil;     my cup is so full it spills over! Yes, goodness and faithful love     will pursue me all the days of my life,     and I will live in the Lord’s house     as long as I live.   The post Introducing Queer Theology’s Weekly Bible Podcast – Psalm 23 appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this episode of Reading Queerly: The Queer Lectionary Podcast, Shay and I look at Acts 16:16 – 34 from this Sunday’s lectionary. Here’s what’s in store for you: Paul & Silas come into conflict with businessmen and the government — what does that mean for us? How are faith asks us to do risky things The state of the LGBT movement Connections with the Occupy movement and queer prisoners How conversion requires action… often costly action What do you think about this passage: What is one time that you’ve taken a risk and stepped out on faith? What happened? Share with us in the comments below!   Acts 16:16-34, Common English Bible One day, when we were on the way to the place for prayer, we met a slave woman. She had a spirit that enabled her to predict the future. She made a lot of money for her owners through fortune-telling. She began following Paul and us, shouting, “These people are servants of the Most High God! They are proclaiming a way of salvation to you!” She did this for many days. This annoyed Paul so much that he finally turned and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ, I command you to leave her!” It left her at that very moment. Her owners realized that their hope for making money was gone. They grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them before the officials in the city center. When her owners approached the legal authorities, they said, “These people are causing an uproar in our city. They are Jews who promote customs that we Romans can’t accept or practice.” The crowd joined in the attacks against Paul and Silas, so the authorities ordered that they be stripped of their clothes and beaten with a rod. When Paul and Silas had been severely beaten, the authorities threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to secure them with great care. When he received these instructions, he threw them into the innermost cell and secured their feet in stocks. Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. All at once there was such a violent earthquake that it shook the prison’s foundations. The doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose. 27 When the jailer awoke and saw the open doors of the prison, he thought the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword and was about to kill himself.28 But Paul shouted loudly, “Don’t harm yourself! We’re all here!” The jailer called for some lights, rushed in, and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He led them outside and asked, “Honorable masters, what must I do to be rescued?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your entire household.” They spoke the Lord’s word to him and everyone else in his house. Right then, in the middle of the night, the jailer welcomed them and washed their wounds. He and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his home and gave them a meal. He was overjoyed because he and everyone in his household had come to believe in God. The post Faith In Action & Costly Conversion: Acts 16:16-34 appeared first on Queer Theology.