Queer Theology

In this conversation, Brian and Shannon discuss the theme of unlearning and relearning. They share personal experiences and insights on the process of unlearning harmful beliefs and embracing new perspectives. They touch on topics such as masculinity, the fear of not being accepted by God, and the concept of abundance in Christianity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and the ongoing journey of unlearning and relearning.   Takeaways Unlearning involves identifying and challenging harmful beliefs and perspectives that have been ingrained in us. The process of unlearning and relearning is ongoing and requires self-reflection and intentional effort. Masculinity and societal expectations can shape our beliefs and understanding of ourselves. It is important to question and redefine these notions. The fear of not being accepted by God or facing eternal damnation can be a source of anxiety for LGBTQ+ individuals. It is important to explore alternative interpretations of religious teachings. Abundance in Christianity is not about material excess, but about experiencing joy, love, and liberation in all aspects of life. Unlearning and relearning involves letting go of guilt, shame, and fear, and embracing a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of faith and spirituality.   Chapters (10:24) Unlearning and Relearning: Challenging Harmful Beliefs (13:43) Redefining Masculinity: Breaking Free from Societal Expectations (15:07) Finding Acceptance: Overcoming Fear and Doubt (29:24) The Ongoing Journey: Embracing Unlearning and Relearning   Resources: Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community Why “Have you Accepted Jesus?” is the Wrong Question  Is It All About Getting Into Heaven?   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 Unlearning and Relearning appeared first on Queer Theology.

Avra Shapiro (they/them) joins us for a fantastic conversation about God this week. Avra is a queer Jewish mystic and freelance Kohenet and discusses their journey to becoming a Kohenet. Avra shares their understanding of God as an ever-flowing source of support and the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with the divine, especially by using different names for God. Avra explains how exploring the power of using different names for God can unlock new perspectives and connections. They emphasize the importance of finding queer teachers and communities that resonate with your own experiences and desires to deepen this connection. Avra encourages listeners to engage in spiritual practices that connect them to something bigger than themselves and bring joy and grounding to their lives.   Takeaways Cultivating a personal relationship with the divine is crucial and can bring support, grounding, and life-enhancing experiences. Using different names for God can unlock new perspectives and connections, allowing for a more personal and intimate relationship. Finding queer teachers and communities that resonate with your experiences and desires is important for spiritual growth and healing. Engaging in spiritual practices that connect you to something bigger than yourself can bring joy, grounding, and a sense of rootedness. Exploring the teachings and wisdom of different traditions can help reclaim and make them your own, while also acknowledging and addressing the harms of patriarchy and colonization.   Chapters (05:10) Avra’s Journey to Becoming a Kohenet (10:22) Creating Space for the Divine to Come In (15:16) Understanding God and Using Different Names (39:33) Finding Queer Teachers and Communities (44:36) Addressing Harm and Reclaiming Traditions   Resources:  https://www.kohenetavrashapiro.com/  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 There was a tech issue with our transcripts. We’re working on resolving this as quickly as possible.  The post Holding Space with Avra Shapiro appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’ve known Rev. Jes Kast for a long time now and it was an absolute pleasure to have her on the pod this week talking queer, country, femme ministry! Jes is a minister of word and sacrament in the United Church of Christ and shares her journey of faith and queerness in this conversation. She discusses her upbringing in a conservative Christian environment and her deep connection to her identity as a queer femme. Jes emphasizes the importance of faith in her life and how it has shaped her understanding of herself and her role as a pastor. Jes reflects on her transition from big city femme to rural queer life and the sense of community she has found in her small town. Jes discusses the beauty and challenges of living in central Pennsylvania and the importance of community and care in small town life. She emphasizes the need to recognize the complexities and realities of both small town and big city life, and to avoid idealizing or romanticizing either.   Takeaways Faith played a significant role in Rev Jes Kast’s upbringing, and she found comfort and strength in her belief in a benevolent God. Jes’s journey of self-discovery as a queer femme led her to embrace her identity and find joy in expressing herself through fashion and artistry. As a pastor, Jes values the opportunity to journey with people through important moments in their lives and create meaningful rituals. Jes’s transition from big city femme to rural queer life has allowed her to reconnect with her small town roots and find a sense of community and safety. Central Pennsylvania is often overlooked and misunderstood, but it has its own unique beauty and interesting people. Small town life is more communal and caring, with a greater reliance on each other. Living in a rural community as an out queer clergy comes with its challenges, but also a deep sense of respect and support. Preaching in a small town requires a different approach, focusing on the realities and concerns of the community. It’s important to recognize the complexities and realities of both small town and big city life, and to avoid idealizing or romanticizing either. Visibility and representation are important, especially in rural areas where there may be fewer queer role models. Finding joy in the presence of sapphic farmers and connecting with the history and spirituality of figures like Hildegard von Bingen. Creating spaces for reflection and connection, such as an echo monastery, can bring joy and a sense of peace.   Chapters (03:06) Exploring Identity as a Queer Femme   (06:01) The Role of Faith in Jes’s Upbringing   (08:01) The Intersection of Faith, Femme, and Fashion   (13:28) Embracing Queerness and Finding Strength in Faith   (25:03) Small Town Faith and Queerness   (27:34) The Communal and Caring Nature of Small Town Life   (32:13) Navigating the Challenges of Being an Out Queer Clergy   (36:02) Preaching with Honesty and Authenticity in a Small Town   (43:21) Recognizing the Complexities of Small Town and Big City Life   (45:17) The Importance of Visibility and Representation in Rural Areas   (47:41) Finding Joy in the Presence of Sapphic Farmers   (52:36) Creating Spaces for Reflection and Connection: The Echo Monastery   Resources: Learn more at https://www.revjeskast.com/  Follow Jes on Instagram at @revjeskast  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 Queer Country Femme Ministry with Rev. Jes Kast appeared first on Queer Theology.

Rabbi Andy Kahn is on the podcast this week sharing their journey of self-discovery, faith, and the intersection of queerness and Judaism. They discuss their experience growing up Jewish, their path to becoming a rabbi, and their work in eco-theology. Our conversation delves into the concept of God, relationality, and the interconnectedness of all life forms. Rabbi Kahn discusses the interplay between God, ritual, and ethical practice, emphasizing the role of ritual in creating space for the divine. They also explore the practical impact of religious practices on daily life and the challenges of religious leadership in an anxious age.   Takeaways Rabbi Andy Kahn’s journey of self-discovery and the intersection of queerness and Judaism. The concept of eco-theology and the interconnectedness of all life forms. The idea of God as an entity within which all things exist, and the relationality between God and the ecosystem. The role of sacred space and rituals in Judaism, and the concept of God existing within the individual’s personal space. Ritual practice creates space for the divine and allows for a realignment of one’s presence in the world. Religious practices, such as prayer and blessings, lead to mindfulness and a broader perspective, impacting one’s behavior and affect. Empathy and reflection are essential in religious leadership, especially in times of disagreement and discord. The practical impact of religious practices extends to daily life, influencing one’s internal world and behavior, and contributing to a sense of purpose and positive affect.   Chapters (00:00) Exploring Identity, Faith, and Queerness (06:28) Eco-Theology and the Interconnectedness of Life (27:01) Sacred Space and the Presence of God (28:54) The Interplay of God and Ritual (42:13) Practical Impact of Religious Practices (47:46) Challenges of Religious Leadership   Resources: https://www.rabbiandruekahn.com/ 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 Feedback Loop of the Divine with Rabbi Andy Kahn appeared first on Queer Theology.

And the big announcement is- we’re writing a book!! We’re so excited that we can finally, officially announce our upcoming book, “Reading the Bible Through Queer Eyes.” This is a working title, the whole publishing process is full of edits and changes. But we’re excited, nervous, scared, ecstatic and we can’t wait to share it with our community. This book is going to offer a whole new way to read and engage with the Bible, drawing from our years of work with QueerTheology. So stay tuned as we go through the publishing process!    Takeaways The announcement of the upcoming book ‘Reading the Bible Through Queer Eyes’ is a significant milestone for Shannon and Brian, marking a new chapter in their work. Books play a vital role in the lives of the LGBTQ+ community, providing support, representation, and a sense of belonging. Community support and engagement are crucial for the success of the book, including pre-orders, requests at local bookstores and libraries, and participation in launch teams. The book aims to offer a new perspective on sacred stories from scripture, anchored in queer and trans experience, and to continue the work of the Queer Theology Podcast. The significance of the book extends beyond its content, as its success will pave the way for more queer and trans stories to be published and shared in the future.   Chapters (00:00) Announcing ‘Reading the Bible Through Queer Eyes’ (02:59) The Power of Books in the LGBTQ+ Community (07:56) Community Support for ‘Reading the Bible Through Queer Eyes’   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.   PODCAST TRANSCRIPT The post Brian & Shay: A Big Announcement appeared first on 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.