Queer Theology
549 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★ - 182 ratingsThe 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.
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Episodes
When Queer People Love Each Other, There God Is: 1 John 4:11-16
May 12, 2015 23:54 - 1 ByteThis is our 100th podcast! This week’s passage is all about LOVE! What does it mean when we say that God is love? What does that look like? Brian and Fr. Shay talk about where they see the love of God. The post When Queer People Love Each Other, There God Is: 1 John 4:11-16 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Nothing God Makes Is Unclean: Acts 10
May 10, 2015 18:17 - 1 ByteHow can a story of visions, Gentiles, and baptism relate to the struggle for inclusion of LGBTQ folks? What does this passage teach us about God’s circle of welcome? Brian and Fr. Shay talk about the story of Peter and Cornelius and what it might have to teach us about queer and transgender inclusion in […] The post Nothing God Makes Is Unclean: Acts 10 appeared first on Queer Theology.
What Does Solidarity Look Like? – Acts 9:26-31
April 28, 2015 15:24 - 1 ByteWhat does the story of Paul have to teach us about what it means to be in solidarity with marginalized people? What does it look like to do the work to be a supporter and advocate for queer and transgender folks? In this week’s podcast Brian and Fr. Shay look at a passage from Acts […] The post What Does Solidarity Look Like? – Acts 9:26-31 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Queer People Bring Salvation: Acts 4:8-12
April 21, 2015 23:16 - 1 ByteThis week Brian and Fr. Shay talk about “the stone the builders rejected” and how that relates to queer and transgender people in the church. Where does salvation come from? Who has the good news? Could it be that good news comes from us? Photo by Jason Pier in DC The post Queer People Bring Salvation: Acts 4:8-12 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Jesus’s Body Matters – Luke 22:35-48
April 14, 2015 23:29 - 1 ByteBrian and Fr. Shay talk about the importance and complexity of the post-resurrection stories. What does it mean that Luke stresses the bodily-ness of Jesus’s resurrection? What do we do with these stories? Is there room for doubt here? All this and more on this week’s podcast. The post Jesus’s Body Matters – Luke 22:35-48 appeared first on Queer Theology.
A Community of Care – Acts 4:32-35
April 08, 2015 03:15 - 1 ByteHave you ever been in a community where you felt really cared for? Where all your needs have been met? Where there was, truly, no needy among you? Is this just a dream or could it be reality? Brian and Fr. Shay talk about this famous passage from the book of Acts and how what […] The post A Community of Care – Acts 4:32-35 appeared first on Queer Theology.
An Empty Tomb? // Easter 2015
March 31, 2015 11:37 - 1 ByteJohn 20:1-9, Matthew 28:1-10 What does Easter mean to you? What does it mean for the Christian community today? Brian and Fr. Shay talk about their impressions of the Jesus story, especially as it relates to the resurrection. The post An Empty Tomb? // Easter 2015 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Why Do We Do This? Maundy Thursday
March 24, 2015 21:55 - 1 ByteJohn 13:1-17, 31b-35, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Brian and Fr. Shay talk about the origins of the Eucharist and the different traditions they grew up with. What does footwashing mean? How can we reframe the traditions of the bread and the cup? Listen in and then leave your comments on the show page. The post Why Do We Do This? Maundy Thursday appeared first on Queer Theology.
Stories Can Change the World
March 17, 2015 15:16 - 1 ByteWhat stories have impacted your life? How can storytelling be a powerful tool for change in the world? Brian and Fr. Shay share about stories that have impacted their lives and about the power of telling their own stories. If you want to support the Kickstarter for Fr. Shay’s new company, you can go to […] The post Stories Can Change the World appeared first on Queer Theology.
Your Sassy Gay BFF? – Psalm 137
March 12, 2015 01:51 - 1 ByteWhat do we do with the violence and anger in a text like Psalm 137? Can anger be a good and holy emotion? How does this passage relate to the stereotype of the “sassy gay best friend”? All this and more as Brian and Fr. Shay tackle a complex text. The post Your Sassy Gay BFF? – Psalm 137 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Bodies Are More Valuable Than Windows – John 2:13-25
March 03, 2015 16:06 - 1 ByteWhat does Jesus turning over the tables in the Temple have to do with the modern protest movement in Ferguson? What is our definition of nonviolent activism? Brian and Fr. Shay tackle a complicated passage in this week’s podcast. Photo by Daniel Arauz The post Bodies Are More Valuable Than Windows – John 2:13-25 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Jesus Comes Out – Mark 9:2-10
February 24, 2015 16:34 - 1 ByteIn the coming year, we’re going to be hosting an interactive course on how to read the Bible through a queer lens to understand it more deeply (and faithfully, even!). This passage is one that we’ll look at more closely — and then give you the tools so that you can find your own queer […] The post Jesus Comes Out – Mark 9:2-10 appeared first on Queer Theology.
We Are Christ’s Ambassadors – 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2
February 17, 2015 16:40 - 1 ByteWhat does it mean to be God’s ambassadors? What are God’s priorities and what does it look like live those priorities out? Brian and Fr. Shay tackle the lectionary passage for Ash Wednesday and talk about what it means for us at Queer Theology. The post We Are Christ’s Ambassadors – 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Behold I Am Doing Something New! Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22, 24-25
February 10, 2015 16:03 - 1 ByteWe’re still dwelling on the New Year and what it means for us. In this week’s podcast Brian and Fr. Shay talk about forgetting the things that came before so you can focus on what’s new. We share stories about the shame we carry and how we’re leaving it behind. We also offer an exhortation […] The post Behold I Am Doing Something New! Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22, 24-25 appeared first on Queer Theology.
God Is To Be Praised: Psalm 146:1-6
February 03, 2015 16:22 - 1 ByteWhy do we praise God? Often we are told to praise God because of power or might, but this week we read a Psalm that puts a different spin on why we praise God. Brian and Fr. Shay talk about this gentle and comforting passage. The post God Is To Be Praised: Psalm 146:1-6 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Marriage is a Distraction: 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
January 27, 2015 15:37 - 1 ByteWe’ve got another doozy of a passage this week, again from 1 Corinthians. What do we do with this section that says that marriage is a distraction from the things of God? Does this passage imply that queer sexuality is wrong or that celibacy is required for queer Christians? Brian and Fr. Shay tackle these […] The post Marriage is a Distraction: 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 appeared first on Queer Theology.
After John Went To Jail: Mark 1:14-15
January 20, 2015 16:18 - 1 ByteBrian and Fr. Shay look at Jesus’ radicalizing moment and what that has to teach the modern Christian movement. What are the moments that you can look to in your own life that changed how you moved through the world? How have those moments continued to impact your life? Photo by Derek Purdy The post After John Went To Jail: Mark 1:14-15 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Your Body Is A Temple: 1 Corinthians 6:13-15, 17-20
January 13, 2015 12:54 - 1 ByteWhat do we do with passages that talk about sexuality immorality? As queer and trans folks how do we reclaim passages that have been used against us? Brian and Fr. Shay tackle a passage that talks about sexual immorality and what we do with passages like this. Photo by sjon The post Your Body Is A Temple: 1 Corinthians 6:13-15, 17-20 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Happy New Year 2015!
January 06, 2015 13:04 - 1 ByteBrian and Fr. Shay are kicking off a new year of the Reading Queerly podcast and Queer Theology by sharing some of their hopes and dreams for the new year. What did they love about 2014? What are they looking forward to in 2015? You can also share your goals in the comments! The post Happy New Year 2015! appeared first on Queer Theology.
Advent: What Are We Waiting For
December 16, 2014 12:44 - 1 ByteThis week Brian and Fr. Shay talk about Advent and present the final podcast for 2014! What about this church season resonates? What does all of this waiting call us to do? The post Advent: What Are We Waiting For appeared first on Queer Theology.
Mary, the Fierce Mother of God – Luke 1:46-48, 49-54
December 09, 2014 15:47 - 1 ByteIt’s the third week of Advent and we’re talking about Mary! What can we learn from Mary? How did Mary influence the thinking of Jesus? Brian and Fr. Shay talk about the power of Mary’s song and what it means for us today. The post Mary, the Fierce Mother of God – Luke 1:46-48, 49-54 appeared first on Queer Theology.
What Kind Of Person Do You Want To Be? – 2 Peter 3:8-14
December 02, 2014 15:27 - 1 ByteBrian and Fr. Shay talk about the end times and what it means to be human. If the world is ending, what does that mean for us? What kind of people are we supposed to be? How do we make the most of the time we’ve been given? Photo by Gruenewiese86 The post What Kind Of Person Do You Want To Be? – 2 Peter 3:8-14 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Trust Your Experiences – 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
November 25, 2014 15:23 - 1 ByteOften queer and trans people are told that their experiences of faith are suspect because they are “biased”. This week Brian and Fr. Shay tackle this insidious talking point by look at what 1 Corinthians has to say about trusting your experience and gifts. The post Trust Your Experiences – 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Who Gets Eternal Life? – Matthew 25:31-46
November 12, 2014 00:01 - 1 ByteThis week Brian and Fr. Shay talk about a well-known passage. Why are some folks so quick to push this passage aside? What does this text have to say about interfaith dialogue? All this and more! The post Who Gets Eternal Life? – Matthew 25:31-46 appeared first on Queer Theology.
God Wants You To Be Happy – Psalm 128:1-5
November 11, 2014 17:34 - 1 ByteAlmost a complete opposite of last week’s passage where God calls religious festivals trash; this week we see a passage all about prosperity and well-being. Can a passage like this be of any use to the queer community? Listen in and find out! Read the transcript (PDF) The post God Wants You To Be Happy – Psalm 128:1-5 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Does God Really Hate Worship Bands? – Amos 5:18-24
November 05, 2014 00:20 - 1 ByteIs there something inherently wrong with performative worship? What kind of worship is pleasing to God? How do we get people mobilized for justice work? Lots of questions in this week’s podcast about justice movements! Listen in! The post Does God Really Hate Worship Bands? – Amos 5:18-24 appeared first on Queer Theology.
All Saints Day – Matthew 5:1-12
October 29, 2014 02:14 - 1 ByteBrian and Fr. Shay record a special podcast for All Saints Day. What does the Sermon on the Mount have to do with sainthood? What is the value of honoring saints? And how is the view of Sainthood that’s presented in this passage different from the one we usually get. All that on this week’s […] The post All Saints Day – Matthew 5:1-12 appeared first on Queer Theology.
God’s Destruction – Exodus 22:20-26
October 21, 2014 11:23 - 1 ByteBrian and Fr. Shay talk about the complexities of how we read Scripture, especially when we read messages about insiders and outsiders and God’s wrath and destruction. What is the point of passages like these? What can we learn from them? How do we read them? Listen in on this week’s podcast. Read the transcript […] The post God’s Destruction – Exodus 22:20-26 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Need and Plenty – Philippians 4:12-14
October 14, 2014 21:41 - 1 ByteThis week Brian and Fr. Shay talk about finances, work, and money. What does it mean to have enough? What is our responsibility around money as queer people? As people of faith? What does it mean to be content? Let’s dig into these tough questions together. The post Need and Plenty – Philippians 4:12-14 appeared first on Queer Theology.
The Kingdom Is Ours – Matthew 21:33-43
September 30, 2014 14:49 - 1 ByteThis week’s lectionary text is one of Jesus’ weird parables. Brian and Fr. Shay share their ideas on what it means for queer people to be the stones that the builders rejected. The Kingdom of God belongs to those who bear good fruit so what does that mean for the queer and trans community? Matthew […] The post The Kingdom Is Ours – Matthew 21:33-43 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Survive/Thrive
September 24, 2014 03:31 - 1 ByteBrian and Fr. Shay go off book this week to talk about a theme that has been percolating a lot for them. What does survival mean for the queer and trans community? What would it look like to move past survival into thriving? We’re exploring this theme in several ways this month, so be sure […] The post Survive/Thrive appeared first on Queer Theology.
Paul’s Ambiguous Message – Philippians 1:20-24
September 16, 2014 22:48 - 1 ByteA short little passage that packs a lot into a few verses. What do we do with Paul’s ambiguous messages around the body and his desire for death? Brian and Fr. Shay tackle the complexity this passage. Show Notes Spit & Spirit HOPE (DESPAIR) #FaithInTheFog If you’re thinking of hurting yourself, taking your own life, or […] The post Paul’s Ambiguous Message – Philippians 1:20-24 appeared first on Queer Theology.
How Do You Know What Is True? – Exodus 14:19-31
September 09, 2014 16:47 - 1 ByteBrian and Fr. Shay talk about the difference between historical fact and truth. What does it mean for our faith if things like “The Exodus” aren’t historically factual? What particular gift do queer people have to offer in the realm of Biblical interpretation? All this and more on this week’s podcast. Read the transcript (PDF) The post How Do You Know What Is True? – Exodus 14:19-31 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Let No Debt Remain – Romans 13:8-10
September 02, 2014 19:28 - 1 ByteWhat does it mean to love one another? What does it mean to stand in solidarity with one another? Brian and Fr. Shay talk about caring for one another and what it might mean to “let no debt remain.” Photo by Justin Lowery The post Let No Debt Remain – Romans 13:8-10 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Fire In Our Bones – Jeremiah 20:7-9
August 27, 2014 12:28 - 1 ByteDo we feel alienated because of our queerness or because of God? What is it that compels us to stay in the church? Brian and Fr. Shay take on a tough passage from Jeremiah and interpret it with hope. Read the transcript (PDF) Photo by Johan J.Ingles-Le Nobel The post Fire In Our Bones – Jeremiah 20:7-9 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Put Your Body On the Line – Romans 12:1-7
August 19, 2014 23:41 - 1 ByteThis week Brian and Fr. Shay look at Romans 12:1-7. What does it mean to be a living sacrifice? How can we talk about and work for justice in the face of situations that feel overwhelming or far away? How can we look at all of this, especially in light of what is happening in […] The post Put Your Body On the Line – Romans 12:1-7 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Is America A City On A Hill? – Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
August 12, 2014 17:50 - 1 ByteThis week Brian and Fr. Shay talk about the refugee crisis and immigration. How is immigration a queer and Christian issue? What does the Bible have to say about the plight of immigrants? What is the responsibility of the United States in the face of this current crisis? Photo by DryHundredFear The post Is America A City On A Hill? – Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Redefine The Missionary Position – Romans 10:5-15
August 07, 2014 02:29 - 1 ByteDo queer and transgender Christians have a reason to evangelize? What does it mean to share the Good News in our own context? Brian and Fr. Shay talk about what evangelism might mean for us today. Read the transcript (PDF) The post Redefine The Missionary Position – Romans 10:5-15 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Share & Share Alike
July 30, 2014 23:15 - 1 ByteThe podcast is back and we are looking at Matthew 14:13-21 and Isaiah 55:1-5. What do these passages have to teach the church about living into abundance? What is the vision here around food justice? What can the queer community teach the church? Brian and Fr. Shay share their thoughts on this week’s lectionary texts. […] The post Share & Share Alike appeared first on Queer Theology.
“We Were Never Meant to Survive”
July 26, 2014 15:15 - 1 ByteFor my day job I work at a mainline church with a mostly older, wealthy, white, congregation. It’s a place that has been good to me, but where I sometimes feel out of step. This year I was asked to be the guest preacher for our annual Pride Sunday. I don’t get to preach at […] The post “We Were Never Meant to Survive” appeared first on Queer Theology.
God is On Our Side – Jeremiah 20:10-13
June 17, 2014 19:24 - 1 ByteWhat does it mean that God is on our side? How can this passage be a comfort to queer and trans* people of faith? Brian and Fr. Shay talk about persecution, feeling oppressed, and how this passage gives them hope. The post God is On Our Side – Jeremiah 20:10-13 appeared first on Queer Theology.
God Is Your Wingman – Genesis 1:1-2:4
June 10, 2014 19:23 - 1 ByteThe Genesis Creation story is often used to condemn queer folks for their sexuality and transgender people for their gender identities. In this week’s podcast Brian offers an imaginative retelling of the Genesis story and offers us a new window into how to be imaginative with the text. Read the transcript (PDF) The post God Is Your Wingman – Genesis 1:1-2:4 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Get A Bigger Vision – Acts 2:1-21
June 04, 2014 03:46 - 1 ByteIt’s Pentecost 2014 and Brian and Fr. Shay are talking about dreaming dreams and having visions! What does this text have to say to our modern church and the modern queer and trans movement? How have our visions become narrow as we’ve seen success? How can we dream new dreams and new visions to create […] The post Get A Bigger Vision – Acts 2:1-21 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Mary Was With Them – Acts 1:12-14
May 28, 2014 04:23 - 1 ByteThis week Brian and Fr. Shay base an entire podcast on three verses. What in the world do these verses have to say to us today? How do we deal with our families and our queer identities? What do Mary and Jesus’ Brothers have to do with queer activism? All this and more on this […] The post Mary Was With Them – Acts 1:12-14 appeared first on Queer Theology.
A Comforter Will Come – John 14:15-21
May 20, 2014 17:10 - 1 ByteBrian and Fr. Shay talk about the Gospel reading for May 25th. What does it mean that a Comforter will come to us? How does this passage speak comfort to queer and transgender Christians? What does it mean to keep the commandments of Jesus? All this and more on this week’s podcast. The post A Comforter Will Come – John 14:15-21 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Repent & Be Saved! – Acts 2:14-41
May 06, 2014 16:33 - 1 ByteBrian and Fr. Shay talk about Peter’s altar call and what it has to say to queer and trans Christians today. What do we need to repent of? What does it mean that death no longer has a hold on us? What does all of this mean in our movement for liberation? Listen in! The post Repent & Be Saved! – Acts 2:14-41 appeared first on Queer Theology.
When the Work Begins – Luke 24:13-35
April 29, 2014 17:03 - 1 ByteBrian and Fr. Shay talk about the disciples on the road to Emmaus who have an encounter with Jesus. What do we do with these post-resurrection stories? How do grapple with what is “true” and what is “real”? What can the encounter on the road to Emmaus teach us as queer and trans Christians today? […] The post When the Work Begins – Luke 24:13-35 appeared first on Queer Theology.
And There Were No Needy Among Them – Acts 2:42-47
April 22, 2014 17:03 - 1 ByteThe Queer Lectionary Podcast turns ONE! Brian and Fr. Shay celebrate the one year anniversary of the podcast! What can the queer community learn from the early church in the book of Acts? What can the church learn from the queer community? We tackle a popular passage and share how we think it can be […] The post And There Were No Needy Among Them – Acts 2:42-47 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Unlikely Witnesses – Matthew 28:1-10
April 15, 2014 19:45 - 1 ByteHappy Easter! Brian and Fr. Shay queer the resurrection. What does it mean that Jesus first appears to women? How can we read this story as inspiration for queer and trans people? Tackle these questions and more on this week’s podcast! Photo Credit: Mike_tn The post Unlikely Witnesses – Matthew 28:1-10 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Jesus Steals a Donkey – Matthew 21:1-11
April 08, 2014 13:43 - 1 ByteWhat does the Palm Sunday story have in common with ACT UP and Queer Nation? How is Palm Sunday similar to political protest? Brian and Fr. Shay queer a familiar passage and talk about the implications for queer and trans organizing. The post Jesus Steals a Donkey – Matthew 21:1-11 appeared first on Queer Theology.