Queer Theology
540 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months 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
Sexual Immorality – Colossians 3:1-11
August 04, 2019 10:55 - 1 ByteAs far back as we can remember, we were taught to read the Bible in a way that doesn’t always line up with what the passage actually says. Sometimes, people stop reading when they think that a particular part of the passage is enough to fit their “needs”. What’s worse is that some may take […] The post Sexual Immorality – Colossians 3:1-11 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Sodom & Gomorrah – Genesis 18:20-32
July 28, 2019 10:55 - 1 ByteSodom and Gomorrah is one of the six or seven clobber verses that is commonly used to condemn homosexuality. We talk about what the verse really represents and how it is not about LGBTQ issues. When read using the correct lenses, it focuses on the injustice and oppression that is currently occurring in today’s world. […] The post Sodom & Gomorrah – Genesis 18:20-32 appeared first on Queer Theology.
God Gets Pissed at Our Politics – Amos 8:1-12
July 21, 2019 10:55 - 1 BytePeople often call for the separation of state and religion, but in reality, we tread in the middle especially for LGBTQ+ Christians, every day. The scripture today calls for us to strengthen our faith while fighting for those who are oppressed. It calls for us to question the system and the politics that continue to […] The post God Gets Pissed at Our Politics – Amos 8:1-12 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Trust Yourself – Deuteronomy 30:9-14
July 14, 2019 10:55 - 1 ByteRemember how we were taught in church that in order for us to be good followers of God we simply need to follow what our priest or pastor tells us? That we need to do things exactly as what tradition dictates in order for us to be good in the eyes of our creator? In […] The post Trust Yourself – Deuteronomy 30:9-14 appeared first on Queer Theology.
What really matters – Galatians 6:1-16
July 07, 2019 17:43 - 1 ByteHave you ever felt exhausted and that the work that you do feels like it’s going nowhere? Or the things that you sacrifice don’t get the appreciation that you think it deserves? Yup, same here! But Galatians 6:1-16 reminds us that these efforts will pay off, if not today. It might sometimes feel like a […] The post What really matters – Galatians 6:1-16 appeared first on Queer Theology.
50 Years of Stonewall – Pride 2019
June 30, 2019 10:55 - 1 ByteThis year’s Pride celebration is such an important one for queer people. Not only are we still fighting the good fight, but we are also remembering the Stonewall Riots that happened 50 years ago. We honor the strong and courageous queer folks behind that uprising and continue the work that they have started 5 decades […] The post 50 Years of Stonewall – Pride 2019 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Depressed – Psalm 42-43
June 23, 2019 10:55 - 1 ByteDepression is a difficult topic to discuss; while folks are (thankfully) talking about mental health more and more, there is still stigma even to this day. So it feels great to be able to see these issues explored in scripture. What’s better is that Psalm 42-43 tells us that we have the power to do […] The post Depressed – Psalm 42-43 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Holy Suffering – Romans 5:1-5
June 11, 2019 10:55 - 1 ByteOne of the reasons why it’s important for us to learn how to read the bible is so that we don’t miss the bigger picture. And Romans 5:1-5 is a perfect example of that. In this week’s passage, it talks about suffering gladly, and too often, it is taken quite literally. Listen on to hear […] The post Holy Suffering – Romans 5:1-5 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Jesus Brought Receipts, You Can Too – John 14:8-17, 25-27
June 04, 2019 10:55 - 1 ByteSome Christians have misinterpreted that Jesus is the “new” God who will rule out the “Old Testament God.” That’s not what is happening here. But this gospel tells us that Jesus is the image of God and that we see God through Jesus… and Jesus brought receipts! In this episode, we explore what his message […] The post Jesus Brought Receipts, You Can Too – John 14:8-17, 25-27 appeared first on Queer Theology.
What Does it Mean to be Saved? – Acts 16:16-34
May 28, 2019 10:55 - 8 minutes - 8.28 MBThe gospel is often perceived to tackle mostly spiritual or religious topics, but for today’s reading, it actually deals with real-life issues: slavery and economic justice. We love how this verse focuses a lot on the human side of the disciples of Jesus. That even those who were closest to Jesus, are still, human — […]
What Does it Mean to be Saved? – Acts 16:16-34
May 28, 2019 10:55 - 1 ByteThe gospel is often perceived to tackle mostly spiritual or religious topics, but for today’s reading, it actually deals with real-life issues: slavery and economic justice. We love how this verse focuses a lot on the human side of the disciples of Jesus. That even those who were closest to Jesus, are still, human — […] The post What Does it Mean to be Saved? – Acts 16:16-34 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Jesus Heals (Literally!) – John 5:1-9
May 21, 2019 10:55 - 1 ByteIn today’s reading, we hear that Jesus tells us that our physical self and our physical health is important to God, too! We also tackle the idea that sometimes we read the Scriptures quite literally, and how that can be a dangerous way of understanding what the Bible actually says. Read the transcript (PDF) Today […] The post Jesus Heals (Literally!) – John 5:1-9 appeared first on Queer Theology.
God Is Still Speaking – Acts 11:1-18
May 14, 2019 10:55 - 1 ByteReminder: Christianity & Polyamory is back and registration is open. Registration closes on May 23. Learn more and signup here. This passage is low-hanging fruit when it comes to LGBTQ acceptance. It’s Peter’s vision where he comes to realize that nothing God has made clean should ever be called unclean. In this passage, he’s talking […] The post God Is Still Speaking – Acts 11:1-18 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Those who came before us – Revelation 7:9-17
May 07, 2019 10:45 - 1 ByteThis passage is beautiful and challenging and complicated and harsh and comforting and all of that is kinda like what it is to be queer and trans and read scripture. We explore the importance of those that have come before us and in what ways they live on (or don’t), offer up a helpful exercise […] The post Those who came before us – Revelation 7:9-17 appeared first on Queer Theology.
What happens when the excitement fades? – John 21:1-19
April 30, 2019 10:58 - 1 ByteAfter two weeks of Easter Q&As (here & here), we are back to the lectionary! It’s really easy to get swept up in the moment of a movement — whether that’s for Jesus or justice (or both!). But at some point, the luster fades and the hard work begins. Then what? Are you really in […] The post What happens when the excitement fades? – John 21:1-19 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Easter Q&A Part 2
April 23, 2019 10:55 - 1 ByteY’all submitted so many rich questions for our Easter Q&A episode and we couldn’t get to them all so we are doing a followup episode. In this episode, we respond to 2 questions on the same theme: Navigating a church that isn’t LGBT-affirming (or who might not be), and how that intersects with Easter Mentioned […] The post Easter Q&A Part 2 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Easter Q&A
April 16, 2019 19:37 - 1 ByteThis year for Easter, we’re doing a Q&A episode to cover all things Holy Week and Easter. We really dig into a few amazing questions in this week’s episode. There were too many to get to all in one episode so we will be doing more Q&A episodes soon. Make sure you’re subscribed so that […] The post Easter Q&A appeared first on Queer Theology.
Easter Every Year – Why We Follow The Lectionary
April 09, 2019 10:55 - 1 BytePalm Sunday is this Sunday and because this podcast follows the lectionary, we’ve looked at the same handful of verses this week each year over and over and over again. Why do we do it? What value is there in following the lectionary and how might we see a reflection of queerness in the lectionary […] The post Easter Every Year – Why We Follow The Lectionary appeared first on Queer Theology.
Extraordinary – John 12:1-8
April 02, 2019 11:15 - 1 ByteThere’s so much in this passage that can related to queerness and LGBTQ+ Christians. What does it mean to be extraordinary in our service of God and the work of God? How can LGBTQ people related the bad faith questions asked by those who don’t care about it? In what ways is queerness inherently holy? […] The post Extraordinary – John 12:1-8 appeared first on Queer Theology.
The Extravagant Love of God – Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
March 27, 2019 23:57 - 1 ByteWe are doing a special Q&A episode about Easter & Holy Week. Submit a question! Send it as an email to [email protected] or record an audio message here (or from the sidebar of any page on our website, including this one!). What happens when we re-encounter stories that we heard with different interpretations growing up? […] The post The Extravagant Love of God – Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 appeared first on Queer Theology.
All who are thirsty, come to the water – Isaiah 55:1-9
March 19, 2019 20:25 - 1 ByteIf it feels like we’ve talked about this passage before … we haven’t! It’s just that social justice, taking care of people’s immediate needs, shows up over and over and over again in the Bible. If you’ve ever heard that you’re not really a Christian or that you’re “doing” Christianity “wrong” because of your progressive […] The post All who are thirsty, come to the water – Isaiah 55:1-9 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Prophets in our midst – Luke 13:31-35
March 12, 2019 11:50 - 1 ByteThe Church, where faith should thrive, too often kills — sometimes spiritually, sometimes literally — the very people working to keep the faith. LGBTQ, women, young people, people of color and others know this well. In this week’s episode, we explore Jesus’s thoughts on the relationship between prophets and religious centers. Referenced in this episode: […] The post Prophets in our midst – Luke 13:31-35 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Who was scripture written for? – Deuteronomy 26:1-11
March 05, 2019 12:47 - 1 ByteThis passage is the story of God’s people and how they relate to God. We see that they are instructed to start by remembering where they came from. It’s a reminder that all the writers of scripture had a place and a time and a family and a context. What were theirs? How is God […] The post Who was scripture written for? – Deuteronomy 26:1-11 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Sometimes the Bible is wrong – 1 Corinthians 15:51-58
February 26, 2019 23:21 - 1 ByteIn this passage, Paul is convinced that the world is ending within his lifetime and—spoiler alert—it doesn’t. Sometimes the writers of the Bible get things completely wrong. In this episode, we explore the implications of that for our faith and lives. 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 Listen, I’m telling you a secret: All of us won’t die, but […] The post Sometimes the Bible is wrong – 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Interpersonal Dynamics & Activist Strategies – Luke 6:27-38
February 19, 2019 20:32 - 1 Byte“Turn the other cheek” is suuuch a “well known” passage but it’s so often quoted out of context. What else might Jesus be trying to teach us that we haven’t seen before? In this episode, Fr. Shay and Brian explore how this passage might inform activist work and even interpersonal dynamics. Referenced in this episode […] The post Interpersonal Dynamics & Activist Strategies – Luke 6:27-38 appeared first on Queer Theology.
God has an agenda – Luke 6:17-26
February 12, 2019 11:39 - 1 ByteThis passage is a reminder that God has an agenda — Jesus and the prophets proclaim a comforting message for some and a challenging message for others. In this episode, we peel back the flowery language that sometimes surrounds Jesus’s words and look at the heart of what he’s saying. Download the transcript (PDF) Luke […] The post God has an agenda – Luke 6:17-26 appeared first on Queer Theology.
LIVE from Q Christian Fellowship Conference with Sarah Ngu of Church Clarity – Acts 17:26-27
February 05, 2019 15:07 - 1 ByteThis week, we have a special episode of the Queer Theology podcast: our first ever live episode! Brian was at the Q Christian Fellowship Conference in Chicago, IL a few weeks ago to speak about polyamory on a panel about Christian sexual ethics (the very first openly polyamorous speaker at QCF and the first time […] The post LIVE from Q Christian Fellowship Conference with Sarah Ngu of Church Clarity – Acts 17:26-27 appeared first on Queer Theology.
How to be a more effective prophet – Luke 4:21-30
January 29, 2019 22:32 - 1 ByteThis week’s passage picks up where last week’s left off. We talk about the process of learning and growing and what it can be like to people and places from our past — how they can hold us back and how we can even end up holding them back. Read the transcript (PDF) Luke 4:21-30 […] The post How to be a more effective prophet – Luke 4:21-30 appeared first on Queer Theology.
The story of what God has done among us – Luke 1:1-4, 4:14-21
January 24, 2019 10:54 - 1 ByteThis week’s Gospel reading opens with, “Many people have tried to tell the story of what God has done among us.” In this episode, we dig into what the Bible, what it is (and is not) trying to do, what Scripture meant in the time it was written, and what it might mean for us […] The post The story of what God has done among us – Luke 1:1-4, 4:14-21 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Marriage Metaphors – Isaiah 62:1-5
January 22, 2019 18:49 - 1 ByteMarriage as a metaphor for God’s relationship to us shows up again in this week’s lectionary reading from Isaiah. In this episode, we talk about the intersections of faith and sexuality, and how that plays out when it comes to marginalized people. In this episode Jesus is polyamorous (video) We expand on “What is it […] The post Marriage Metaphors – Isaiah 62:1-5 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Getting Personal + 2019 Preview
January 08, 2019 11:30 - 1 ByteReferenced in this episode Picking a word of the year Setting spiritual resolutions Christianity & Polyamory resources Christianity & Polyamory course will reopen in early 2019 You can support this podcast on Patreon Brian will be speaking at the Q Christian Fellowship Conference – use discount code PODCAST19 for $10 off If there are any […] The post Getting Personal + 2019 Preview appeared first on Queer Theology.
Activist Epiphanies – Matthew 2:1-12
January 01, 2019 11:39 - 1 ByteIn this passage, the wise people encounter the baby Jesus and are so transformed by their encounter, that they return another way. In this episode, we explore how queerness can mirror that experience and how each can inform the other. Referenced in this episode: Brian’s article on LGBTQ activism + the wise people meeting Jesus […] The post Activist Epiphanies – Matthew 2:1-12 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Closing out the year, preparing for the new year
December 25, 2018 11:45 - 1 ByteAnother year is coming to a close and in this episode we share some of our end of year practices and how we prepare for a new year. Referenced in this episode How to pick a “Word of the Year” Photo by Ian Schneider The post Closing out the year, preparing for the new year appeared first on Queer Theology.
Jesus’s Birth: Then & Now
December 18, 2018 11:53 - 1 ByteThe Bible has a few accounts of Jesus’s birth and the differences in the stories, plus the context in which they were originally told, can tell us some important things about the life, ministry, and legacy of Jesus. In this episode, we explore the story of Jesus’s birth then and what it means for our […] The post Jesus’s Birth: Then & Now appeared first on Queer Theology.
How to escape angry judgement – Luke 3:7-14
December 11, 2018 11:45 - 1 ByteTaking care of one another and acting kindly isn’t secondary to the gospel — it’s a central part of what it means to be baptized and “escape angry judgement.” We explore what that means for us as Christians and as LGBTQ people. If you want some support in your faith journey, you are invited to […] The post How to escape angry judgement – Luke 3:7-14 appeared first on Queer Theology.
How do we know God’s will? – Philippians 1:9-11
December 04, 2018 11:44 - 1 ByteWhen considering how LGBTQ people fit into Christianity, it’s tempting to fall back on questions of “Is it ok?” and get stuck in arguments of hermeneutics and exegesis (which are important!) but in doing so miss the forest for the trees. This passage offers us some guidance on how we might discern God’s will and […] The post How do we know God’s will? – Philippians 1:9-11 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Christ the King
November 20, 2018 12:45 - 1 ByteThis Sunday is “Christ the King” Sunday or “Reign of Christ” Sunday, depending on your church, and in today’s episode, we are talking about the “king” and “Lord” language used throughout the Christian scriptures and tradition to talk about Jesus. Why do we do that? What is it’s significant? And what are the political implications […] The post Christ the King appeared first on Queer Theology.
Transgender Day of Remembrance 2018
November 13, 2018 11:45 - 1 ByteTransgender Day of Remembrance is a week away and in this podcast episode, we focus on three areas for LGBTQ Christians and straight, cisgender supporters (and churches as a body!) to get involved. The post Transgender Day of Remembrance 2018 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Your identity matters – Jeremiah 31:7-9
November 10, 2018 18:46 - 1 ByteThis passage reminds us that God has a particular care for people who are marginalized, vulnerable, disenfranchised, and oppressed. In this episode we dig into why that’s important and what that means for our lives and relationships. Jeremiah 31:7-9 This is what the Lord says: “Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of […] The post Your identity matters – Jeremiah 31:7-9 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Seduction – Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17
November 06, 2018 12:00 - 1 ByteThis passage is a sultry seduction and we do scripture a disservice when we try to “clean it up” and make it chaste. But it’s not necessarily fun and carefree. In this episode, we take a close look at sex and seduction. Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shouldn’t I […] The post Seduction – Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Making Meaning – Job 38:1-7, 34-38
November 04, 2018 16:32 - 1 ByteThis episode is for the lectionary from October 21 — after recording this episode, Brian had a death in the family and was unable to publish it on schedule but we wanted you to hear it. Scripture is filled with folks wrestling with their place in their universe and their relationship with each other and that […] The post Making Meaning – Job 38:1-7, 34-38 appeared first on Queer Theology.
The Greatest Command Is Old – Deuteronomy 6:1-9 & Mark 12:28-34
October 30, 2018 14:43 - 1 ByteIn these two passages, we see that the “Old Testament God” and the “New Testament God” are one and the same. In Mark, Jesus is in conversation with his sacred text, the Hebrew Bible. Take a listen for some new insights that emerge when these passages are read together. Deuteronomy 6:1-9 Now these are the […] The post The Greatest Command Is Old – Deuteronomy 6:1-9 & Mark 12:28-34 appeared first on Queer Theology.
How do we relate to God? – Hebrews 4:12-16
October 09, 2018 10:54 - 1 ByteHow do we relate to God? As Christian’s, we have a unique model for understanding the divine in the life and ministry of Jesus. In this episode, we clarify some misconceptions around what is “God’s word” and dive into the significance of the Christian message. Referenced in this episode: Polyamory & Christianity online workshop happening […] The post How do we relate to God? – Hebrews 4:12-16 appeared first on Queer Theology.
God trusts you to pick your partner – Genesis 2:18-24
October 03, 2018 17:36 - 1 ByteWe’ve look at this text a few times before (here, here, and embedded below). This week, we look at this section of the creation narrative and focus in on a few important themes: choice the power of names the purpose of this story marriage, monogamy, and purity culture Read the transcript (PDF) We’re hosting an […] The post God trusts you to pick your partner – Genesis 2:18-24 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Biblical Allyship – Mark 9:38-50
September 27, 2018 22:56 - 1 ByteRead the transcript (PDF) Mark 9:38-50 John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone throwing demons out in your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn’t following us.” Jesus replied, “Don’t stop him. No one who does powerful acts in my name can quickly turn around and curse me. Whoever isn’t against […] The post Biblical Allyship – Mark 9:38-50 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Queer Sacred Spaces: Ours & Yours
September 18, 2018 11:30 - 1 ByteIn this week’s episode, we take a break a from the lectionary to talk about queer sacred sites. A few weeks ago, Brian released a video about his experience on Fire Island and how he realized that it’s a sacred place. Fr. Shay talks about his holy experience at a small town gay bar. And […] The post Queer Sacred Spaces: Ours & Yours appeared first on Queer Theology.
Words Matter – James 3:1-12
September 11, 2018 11:41 - 1 ByteDon’t write off this passage as being another silly, outdated exhortation to simply “not say bad words.” Rather, it’s an important reminder that words matter and that they have powerful effects. Read the transcript (PDF) Join Sanctuary Collective, our online community + premium resources Support the podcast by pledging monthly on Patreon James 3:1-12 My […] The post Words Matter – James 3:1-12 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Immigrants are healed & Jesus changes his mind – Mark 7:24-37
September 04, 2018 17:41 - 1 ByteRead the transcript (PDF) Mark 7:24-37 Jesus left that place and went into the region of Tyre. He didn’t want anyone to know that he had entered a house, but he couldn’t hide. In fact, a woman whose young daughter was possessed by an unclean spirit heard about him right away. She came and fell […] The post Immigrants are healed & Jesus changes his mind – Mark 7:24-37 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Does this offend you? John 6:60-69 #throwback
August 28, 2018 10:20 - 1 ByteWe’re on summer vacation! The Queer Theology podcast has been “on air” for 4 years and over 200 episodes. All summer long, we’re releasing a throwback episode that looks at the upcoming week’s lectionary. Stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and inside of Sanctuary Collective. We’ll see you with new episodes in September! Jesus gets a little […] The post Does this offend you? John 6:60-69 #throwback appeared first on Queer Theology.
Wisdom is a Woman – Proverbs 9:1-6 #throwback
August 14, 2018 10:50 - 1 ByteWe’re on summer vacation! The Queer Theology podcast has been “on air” for 4 years and over 200 episodes. All summer long, we’re releasing a throwback episode that looks at the upcoming week’s lectionary. Stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and inside of Sanctuary Collective. We’ll see you with new episodes in September! Why does it matter […] The post Wisdom is a Woman – Proverbs 9:1-6 #throwback appeared first on Queer Theology.