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
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.
It’s Okay to Not be Okay – 1 Kings 19:4-8 #throwback
August 07, 2018 10:49 - 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! In this week’s passage […] The post It’s Okay to Not be Okay – 1 Kings 19:4-8 #throwback appeared first on Queer Theology.
Use Your Gifts – Ephesians 4:1-16 #throwback
July 31, 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! What have you been […] The post Use Your Gifts – Ephesians 4:1-16 #throwback appeared first on Queer Theology.
Do the Easy Thing – 2 Kings 5:1-15 #throwback
July 24, 2018 10:45 - 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! Brian and Shay take […] The post Do the Easy Thing – 2 Kings 5:1-15 #throwback appeared first on Queer Theology.
With His Body – Ephesians 2:11-22 #throwback
July 17, 2018 11:05 - 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 […] The post With His Body – Ephesians 2:11-22 #throwback appeared first on Queer Theology.
I Am Not A Prophet – Amos 7:12-15 #Throwback
July 10, 2018 13:36 - 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. Here’s your first one! This week Brian and Fr. Shay tackle a short (and rather random) passage from the book of […] The post I Am Not A Prophet – Amos 7:12-15 #Throwback appeared first on Queer Theology.
Leaving Can Be Good For You & Them – Mark 6:1-13
July 03, 2018 21:44 - 1 ByteThis passage, where Jesus tells his followers to leave and shake the dust of their sandals if they encounter towns unwilling to listen to their message is one that we’ve talked about a few times in podcasts episodes and articles over the years. But there’s still new insight to be found which is why we’re […] The post Leaving Can Be Good For You & Them – Mark 6:1-13 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Forgiveness is with you – Psalm 130
June 29, 2018 22:06 - 1 ByteRead the transcript (PDF) Referenced in the ep: Queer Theology resources 3-part video series on self-care even more self-care resources Psalm 130 I cry out to you from the depths, Lord— my Lord, listen to my voice! Let your ears pay close attention to my request for mercy! If you kept track of sins, Lord— […] The post Forgiveness is with you – Psalm 130 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Bringing About The Kingdom: Mark 4:26-34
June 13, 2018 20:31 - 1 ByteWhat do the parables of Jesus about the Kingdom of God have to do with queer and trans organizing for justice? Brian and Fr. Shay talk about activism, patience, and justice work in this week’s podcast. Read the transcript (PDF) Mark 4:26-34 26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. […] The post Bringing About The Kingdom: Mark 4:26-34 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Even When Your Family Doesn’t Get It: Mark 3:20-35 – Throwback
June 07, 2018 11:05 - 1 ByteOur second-ever throwback episode… this time as a 2nd, bonus episode for the week. This episode originally aired in 2015. If you enjoy the podcast, you can help us reach more people by leaving a review of the show on iTunes. Visit queertheology.com/review and it’ll take you there! This week Brian and Fr. Shay tackle a passage […] The post Even When Your Family Doesn’t Get It: Mark 3:20-35 – Throwback appeared first on Queer Theology.
When liberation turns into oppression – 1 Samuel 8
June 05, 2018 15:14 - 1 ByteThis story is about a marginalized group of people finding a bit of liberation, then seeking to recreate some of the very systems they escaped, and in the process turning their back on God and oppressing themselves. In this week’s episode, we explain the meaning and significance of this story and explore what it might […] The post When liberation turns into oppression – 1 Samuel 8 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Christians & LGBT people carry death in our bodies – 2 Corinthians 4:5-12
May 30, 2018 00:26 - 1 ByteLGBTQ people are intimately with pain, suffering, trauma, and death; it’s part of our collective history and for many of us, it’s part of our personal history too. This passage talks about how Christians “carry Jesus’ death around in our bodies” and that is something LGBTQ Christians are particularly suited to viscerally understand. In this […] The post Christians & LGBT people carry death in our bodies – 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 appeared first on Queer Theology.
How to enter the Kingdom of God – John 3:1-17
May 25, 2018 22:57 - 1 ByteThis passage starts off talking about being born again” … what does that mean? And why must one be “born again” in order to enter the Kingdom of God? And what about Matthew 19 where Jesus says a rich person can’t enter the Kingdom of God and must sell everything and give it to the […] The post How to enter the Kingdom of God – John 3:1-17 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Bodies Matter – Ezekiel 37:1-14 – #Throwback
May 17, 2018 21:44 - 1 ByteWe’re trying something new with the Queer Theology Lectionary Podcast… our first ever throwback episode. We first released this episode on Ezekiel 4 years ago. It’s one of the texts for this week’s lectionary and we know many of you weren’t tuned in 4 years ago so we wanted to give you an opportunity to […] The post Bodies Matter – Ezekiel 37:1-14 – #Throwback appeared first on Queer Theology.
The Truly Happy Person – Psalm 1
May 08, 2018 17:52 - 1 ByteWhat does it take to be a happy person and lead a righteous life? We think there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to this psalm. Read the transcript (PDF) Psalm 1 The truly happy person doesn’t follow wicked advice, doesn’t stand on the road of sinners, and doesn’t sit with the disrespectful. […] The post The Truly Happy Person – Psalm 1 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Divine Revelation & Respectability Politics – Acts 10
May 01, 2018 19:53 - 1 BytePeter has a vision and realizes that the lines he drew around what was clean and unclean, pure and impure, in and out, needed to move. We see this again and again in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. It’s a process that continues even to this day. Read the transcript (PDF) In this episode, we […] The post Divine Revelation & Respectability Politics – Acts 10 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Something new is happening here – Acts 8:26 – 40
April 24, 2018 13:50 - 1 ByteIt’s easy to think of Christian doctrine as eternal and unchanging, but we see throughout Scripture that our understanding of God, our relationship to the divine, and our relationship with each other shift and grow. That happens over the course of Jesus’s ministry and even after, such as in this passage in Acts. In this […] The post Something new is happening here – Acts 8:26 – 40 appeared first on Queer Theology.
This is his commandment… – 1 John 3:16-24
April 17, 2018 23:47 - 1 ByteIn this episode, we take a look at what it means to be a follower of Jesus, as told by 1 John. The text tells us to love with action, not words. What does that mean? How does belief fit in with action? Is there a heart change involved too? Read the transcript (PDF) Links […] The post This is his commandment… – 1 John 3:16-24 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Faith Into Praxis, Politics Into Activism
April 10, 2018 11:00 - 1 ByteIn this episode, we reflect on what we’ve learned from 2 months of looking at the politics of Jesus and look ahead to what we’ll be focusing on next: activism. How does our faith turn into praxis? How does the politics of Jesus motivate us into and guide our activism? Read the transcript (PDF) As […] The post Faith Into Praxis, Politics Into Activism appeared first on Queer Theology.
Faith into praxis, politics into activism
April 10, 2018 11:00 - 1 ByteIn this episode, we reflect on what we’ve learned from 2 months of looking at the politics of Jesus and look ahead to what we’ll be focusing on next: activism. How does our faith turn into praxis? How does the politics of Jesus motivate us into and guide our activism? Read the transcript (PDF) As […] The post Faith into praxis, politics into activism appeared first on Queer Theology.
How to handle tough feelings on your faith journey
April 03, 2018 17:51 - 1 ByteWhen talking about deeply held religious beliefs, it’s only human for all sorts of emotions to dust up. If we’re going to grow as Christians and live into a healthy faith, we need to be able to examine our beliefs to make sure that they’re serving us and serving God. In this episode, we explore […] The post How to handle tough feelings on your faith journey appeared first on Queer Theology.
Holy Week 2018
March 28, 2018 01:19 - 1 ByteWe’re smack in the middle of Holy Week and want to make sure you hear these two messages! The post Holy Week 2018 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Crucify him! – Mark 15:1-15
March 20, 2018 22:08 - 1 ByteToo often, government protects the already-powerful, rather than the vulnerable who need protection. This week, we take a look at the trial of Jesus and uncover the religious and the political meanings inherent in this story. If you’re interested in learning more about “why Jesus died,” we’re doing a webinar on atonement on Tuesday April […] The post Crucify him! – Mark 15:1-15 appeared first on Queer Theology.
“They tried to bury us…” – John 12:20-33
March 13, 2018 10:30 - 1 ByteHere are some highlights from this week’s episode: “They tried to bury us, they didn’t know we were seeds.” – poet Dinos Christianopoulos When you do what is right, it has repercussions that are so much bigger than you might live to see, and you do it anyway We’re reading The Last Week in Sanctuary […] The post “They tried to bury us…” – John 12:20-33 appeared first on Queer Theology.
The Politics of Jesus
March 06, 2018 15:48 - 1 ByteThe personal is political and everything is religious. In this episode, we begin to tease out the political implications of our spiritual conversions to following the way of Jesus. Read the transcript (PDF) There’s a lot to discover when it comes to the politics of Jesus, so we’ll be talking about it for the next […] The post The Politics of Jesus appeared first on Queer Theology.
Collaborating with the empire – John 2:13-22
March 04, 2018 16:21 - 1 ByteIn this episode, we look at the story of Jesus turning over tables in the temple, as told by John. Why did he do this, who exactly was he protesting, and what can his actions teach us about how we live our lives today? In the podcast, we mentioned that we’re reading The Last Week by Marcus Borg and […] The post Collaborating with the empire – John 2:13-22 appeared first on Queer Theology.
What will you give in exchange for your life? – Mark 8:31-38
February 20, 2018 16:15 - 1 ByteThis week, we tease out the tension between “living a good Christian life” as has been come to be defined by the white, straight, conservative status quo and the consequences of following Jesus’s message. We also look at “taking up your” cross and what that means. Following Christ is risky, but in the end, we […] The post What will you give in exchange for your life? – Mark 8:31-38 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Figuring out your relationship with God – Mark 1:9-15
February 13, 2018 11:45 - 1 ByteIn Mark’s gospel, Jesus gets his understanding of himself and his mission confirmed by God… and then forced out into the wilderness. He is baptized into a movement by John the Baptist, who is then arrested. It’s tempting to see “figuring out” ourselves, our call, and our relationship with God as the goal, but in […] The post Figuring out your relationship with God – Mark 1:9-15 appeared first on Queer Theology.
LGBTQ Christians reflect the glory of Jesus Christ – 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
February 06, 2018 11:42 - 1 ByteIn this episode, we are challenged by 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 to inspect our faith, our lives, our churches, our communities, and our politics to see if it truly reflects the glory of God and Jesus Christ. Read the transcript (PDF) Show notes This is God’s good news This is my good news… Change your heart […] The post LGBTQ Christians reflect the glory of Jesus Christ – 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 appeared first on Queer Theology.
We want to recruit you – 1 Corinthians 9:16-23
January 30, 2018 11:45 - 1 BytePaul is super passionate about spreading the gospel and so are we! Asking what our queerness can teach us about Christianity doesn’t taint Christianity, it unlocks a greater, more profound, more prophetic dimension that we might otherwise miss. Read the transcript (PDF) In this episode, we mention this year’s Synchroblog Harvey Milk’s “I’m here to recruit […] The post We want to recruit you – 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Community Question: How do you make spiritual resolutions?
January 23, 2018 11:45 - 1 ByteFr. Shay recently wrote an article about why you should make spiritual resolutions and in this episode of the podcast, we respond to a reader question and dive into how you can go about doing that. Read the transcript (PDF) In this episode, we reference: Rob Bell’s What Is The Bible? Sanctuary Collective The post Community Question: How do you make spiritual resolutions? appeared first on Queer Theology.
Change your heart & your life – Mark 1:14-20
January 16, 2018 11:45 - 1 ByteThe Gospel of Mark — the earliest written of the gospels — jumps right into the action with the arrest of John the Baptist and the start of Jesus’s public ministry. He calls his first disciples and asks them to change their heart, change their life, and trust the good news. What did that mean […] The post Change your heart & your life – Mark 1:14-20 appeared first on Queer Theology.
You knit me together – Psalm 139
January 09, 2018 13:37 - 1 ByteBrian and Fr. Shay experience this passage in two different ways — and that’s ok! For some, this passage is comforting and for others this is creepy and overbearing. It’s a passage that’s been used against queer and trans people but also maybe has a poetic message that can connect you with King David and […] The post You knit me together – Psalm 139 appeared first on Queer Theology.
New Year, New You
January 03, 2018 02:48 - 1 ByteHappy New Year from Fr. Shay and Brian! In this week’s episode, we’re talking all about the start of the year and how to enter it with intention without setting a bunch of overwhelming resolutions. This might sound a bit “secular” but living with intention is important for our spiritual life as well, and we talk […] The post New Year, New You appeared first on Queer Theology.
This is God’s good news – Isaiah 61:1-4
December 12, 2017 11:45 - 1 ByteThis passage from Isaiah will become the opening thesis of Jesus’s ministry (as told in Luke 4). In it, we get a sense of God’s priorities (and what will become the priorities of Jesus as well). This is the work that we’re called to be part of. Read the transcript (PDF) Isaiah 61:1-4 The Lord […] The post This is God’s good news – Isaiah 61:1-4 appeared first on Queer Theology.
John the Baptist & Building on Queer Activism – Mark 1:1-8
December 05, 2017 17:04 - 1 ByteThe Gospel of Mark opens with a political statement and goes on to connect the ministry of Jesus to work that has come before. In this week’s podcast, we examine the context and implications of this gospel message and how that relates to our lives and work today. Read the transcript (PDF) In this episode, […] The post John the Baptist & Building on Queer Activism – Mark 1:1-8 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Your oppression is not your fault – Isaiah 64:1-9
November 28, 2017 17:40 - 1 ByteWe hold a few things in tension with this passage: the beauty of the poetry, the devastation of their situation; our identification with suffering, our disagreement with who is “at fault” here. We dive into it all! Read the transcript (PDF) Show Notes In this episode, we talk about… parallels between the ancient Hebrew community […] The post Your oppression is not your fault – Isaiah 64:1-9 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Can you be anti-LGBTQ and a Christian? – Matthew 25:31-46
November 21, 2017 19:30 - 1 ByteThis passage in Matthew has some pretty harsh words about God separating out the sheep from the goats, and damning the latter to eternal fire. But who exactly are the goats? And what does one do to end up there? You may have been told that people who haven’t accepted Jesus are the ones damned to […] The post Can you be anti-LGBTQ and a Christian? – Matthew 25:31-46 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Listener Questions: How do you know it’s to be transgender?
November 14, 2017 11:35 - 12 minutes - 6.23 MBThis week, we take a look at a few listener questions about the intersections of transgender identity and Christian faith. Do you have a question you’d like to see covered? Email [email protected]. Read the transcript (PDF)
Listener Questions: How do you know it’s OK to be transgender?
November 14, 2017 11:35 - 1 ByteThis week, we take a look at a few listener questions about the intersections of transgender identity and Christian faith. Do you have a question you’d like to see covered? Email [email protected]. Read the transcript (PDF) The post Listener Questions: How do you know it’s OK to be transgender? appeared first on Queer Theology.