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.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Faith & Justice – Amos 5:18-24
November 08, 2017 14:38 - 1 ByteThis passage from Amos is one of Brian’s all-time favorites. The prophet has some harsh words for religious festivals in the absence of justice and that’s a message that continues to be needed many millennia later. If you want another take on this passage, we looked at it a few years ago. Read the transcript […] The post Faith & Justice – Amos 5:18-24 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Transgender & Christian 2017
October 31, 2017 21:08 - 1 ByteThis month we’re focusing on trans issues at Queer Theology. In this week’s episode, we talk about why that’s important. Read the transcript (PDF) The post Transgender & Christian 2017 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Why Should Christians Talk About Sex?
October 24, 2017 16:14 - 1 ByteRead the transcript (PDF) In this episode we talk about… Let’s get this started right: sex can be awesome! Questions we get about sex are second only to questions about “is it ok to LGBTQ” here at Queer Theology … we get them almost every single day In order to be your full, authentic self, […] The post Why Should Christians Talk About Sex? appeared first on Queer Theology.
Why should Christians talk about sex?
October 24, 2017 16:14 - 1 ByteRead the transcript (PDF) In this episode we talk about… Let’s get this started right: sex can be awesome! Questions we get about sex are second only to questions about “is it ok to LGBTQ” here at Queer Theology … we get them almost every single day In order to be your full, authentic self, […] The post Why should Christians talk about sex? appeared first on Queer Theology.
Don’t get trapped by anti-LGBTQ Christians – Matthew 22:15-22
October 17, 2017 14:45 - 1 ByteIn this episode, we look at More snarky Jesus how we get the same few questions at Queer Theology, how that relates to this passage, and what that means for LGBTQ people how Jesus doesn’t really answer the question — and why that’s important Questions that LGBTQ people get from Christians and how we see […] The post Don’t get trapped by anti-LGBTQ Christians – Matthew 22:15-22 appeared first on Queer Theology.
God’s Comfort – Isaiah 25:1-9
October 10, 2017 10:51 - 1 ByteIn this episode, we take a look at the fallacy of the dichotomy between the “Old Testament God” and “New Testament God” who God’s feast and comfort is for a connection between verse 8 and a passage in Revelation the through-line we see in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures the political context which makes this […] The post God’s Comfort – Isaiah 25:1-9 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Queer Christians are the cornerstone of the Kingdom – Matthew 21:33-46
October 03, 2017 10:45 - 1 ByteIn this episode, we look at… Violence. in the Bible and in the lives of LGBTQ people seeing parallels between anti-LGBTQ Christians and LGBTQ people in this passage anti-LGBTQ teaching has real-world, violent consequences queer Christians are the cornerstone that the kingdom is built on! Queer people are a people of resilience and resurrection Read the […] The post Queer Christians are the cornerstone of the Kingdom – Matthew 21:33-46 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Jesus takes no sh*t – Matthew 21:23-27
September 26, 2017 10:42 - 1 ByteIn this week, we look at … how Jesus takes no shit! parallels between the conversation Jesus has with the elders and the conversations queer people are often asked to have with straight, cisgender Christians what it means for queer folks to guard ourselves and guard our hearts how to recognize when a question is […] The post Jesus takes no sh*t – Matthew 21:23-27 appeared first on Queer Theology.
The Generosity of God – Matthew 20:1-16
September 19, 2017 13:06 - 1 ByteIn this episode, we look at… is this passage about when you say “the prayer” to accept Jesus and then get into heaven? the economic themes that run through the Hebrew and Christian scriptures God’s generosity God’s generosity extends beyond salvation, it also includes physical and economic well-being is salvation scarce? and where does its […] The post The Generosity of God – Matthew 20:1-16 appeared first on Queer Theology.
The Exodus didn’t happen. The Exodus is true. – Exodus 14:19-31
September 12, 2017 10:39 - 1 ByteIn this episode, we talk about… this month our theme is “back to basics” of Christianity and of queer theology “The First Crack” how one of Brian’s religion professors (a rabbi) was pivotal in changing his understanding of the Bible (and this passage specifically) what are assumptions you’ve made about “what the Bible says” or […] The post The Exodus didn’t happen. The Exodus is true. – Exodus 14:19-31 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Back to the (Queer Christian) Basics
September 05, 2017 10:42 - 1 ByteIn this episode… this month at Queer Theology, we are going “back to the basics” of what it means to be Christian, what it means to be a queer person of faith, and what it means to queer theology Fr. Shay’s difficulty in finding resources for LGBTQ Christians who left conservative/fundamentalist Christianity but wanted to […] The post Back to the (Queer Christian) Basics appeared first on Queer Theology.
Love Is An Action – Romans 12:9-21
August 29, 2017 13:43 - 1 ByteIn this episode, we take a look at one of the lectionary readings for Sunday September 3. We dig into Romans 12:9-21 and talk about… how parts of this passage are pulled out of context and abused by some white Christians in response to white supremacists and Nazis marching on Charlottesville love is not a […] The post Love Is An Action – Romans 12:9-21 appeared first on Queer Theology.
A Holy Ruckus – Exodus 1:8-2:10
August 22, 2017 23:22 - 1 ByteIn this episode, we look at… the importance of women when they are named in the Bible how “compliments” can be laced with racism how queer people have used humor, campiness, and covert language to survive (and parallels to the story here) God working in the margins this story isn’t about the Israelites “transforming” Egypt […] The post A Holy Ruckus – Exodus 1:8-2:10 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Is gay sex defiling? – Matthew 15:10-20
August 15, 2017 16:27 - 1 ByteIn this episode we look at… LGBTQ Christians are told that our sexuality is dirty and defiling — Jesus disagrees Brian makes a blowjob joke ? What this passage might say about whether we should stay in unaffirming churches to try to “fix” them Matthew 10:14: “ If anyone will not welcome you or listen to […] The post Is gay sex defiling? – Matthew 15:10-20 appeared first on Queer Theology.
A Depressed Prophet – 1 Kings 19:9-14
August 08, 2017 22:05 - 1 ByteIn this episode, we talk about… the temptation to look for big signs from God how Elijah is going through a depressive episode in this passage, how that’s not often talked about, and how that contradicts what some of us our taught about faith & mental health the taxing demands of justice work (and how […] The post A Depressed Prophet – 1 Kings 19:9-14 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Wrestling with God – Genesis 32:22-31
August 01, 2017 22:56 - 1 ByteThis week Brian and Shay talk Jacob wrestling with God. What is it about this story that is so meaningful to both of them? Why does the idea of wrestling with God matter? Listen in and then share your comments! Read the transcript (PDF) The post Wrestling with God – Genesis 32:22-31 appeared first on Queer Theology.
The Kingdom of Heaven is like… – Matthew 13:44-46
July 25, 2017 20:52 - 1 ByteIn this episode, we look at what the Kingdom of Heaven is like, according to Jesus’s parables how these parables can help us judge whether anti-LGBTQ theology is of God or not Jesus’s audience in his parables (and what that means for us today) what to make of the bit about “burning furnaces” that follows […] The post The Kingdom of Heaven is like… – Matthew 13:44-46 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Wild Goose 2017
July 23, 2017 22:07 - 1 ByteIn this episode, we catch up on… what the Wild Goose Festival is how (un)affirming Wild Goose was in its first year and how things have changed since moving folks from unaffirming to being advocates for LGBTQ justice our workshop on “Queering the Gospel” Click here to get the worksheet Read the transcript (PDF) The post Wild Goose 2017 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Why you should read the Bible queerly
July 12, 2017 02:01 - 1 ByteIn this episode we talk about… We’re heading to Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs, NC. If you’ll be there, come to our session “Queering The Gospel” at 10am on Saturday in The Landing. Session info here: wildgoosefestival.org/sessions17-78 Our theme for the month is “Reading the Bible Queerly” — look at for articles, a webinar, […] The post Why you should read the Bible queerly appeared first on Queer Theology.
Welcoming Churches – Matthew 10:40-42
June 28, 2017 21:34 - 1 ByteIn this episode we look at… LGBTQ “Welcoming” churches who is responsible for making churches welcoming for LGBTQ people queer people are prophets! the divine right that all LGBTQ people have Read the transcript (PDF) Matthew 10:40-42 “Those who receive you are also receiving me, and those who receive me are receiving the one who […] The post Welcoming Churches – Matthew 10:40-42 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Pride Month 2017
June 20, 2017 22:07 - 1 ByteIn this episode we look at all things Pride! Shay’s struggles with LGBTQ Pride and Pride celebrations how “anti-pride” religious messages and internalized shame can get in the way of pride the lack of trans inclusion in many pride celebrations the resilience of LGBTQ+ people the history of police & pride parallels between Christianity and the queer […] The post Pride Month 2017 appeared first on Queer Theology.
LGBTQ Suffering & Pulse Shooting, one year later – Romans 5:1-8
June 13, 2017 10:47 - 1 ByteIn this episode, we talk about… how perseverance and hope can take on special meaning for queer and trans people the anniversary of the shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida the resilience of the LGBTQ community — we’ve been persecuted for so long but we are still here the tension between suffering producing character and also […] The post LGBTQ Suffering & Pulse Shooting, one year later – Romans 5:1-8 appeared first on Queer Theology.
LGBTQ People Are Made In God’s Image – Genesis 1:1 – 2:4
June 07, 2017 01:43 - 1 ByteIn this episode we talk about… why the creation stories are a pet peeve of Brian’s how this passage sets the tone and expectations for the rest of the Bible (and what that means for queer Christians) How God uses language to create the importance of sabbath and rest how queer people are made in […] The post LGBTQ People Are Made In God’s Image – Genesis 1:1 – 2:4 appeared first on Queer Theology.
One Queer Body – 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
June 01, 2017 01:49 - 1 ByteIn this episode we talk about… different types of diversity within the queer community (and why that’s important) the importance of recognizing and celebrating different identities (it’s a “melting pot” not a “tossed salad”!) Read the transcript (PDF) 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form […] The post One Queer Body – 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Easter 2017
April 11, 2017 21:07 - 1 ByteIn this episode we look at… how to understand the resurrection Surprised by Hope by NT Wright what the resurrection might have meant for the earliest followers of Jesus echoes between resurrection and the queer community the importance of bodies Resources for a queer Holy Week Read the transcript (PDF) The post Easter 2017 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Palm Sunday & Holy Week 2017
April 04, 2017 13:55 - 1 ByteIn this episode, we talk about… how our experience of Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday is changed when we consider the events in between the historical context of Jesus’s ministry, Palm Sunday, the crucifixion, and resurrection echoes between Palm Sunday and LGBTQ Pride parades what happens when we nonviolently stand against power Roundup of resources […] The post Palm Sunday & Holy Week 2017 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Resurrection Miracles – John 11:1-45
March 29, 2017 17:02 - 1 ByteIn this episode, we look at… Brian’s doubts about resurrections miracles the historical context of the Gospel of John (and why it matters to this story) What the resurrection means to Shay (and why he really believes in it) What this passage reveals about what God thinks about death Parallels between the queer experience and resurrection […] The post Resurrection Miracles – John 11:1-45 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Queering The Bible
March 21, 2017 22:27 - 1 ByteIn this episode, we talk about… our upcoming webinar on learning to read scripture from a queer perspective (register at queertheology.com/queerbible) different ways to read the Bible figuring out who we are in Bible stories Brian’s first experience of finding liberation in the Bible Read the transcript (PDF) P.S. if you want to read Walking Toward Resurrection, […] The post Queering The Bible appeared first on Queer Theology.
God is in the margins – John 4:5-42
March 14, 2017 20:15 - 4 minutes - 2.59 MBIn this episode, we look at… the importance of women in the Bible the way Jesus handles sexual scandal how and why queer people can see themselves in this passage Read the transcript (PDF) John 4:5-42 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to […]
The power of queer community – Genesis 12:1-4
March 07, 2017 12:25 - 1 ByteIn this episode we look at … the power that comes from leaving parallels between Abram’s descendants becoming a great nation and the LGBTQ community the ways in which queer people are a blessing to the world Get even more queering the Bible—and learn how to do it yourself!—inside Sanctuary Collective, our online community. Learn […] The post The power of queer community – Genesis 12:1-4 appeared first on Queer Theology.
When I kept silent… – Psalm 32
March 01, 2017 01:02 - 1 ByteIn this episode we look at… how this passage resonates with folks who have been in the closet a message of hope for those who feel shame the importance of naming our sins, of bringing are shame out into the light what sin is and what it isn’t what to do after your sins are forgiven […] The post When I kept silent… – Psalm 32 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Transfiguration: Jesus Comes Out – Matthew 17:1-9
February 22, 2017 22:43 - 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 Transfiguration: Jesus Comes Out – Matthew 17:1-9 appeared first on Queer Theology.
What does it mean to be God’s temple? – 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23
February 16, 2017 03:07 - 1 ByteIn this episode we look at… “This is a passage that every LGBTQ person — or any person considering being a sexual being — has heard before” How this passage has been used against LGBTQ people How this passage might give us hope in our current tumultuous political reality What does it mean that “your […] The post What does it mean to be God’s temple? – 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Will you choose life? – Deuteronomy 30:15-20
February 07, 2017 12:00 - 1 ByteIn this episode, Shay and Brian discuss this week’s reading from Deuteronomy and the hard truths to think about. God of the Old Testament is not all judgement and consequences for sin. In this week’s episode we discuss a life of community, healing, wholeness and the weight that can be lifted when we choose life. […] The post Will you choose life? – Deuteronomy 30:15-20 appeared first on Queer Theology.
What does it mean to be a light? – Isaiah 58:7-10
January 31, 2017 22:35 - 1 ByteSometimes it feels like what the Bible asks of us is disconnected from what religious culture asks of us. What does it mean to be a light to the nation? How do we act as God’s ambassadors in our world? Read the transcript (PDF) Photo by Jyrki Salmi The post What does it mean to be a light? – Isaiah 58:7-10 appeared first on Queer Theology.
What does the Lord require? – Micah 6:1-8
January 26, 2017 22:24 - 1 ByteMicah 6:1-8 Hear what the Lord is saying: Arise, lay out the lawsuit before the mountains; let the hills hear your voice! Hear, mountains, the lawsuit of the Lord! Hear, eternal foundations of the earth! The Lord has a lawsuit against his people; with Israel he will argue. “My people, what did I ever do […] The post What does the Lord require? – Micah 6:1-8 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Identity
January 10, 2017 12:13 - 1 ByteWe are back from our winter break and talking about what’s on tap for Queer Theology in 2017: it’s all about identity. In this episode, we talk about our identities and share information about this year’s synchroblog The post Identity appeared first on Queer Theology.
Advent, Christmas, and Waiting for 2017
December 13, 2016 21:24 - 1 ByteIn this episode we reflect on Advent, Christmas, the changing season, and waiting for 2017. Plus, we share some of our Queer Theology plans for the new year! The post Advent, Christmas, and Waiting for 2017 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Speak in the name of the Lord – James 5:7-10
December 07, 2016 03:46 - 1 ByteJames 5:7-10 Therefore, brothers and sisters, you must be patient as you wait for the coming of the Lord. Consider the farmer who waits patiently for the coming of rain in the fall and spring, looking forward to the precious fruit of the earth. You also must wait patiently, strengthening your resolve, because the coming […] The post Speak in the name of the Lord – James 5:7-10 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Psalms, Kings, and Donald Trump – Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
December 01, 2016 13:33 - 1 ByteSometimes Scripture comforts us, sometimes it convicts us, and sometimes it does both. In this episode, we look at what sort of king (or president) is God looking for and what role do WE have in doing the work of God? Read the transcript (PDF) To learn more about Sanctuary Collective, take a look at https://www.queertheology.com/sanctuary-collective/ The post Psalms, Kings, and Donald Trump – Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Self Care in the Christian Lectionary
November 22, 2016 21:35 - 1 ByteThis week we take a break from the lectionary readings to focus on self care, why self care is important for LGBTQ Christians, some ways to get started taking care of yourself, and how self care fits into the season of Advent that we’re now in. Show Notes 8 Queer Tips to Get Through the Holidays […] The post Self Care in the Christian Lectionary appeared first on Queer Theology.
An important Transgender Day of Remembrance message for Christians
November 16, 2016 00:10 - 1 ByteThis week, we take a break from the lectionary to talk about Transgender Day of Remembrance which is this Sunday, November 20. You can find some sermons, podcasts, and a toolkit over at queertheology.com/tdor The post An important Transgender Day of Remembrance message for Christians appeared first on Queer Theology.
God’s Vision for a New Earth – Isaiah 65:17-25
November 11, 2016 06:09 - 1 ByteIn this passage, Isaiah lays out God’s vision for a new Earth. How does it sound to you? And what is our role in ushering that I? Listen to our “A New Heaven and a New Earth” podcast episode on Revelation 21:1-6 Help us out by leaving a review on iTunes at queertheology.com/review Isaiah 65:17-25 Look! […] The post God’s Vision for a New Earth – Isaiah 65:17-25 appeared first on Queer Theology.
“The Bible says weird things about marriage” – Luke 20:27-38
November 01, 2016 11:00 - 1 ByteWe hear often that “The Bible says X about marriage” and you know what? The Bible says allllll sorts of things of about marriage. In this passage, we learn of a marriage tradition that seems bizarre by today’s standards—and one that Jesus seems to agree with. What gives? What can this passage teach us about marriage? And […] The post “The Bible says weird things about marriage” – Luke 20:27-38 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Sodom & Gomorrah – Isaiah 1:10-18
October 25, 2016 12:00 - 1 ByteThis passage has some pretty harsh words for Sodom — but they aren’t what you might expect — and ends with a popular verse about red sins being washed white as snow… that also has a twist you haven’t heard about. Isaiah 1:10-18 Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom; listen to […] The post Sodom & Gomorrah – Isaiah 1:10-18 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Is it all about getting into heaven?
October 21, 2016 23:20 - 1 ByteThis week, Brian takes a look at the essence of Christianity: is it all about getting into heaven? He weaves together his own experience, that of his friends, and passages from Scripture to lay out how he sees Jesus’s ministry and God’s kingdom. If you want to dive deeper into how LGBTQ genders and sexualities […] The post Is it all about getting into heaven? appeared first on Queer Theology.
What does it mean to be inspired? – 2 Timothy 3:14 – 4:2
October 11, 2016 10:15 - 1 ByteShow Notes We focus in “Every scripture is inspired by God” and look at what Scriptures exactly this passage is referring to Call out some intellectually dishonest ways this passage has been used We look at what it means for Scripture to be in inspired Other places we find inspiration How understanding what this passage really means about scripture […] The post What does it mean to be inspired? – 2 Timothy 3:14 – 4:2 appeared first on Queer Theology.
This is my good news … God’s word cannot be imprisoned – 2 Timothy 2:8-13
October 05, 2016 01:50 - 1 Byte2 Timothy 2:8-13 Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead and descended from David. This is my good news. This is the reason I’m suffering to the point that I’m in prison like a common criminal. But God’s word cannot be imprisoned. This is why I endure everything for the sake of those […] The post This is my good news … God’s word cannot be imprisoned – 2 Timothy 2:8-13 appeared first on Queer Theology.
God did not give you a spirit of timidity! – 2 Timothy 1:6-14
September 28, 2016 02:20 - 1 ByteWhen you look at your life (and your work and your passions), what makes you come alive? where are you most useful and most of service? In what ways might you be holding yourself back and in what ways might God be inviting you to use your gifts to serve the world? That’s what we look […] The post God did not give you a spirit of timidity! – 2 Timothy 1:6-14 appeared first on Queer Theology.
Don’t Worry Be Happy? – 1 Timothy 6:6-19
September 20, 2016 11:16 - 1 ByteOn the one hand, we want to be happy with what we have and trust God to take care of us. And on the other hand, one day we will likely get old and need to have a plan for our retirement. How do we “live Biblically” when it comes to money without falling into platitudes? Show Notes […] The post Don’t Worry Be Happy? – 1 Timothy 6:6-19 appeared first on Queer Theology.