If you’ve been around for a while, you probably already know how valuable we think having a journaling practice is. Like, we can’t recommend it enough! There is just something about getting your thoughts down on paper without any fear of judgment and really letting it all out. In this episode, we delve into the transformative practice of journaling and discuss our personal journeys with journaling. We can’t emphasize enough its importance for mental health, self-reflection, and clarity! Feeling stuck on where to start a journaling practice? We have an upcoming workshop, Rewrite Your Story, that’ll help to get you started!

Takeaways

• Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and mental health.
• It’s okay to journal sporadically; consistency isn’t the only measure of success.
• Finding a journaling method that works for you is essential.
• Journaling can help clarify what you want in various aspects of life.
• It’s important to create a safe space for unfiltered expression in journaling.
• Journaling can reveal patterns in your thoughts and behaviors over time.
• Starting with small, manageable journaling practices can lead to growth.
• You don’t need fancy materials to start journaling; just begin where you are.
• Journaling can help process emotions and experiences during tough times.
• The act of journaling can aid in rewriting negative narratives about oneself.

Chapters

(00:34) The Importance of Journaling

(12:04) Personal Journeys with Journaling

(24:05) Practical Tips for Effective Journaling

(30:09) Rewriting Your Story Through Journaling

Resources:

• Register for the journaling workshop at www.queertheology.com/rewrite
• Join the Sanctuary Collective Community

If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology

The post Rewrite Your Story appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this episode, we address listener questions about navigating faith, family dynamics, and spirituality outside of traditional Christian frameworks. We discuss the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in maintaining relationships with non-affirming family members while prioritizing their own mental health and identity. We also get into a question about spirituality and encourage y’all to explore how to cultivate a sense of spirituality and community beyond traditional faith practices. 

Takeaways

• It’s important to prioritize your own mental health and wellness.
• Surround yourself with affirming voices during deconstruction.
• Setting boundaries with family can help maintain your mental health.
• You deserve to be treated with respect and affirmation.
• Finding community outside of traditional religious spaces is crucial.
• Engaging in service and community work can fulfill spiritual needs.
• Creating personal spiritual practices is essential for connection.
• Rituals and actions can help cultivate a sense of the divine.
• Community support is vital during times of spiritual transition.
• You are not alone in your journey of faith and identity.

Resources:

• Ask your own question to be featured on the podcast at queertheology.com/listen 
• Soul Safe workshop: 
• Rituals Workshop: queertheology.com/rituals 
• Join the Sanctuary Collective Community

If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology

The post Spirituality Outside of Boxes: Listener Q&A appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re gonna revisit our roots of this podcast for this episode by queering the Bible! Specifically, the passage we explore is from Genesis, the story of Jacob wrestling with God. We discuss the significance of this passage in relation to queer identities, gender narratives, and how you can bring yourself to your own interpretation of scripture. Our conversation highlights the importance of personal experiences in understanding biblical texts and emphasizes the role of journaling as a spiritual practice. We encourage y’all to read this passage and reflect on what this passage brings up for YOU! 

Takeaways

• The Bible did not originally have chapters and verses.
• Jacob’s story illustrates the holiness of wrestling with faith.
• Wrestling with God can be seen as a trans narrative.
• The Bible can continually surprise and teach us new things.
• Personal experiences shape our interpretations of scripture.
• Queer theology allows for diverse interpretations of biblical texts.
• Journaling can enhance our understanding of the Bible.
• Engaging with the Bible requires vulnerability and curiosity.
• The intersection of sexuality and spirituality is significant.
• Each person’s interpretation of scripture is valid and valuable.

Chapters

(02:58) Wrestling with God: The Story of Jacob

(05:59) Gender Narratives in Jacob’s Story

(09:03) The Bible as a Living Text

(12:04) Sexuality and Spirituality in Non-Monogamy

(15:02) Diverse Interpretations of Scripture

(17:53) The Power of Journaling in Spiritual Practice

Resources:

• In the Margins: A Transgender Man’s Journey With Scripture by Shannon TL Kearns
• Join the Sanctuary Collective Community

If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology

The post Cruising For God: Queering Jacob appeared first on Queer Theology.

Recently John Green posted a YouTube preview for “Crash Course Religions,” and since this is something we are really passionate about (also Brian is a huge fan!), we answer his question, ‘why religion?’ in this episode. We also discuss what it means to be a religious person and explore the idea that everyone worships something, whether it’s a traditional religion or something else that guides their lives. It’s about what you infuse with meaning that can turn it sacred and holy! We’ve been talking alot about the importance of being intentional in practices and rituals and this is another example of why it is so important. We invite you to also cultivate a deeper sense of connection to the sacred in your life.

Takeaways

• Religion is not limited to traditional religious institutions; everyone worships something that guides their lives.
• Being intentional about our practices and rituals is important, regardless of our religious identification.
• Queer experiences and LGBTQ+ community events can be seen as sacred and have religious significance.
• Cultivating a deeper sense of connection to the sacred in our lives can bring meaning and purpose.

Chapters

(0:38) Brian’s confession: Being a “nerdfighter”

(1:14) Crash Course series on religion and its relevance

(3:36) Helping LGBTQ+ folks heal from religious harm

(5:21) The idea of worship and its broader meaning

(9:32) Importance of replacing old beliefs with new intentional stories

(17:00) Queerness as holy and sacred practices in queer culture

(22:03) Encouragement to practice intentional rituals and find meaning

Resources:

• Crash Course Religion Preview by John Green
• Rituals for Resistance & Resilience online course
• Join the Sanctuary Collective Community

If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology

The post John Green Asks, “Why Religion?” We Answer appeared first on Queer Theology.

This time of year is a great time to do a bit of reflection and in this episode, we discuss the importance of taking time in the fall to reevaluate and reconnect with what matters to us. Taking this time for reflection, introspection, and planning for the future can be a great way to really look at what you want to keep and what you want to change moving into the end of the year. We share our personal experiences and discuss the significance of rituals, boundaries, and forgiveness in this process. The most important part of this is being intentional and gentle with yourself while engaging in this self-reflection.

Takeaways

• Fall is a time for reflection, introspection, and planning for the future.
• Taking time to reevaluate and reconnect with what matters to us is important.
• Rituals, boundaries, and forgiveness play a significant role in this process.
• Being intentional and gentle with oneself is crucial while engaging in self-reflection.

Chapters

(00:00) Reconnecting and Reflecting in the Fall

(11:27) The Importance of Rituals and Boundaries

(18:10) Navigating Forgiveness and Making Amends

(24:43) Being Intentional and Gentle with Oneself

Resources:

• Rituals for Resistance & Resilience
• Queers the Word – devotional available on Amazon.com
• Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community

If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology

The post Habits For Changing Seasons appeared first on Queer Theology.

We get into the concept of love and what it means to love well in this episode. We explore the idea that love is not just a feeling or a word, but an action that requires intentionality and commitment. We have to challenge the societal norms of prioritizing romantic relationships and biological families over other types of relationships. It is also so important to show up for others, by being intentional in our actions, and creating systems to support our relationships. 

Takeaways

• Love is not just a feeling or a word, but an action that requires intentionality and commitment.
• Societal norms often prioritize romantic relationships and biological family over other types of relationships, but it is important to challenge and question these norms.
• Showing up for others and being intentional in our actions are key aspects of loving well.
• Creating systems and using tools like calendars and reminders can support our relationships and help us remember important dates and commitments.
• Polyamory wisdom can offer valuable insights and practices for all types of relationships, including monogamous ones.
• Clear communication, time management, and intentional living are essential for building and maintaining healthy and loving relationships.

Chapters

(00:35) Exploring the Concept of Love

(03:40) Challenging Societal Norms

(06:06) Being Loved Well and Loved Poorly

(11:10) Love Beyond Traditional Family Structures

(14:28) Prioritizing Relationships and Denigrating Friendships

(18:27) Love as Action and the Importance of Systems

(21:20) Intentionality and Upending Norms

(24:13) The Role of Systems in Loving Well

(26:18) Synergies Between Poly Wisdom, Faith, and Love

(29:37) Being Intentional and Explicit in Relationships

(33:19) Using Tools and Systems to Support Love

(35:27) Polyamory Wisdom for All Relationships

(35:48) Clear Communication, Time Management, and Intentional Living

Resources:

• Join the Poly Possibilities course at queertheology.com/poly-possibilities
• Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community

If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology

The post Love is a Verb appeared first on Queer Theology.

Shame is a huge part of culture and we discuss the role of shame in sex and relationships, particularly in relation to purity culture, and the political repercussions of shame. We explore the historical context of shame, such as the Lavender Scare and the rise of the religious right, and how shame has been used as a tool for control and manipulation. There is such an importance to understanding shame as a systemic and political issue, rather than just a personal emotion. But there is power and resistance in self-acceptance and combating shame by embracing our desires and bodies!

Takeaways

• Shame can be a powerful tool for control and manipulation, and it is important to recognize the political and systemic implications of shame.
• Understanding the historical context of shame, such as the Lavender Scare and the rise of the religious right, helps to shed light on its origins and effects.
• Embracing one’s desires and bodies, and resisting societal shame, can be an act of resistance and self-acceptance.
• Creating a supportive community and engaging in open conversations about shame and desires can be healing and empowering.

Chapters

(03:01)The Political Repercussions of Shame

(06:53) Unpacking the History of Shame and Purity Culture

(12:09) Resisting Shame: Embracing Desires and Bodies

(15:04) Creating a Supportive Community to Combat Shame

Resources:

• Join the Poly Possibilities course at queertheology.com/poly-possibilities
• Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community

If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

The post Undoing Shame appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this conversation, we discuss the intersection of polyamory, spirituality, and faith. We explore why monogamous individuals should care about polyamory, the importance of integrating spirituality and non-monogamy, and how polyamory can inspire new ways of structuring relationships and the world. We also get into the need for proactive positive messages to counteract shame and negative societal messages and highlight the importance of community, family, and intentional living. What would it look like to expand and imagine more expansive and inclusive possibilities for our relationships AND communities?

Takeaways

• Polyamory can offer valuable lessons in communication, intentionality, and dealing with difficult emotions like jealousy, which can benefit monogamous individuals as well.
• Integrating spirituality and non-monogamy is important to counteract shame and negative societal messages, and to define the goodness of polyamory on its own terms.
• Polyamory invites us to expand our notions of community and family, and to imagine more inclusive and just ways of structuring relationships and the world.
• It is important to find spaces where we can bring our whole selves, integrate different aspects of our identities, and cultivate connections with others who share our values.
• Polyamory challenges us to question societal expectations and consider alternative ways of living and relating, fostering a sense of intentionality and joy in our lives.

Chapters

(01:26) Why Monogamous Individuals Should Care About Polyamory

(08:52) Integrating Spirituality and Non-Monogamy

(19:00) Expanding Notions of Community and Family

(25:19) Creating Spaces for Wholeness and Integration

(27:39) Imagining New Possibilities for Relationships and the World

Resources:

• Jesus is Polyamorous 
• Join the Poly Possibilities course at queertheology.com/poly-possibilities
• Rituals for Resistance & Resilience part of Spiritual Study Hall
• Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community

If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

The post Poly Possibilities appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of listening to the wisdom of our bodies. Really tuning in and paying attention to what your body is trying to tell you. We explore how societal messages of sex negativity and shame can lead to a disconnection from our bodies, and how reclaiming that connection can be a powerful act of resistance. It is so important to recognize the significance of joy and pleasure in our lives to fuel our activism!

Takeaways

• Societal messages of sex negativity and shame can lead to a disconnection from our bodies, but it is important to reclaim that connection and listen to the wisdom of our bodies.
• Reconnecting with our bodies and embracing pleasure and joy is a powerful act of resistance against societal control and manipulation.
• Tuning into our bodies’ signals and sensations can help us set boundaries, navigate difficult relationships, and prioritize self-care.
• Joy and pleasure are essential in our lives and in our activism, as they provide the foundation for a positive future and create resilience in the face of challenges.
• Joining courses like Poly Possibilities and communities like Sanctuary Collective can provide support and resources for exploring these topics further.

Chapters

(03:58) Poly Possibilities Course: Exploring the Intersections of Polyamory and Spirituality

(08:29) Listening to the Wisdom of Our Bodies: Overcoming Sex Negativity and Shame

(13:12) Tuning into Body Signals: Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Self-Care

(20:24) The Power of Joy and Pleasure in Activism

(25:39) Joy as a Form of Resistance: Creating a Positive Future

(28:59) Join the Poly Possibilities Course and Sanctuary Collective for Support and Exploration

Resources:

• Rituals for Resistance & Resilience part of Spiritual Study Hall
• Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community

If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

The post Listening to the Wisdom of Your Body appeared first on Queer Theology.

We’re answering a listener question on the podcast this week: Have you always been so open minded? And if you haven’t, what was it that made you become this way? Not only do we answer this question but we discuss the importance of curiosity and open-mindedness in ALL aspects of life. We share their personal experiences of how we were able to cultivate curiosity and the role it has played in our journeys of self-discovery and growth. One thing that is so important is the need for courage to stay open to new ideas and perspectives, even when it challenges our beliefs. We’ve also got some practical tips on how to cultivate curiosity and how you can work on being more open to the world around you.

Takeaways

• Curiosity and open-mindedness are important for personal growth and self-discovery.
• Cultivating curiosity requires courage to challenge our beliefs and be open to new ideas and perspectives.
• Reading books and engaging with longer-form content are effective ways to explore new topics and expand our knowledge.
• Starting with low-stakes topics can help build the muscle of curiosity before diving into more complex issues.
• Curiosity grounded in joy and connection is vital in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Chapters

(07:34) The Role of Courage in Challenging Beliefs

(13:25) Unhooking from Fear and Indoctrination

(19:45) Practical Tips for Cultivating Curiosity

(27:27) The Importance of the Micro and Connection

(32:26) Curiosity Grounded in Joy and Connection

Resources:

• Get curious at queertheology.com/books
• Ask your own question at queertheology.com/listen
• Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community

If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology.

The post Cultivating Curiosity [Listener Question] appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this conversation, Brian and Shannon discuss the theme of unlearning and relearning. They share personal experiences and insights on the process of unlearning harmful beliefs and embracing new perspectives. They touch on topics such as masculinity, the fear of not being accepted by God, and the concept of abundance in Christianity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and the ongoing journey of unlearning and relearning.

Takeaways

• Unlearning involves identifying and challenging harmful beliefs and perspectives that have been ingrained in us.
• The process of unlearning and relearning is ongoing and requires self-reflection and intentional effort.
• Masculinity and societal expectations can shape our beliefs and understanding of ourselves. It is important to question and redefine these notions.
• The fear of not being accepted by God or facing eternal damnation can be a source of anxiety for LGBTQ+ individuals. It is important to explore alternative interpretations of religious teachings.
• Abundance in Christianity is not about material excess, but about experiencing joy, love, and liberation in all aspects of life.
• Unlearning and relearning involves letting go of guilt, shame, and fear, and embracing a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of faith and spirituality.

Chapters

(10:24) Unlearning and Relearning: Challenging Harmful Beliefs

(13:43) Redefining Masculinity: Breaking Free from Societal Expectations

(15:07) Finding Acceptance: Overcoming Fear and Doubt

(29:24) The Ongoing Journey: Embracing Unlearning and Relearning

Resources:

• Join the  Sanctuary Collective Community
• Why “Have you Accepted Jesus?” is the Wrong Question 
• Is It All About Getting Into Heaven?

If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

The post Unlearning and Relearning appeared first on Queer Theology.