We’re queering the Book of Ruth in this episode of the Queer Theology Podcast. And y’all, this one can get really scandalous! We  delve into its themes of agency, chosen family, and the complexities of tradition. Then we also discuss how the narrative can be interpreted through a queer lens, highlighting the scandalous elements often sanitized in traditional readings. Sometimes you gotta engage with scripture in a way that acknowledges the messiness and complexities to really get to the good stuff! As we head into Advent, this can be a time of deep reflection and looking at scripture through a queer lens can be a liberating practice. 

Takeaways

• The Book of Ruth contains themes of agency and vulnerability.
• Ruth’s actions can be seen as scandalous yet empowering.
• Chosen family is a significant aspect of the narrative.
• The story challenges traditional interpretations of relationships.
• Sanitizing scripture does a disservice to its complexity.
• Queer readings of scripture can reveal deeper meanings.
• Tradition is often rooted in messy and complicated stories.
• Engaging with scripture requires acknowledging its messiness.
• Community journeys can enhance spiritual reflection.
• Advent offers a time for introspection and preparation.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction and Context of the Conversation

(01:12) Exploring the Book of Ruth

(03:30) Queering the Text: Scandal and Agency

(06:56) Chosen Family and Queer Relationships

(11:51) The Messiness of Tradition and Scripture

(15:35) Invitation to Engage with Scripture

(16:42) Queering Advent: A Community Journey

Resources:

• Join the Sanctuary Collective Community and be part of our Queering Advent event

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

TRANSCRIPT

The post The Messy Scandal of Ruth appeared first on Queer Theology.

a brief reflection from Brian on fear, grief, and tapping into the power of our communities.

if you’d like a space to share / vent / grieve / process / be in community / otherwise be together with other LGBTQ+ of faith, I opened up comments on this reflection over in the public area of our learning and community hub. you’ll just need a free account to comment.

please come gather together to see and be seen, to hold and be held.

we are in this together.

much love,
brian (& shannon)

TRANSCRIPT

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It’s that time of year again when we have celebrations around remembrance and death. In this episode, we delve into the themes of death, remembrance, and the significance of rituals during this reflective time of year. We explore the meanings behind All Saints Day and All Souls Day, the importance of honoring those who have passed, and how queer communities have created their own rituals of remembrance. We share some of our own personal experiences of grief and loss and how rituals have been a resource of comfort for us. As we head into the upcoming Advent season, we’re going to really dive into the intention behind rituals!

Takeaways

• Death and remembrance are significant themes during this time of year.
• All Saints Day honors officially canonized saints, while All Souls Day remembers all who have died.
• The veil between worlds is considered thin during this season, prompting reflection.
• Trans Day of Remembrance highlights violence against the trans community.
• Queer and trans individuals often create their own rituals to honor their community.
• Remembering our lineages and communities is essential for personal growth.
• Grief can be navigated through intentional remembrance and community support.
• Rituals do not have to be complicated; simple acts can hold great meaning.
• Advent offers a time for reflection and intention in our lives.
• Creating personal rituals can help in processing grief and loss.

Chapters

(00:00) Exploring Death and Remembrance

(04:42) Queering All Saints and All Souls Day

(07:53) The Importance of Lineage and Community

(10:52) Navigating Grief and Loss

(14:55) Rituals for Remembering and Healing

(18:41) Advent: A Time for Intention and Reflection

Resources:

• Join the Sanctuary Collective Community and be part of our Queering Advent event

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

TRANSCRIPT

The post Remembering Who We Come From appeared first on Queer Theology.

The process of healing is a journey. And with a journey, you have to be willing to take the time to do what feels comfortable for you, but also push yourself. In this episode, we discuss the journey of healing, particularly in the context of coping with emotional challenges. We explore the importance of taking things slowly, the role of storytelling in healing, and the necessity of reflection after experiences. You gotta make the time for reflection and self-care! For us, journaling has been a sustainable practice to work through discomfort that helps lead to long-term emotional well-being. 

Takeaways

• Healing is a journey, not a race.
• It’s important to go slowly in the healing process.
• Stories shape our understanding of spiritual practices.
• Redefining success can help in the healing journey.
• Discomfort can be a part of growth.
• Reflection helps us learn from our experiences.
• Give yourself time to process and heal.
• You can push yourself, but know your limits.
• Journaling can provide clarity and understanding.
• Sustainable practices are key for long-term healing.

Chapters

(0:00) The Journey of Healing and Coping

(7:15) Navigating Discomfort and Growth

(14:56) Reflection and Learning from Experiences

(22:42) Sustainable Practices for Long-Term Healing

Resources:

• Register for the journaling workshop, Rewrite Your Story
• 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 Healing When It’s Hard appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this conversation, we explore the profound impact of storytelling on personal identity, community building, and cultural narratives. We discuss how stories have been a fundamental part of human experience, shaping self-perception and fostering connections and community among individuals. It’s super important to craft your own personal narrative because of the transformative power of sharing those stories with others. Whether it’s a coffee chat with friends or delivering a sermon, having a well crafted story can make a huge difference.

Takeaways

• Stories are deeply human and have been told since ancient times.
• The narratives we internalize shape our self-perception and values.
• Storytelling can change hearts and minds more effectively than facts alone.
• Personal stories can foster community and connection, especially in marginalized groups.
• Crafting narratives is essential for effective communication and social justice advocacy.
• Everyone has a story, and storytelling is a universal human experience.
• The act of storytelling helps us make sense of our lives and experiences.
• Writing for oneself is a vital step before sharing stories publicly.
• Workshops can help individuals refine their storytelling skills and discover impactful narratives.
• Journaling can serve as a grounding practice for personal reflection and narrative development.

Chapters

(0:00) The Power of Stories in Human Experience

(3:51) Personal Connections Through Storytelling

(9:21) The Role of Storytelling in Community Building

(15:04) Crafting Personal Narratives for Impact

(18:40) Journaling and Storytelling Workshop Introduction

Resources:

• Register for the journaling workshop, Rewrite Your Story
• 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 The Stories That Shape Us appeared first on Queer Theology.

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

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

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

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

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

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

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

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

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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.