Queer Theology Podcast

In this episode, Brian and Shannon explore Colossians 3:1-17 through a queer lens, discussing the implications of Paul's teachings on identity, sexuality, and community. They emphasize the importance of understanding the context of Paul's letters and how they apply to contemporary issues of queer identity and spirituality. The conversation highlights the need for compassion, kindness, and the reco...

We're back to explore the intricate relationship between spirituality and sexuality! We share our personal journeys, societal challenges, and the importance of integrating these aspects of identity to reframe how to view sexuality. We also delve into the complexities of desire, agency, and the political implications of sexual oppression. Shame and desire intertwine within theological contexts, whi...

We're happy to welcome return guest Kaya Oakes back to the podcast for this episode to talk about her new book, "Not So Sorry: Abusers, False Apologies, and the Limits of Forgiveness." Kaya Oakes is a journalist and author of six books. Her essays and journalism have appeared in many publications. She is also a faculty member in the College Writing Programs at UC Berkeley, where she teaches creati...

We are joined by author @lukeslamdunkwilson for this podcast episode to talk about his journey from being a former evangelical to a queer academic. Dr. Lucas Wilson is a SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Toronto Mississauga, formerly the Justice, Equity, and Transformation Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Calgary. He is the editor of Shame-Sex Attraction: Survivors' Stories of Convers...

We're excited to have return guest, John Dominic Crossan, on the pod this week to talk about his new book, "Paul the Pharisee: A Vision Beyond the Violence of Civilization." We discuss the importance of matrix as a tool for understanding the context and background of texts and why that is so important when we look at Paul. Crossan emphasizes the role of metaphor in shaping our lives and how dismis...

A while back, we sat down with the hosts of the podcast, Judaism Unbound. So for this episode, we're sharing that interview with y'all! In this interview, we talk about how to queer theology, share some of our favorite bible stories and discuss how to do this work well. We also touch on how other theologies, religions, and faith practices can enrich and impact our lives in a deeply meaningful way....

Brian interviews Marques Hollie for this episode of the podcast. Marques Hollie (they/he), is an operatically-trained vocalist, ritual leader, and theatre-maker, who has been telling and singing stories for as long he can remember. Following a course of study in homiletics, liturgy, Torah exegesis, and the canon of Jewish stories, Marques received ordination as a Maggid (sacred storyteller). Curre...

In this conversation, we speak with author, Eliot Schrefer, about his journey as a writer. We discuss his identity, influences, and the importance of queer representation in literature. He delves into his latest book, 'The Brightness Between Us,' and reflects on the creative process of adapting stories for film. Eliot emphasizes the significance of storytelling in providing hope and connection for...

We're joined by Ann Russo, a queer therapist, who shares her journey of growing up in a queer household and navigating the complexities of identity, religion, and acceptance. She discusses the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in religious spaces, the importance of support systems, and the impact of religious trauma. Ann emphasizes the need for therapists to be transparent and knowledgeable ab...

In this interview, author, advocate, and therapist Chris Tompkins shares his personal journey of self-discovery as a gay man raised in a religious environment. He discusses the challenges of reconciling his identity with his faith, the impact of religious trauma, and the importance of awareness in parenting to support LGBTQ+ children. Chris talks about why he wrote his book, "Raising LGBTQ Allies,...

We're kicking off our winter guest series with an interview with Jeff Hiller, a hilarious actor and comedian in NYC, best known for his role as Joel in the Peabody Award-winning HBO show 'Somebody Somewhere.' If you haven't watched this show yet, be sure to check it out! In this conversation, Jeff Hiller discusses his role in the show, exploring themes of authenticity, community, and the intersect...

As we head into the Christmas season, we invite y'all to really explore the meaning and significance of Advent. There is so much richness and depth to this tradition and (especially now!) it is a moment to reflect on what our role in this world is. We discuss the themes of waiting, anticipation, and introspection that characterize this season, as well as the importance of recognizing the realities...

It's that time of year when we often see family and need to navigate complex family dynamics. During the holiday season, this is particularly true for queer individuals. We talk about the importance of setting boundaries, and the necessity of prioritizing personal comfort over traditional expectations. We're big proponents of self-care! And that can definitely look like setting clear boundaries th...

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 wi...

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 rememb...

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 afte...

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 tho...

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...

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 explor...

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 persona...

Recently, John Green posted a YouTube preview for "Crash Course Religions." 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 l...

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 pers...

We're gonna 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 b...

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 sh...