Queer Theology

On this week’s episode, Fr. Shannon responds to listener questions that touch on some of the core themes of his (and Brian’s!) work and ministry. He explores what Jesus meant by the “narrow path,” reframing it not as a difficult and exclusionary road toward a distant heavenly reward, but as the daily work of building community, loving our neighbors, and helping bring about the kingdom of Heaven here on Earth. He also answers a questions about the idea of false prophets and the ways fear-based religion can disconnect us from our own bodies, intuition, and sense of The Divine. Fr. Shannon reflects on the sacred work of learning to trust yourself and recognize that God may speak to different people in different ways, encouraging y’all to lean more deeply into the places where you experience truth, connection, and liberation. Resources: Learn more and join the Community at https://www.queertheology.com/community/   The post Can We Trust Our Experiences With The Divine? appeared first on Queer Theology.

Brian is joined by long-time friend, Jason Tseng (they/them), @queeriously on the pod this week for a joyful and inspiring conversation about queer spirituality, storytelling, and moving through the world as a queer Christian. Jason, a queer, non-binary Chinese-American playwright based in New York City, talks about the different stories from their life that led to writing plays, including Fear and Wonder. They talk about how their gayness transformed and informed their understanding of the sacred. Brian and Jason discuss how important it is to reclaim queer spirituality by paying attention to what actually feels sacred in our lives. Jason is a Creative Partner of Flux Theatre Ensemble Plays developed by Judson Arts, Boise Contemporary Theatre, Playwrights Foundation, Pride Plays / Woolly Mammoth, and Artist at Play. They are also the artist behind the Queer Saints Project, a reclamation of queer spirituality rooted in Judson Memorial Church.  Resources: Jason Tseng Substack: Fear and Wonder See Fear & Wonder https://www.fluxtheatre.org/productions/fear-wonder  Learn more and join the Community at https://www.queertheology.com/community/  The post Prophetic Queer Plays with Jason Tseng appeared first on Queer Theology.

This week we queer one of our favorite passages, Micah 6:1–8, and explore one of the Bible’s clearest calls to justice: “do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.” It often feels like messages of the prophets continue to resonate so deeply today, especially in a world where faith is often reduced to rule-following and anxiety-inducing checklists. We unpack how this passage recenters us on what truly matters: not perfection, but practicing justice, mercy, and humility in the everyday moments of our lives. There is so much richness beneath this seemingly simple message that calls to the larger story of liberation and collective memory that shapes the prophet’s words.   Resources: Listen to the next episodes in the series and join the Queer Bible Study at https://www.queertheology.com/community The post The Radical Simplicity of Micah 6:1-8 appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this episode, Father Shannon shares a deeply personal and recent story about being denied Communion by a Catholic priest despite identifying as Catholic himself and serving as an ordained priest in the Old Catholic tradition. Reflecting on the pain and rejection that surfaced in this encounter, Fr. Shannon explores how bad theology hurts people. He also reflects on how healing is never linear, and even if you have done the work to heal old wounds, they can still open up again. There is so much institutional rejection in Christian spaces but it’s important to remember that no priest, pastor, or church authority can separate queer and trans people from God. And, as always, the importance of a supportive community, spiritual practices that nourish us, and the liberating truth that the kin-dom of God is already alive among queer and trans communities, is something you can wholeheartedly believe. For anyone navigating religious trauma, exclusion, or the ongoing journey of healing and reclaiming faith; you are welcome at God’s table. You belong and are loved.   Resources: Listen to the next episodes in the series and join the Queer Bible Study at https://www.queertheology.com/community The post Can You Fall Out of God’s Favor? appeared first on Queer Theology.

We queer two chapters in this week’s episode and explore God’s expansive vision of belonging and justice that is the throughline between them. Both passages challenge insider/outsider binaries and emphasize that God’s covenant community is open to all. Especially, in these passages, immigrants and those historically excluded. They also call people into active participation in justice, mercy, and communal care. And this tension is pertinent today as we witness modern anti-immigrant rhetoric often justified by Christianity. arguing that such views contradict the text’s clear ethic of inclusion. Salvation does not need to be seen as a distant, individual reward, but as a present, collective practice of building communities rooted in equity, solidarity, and care for the marginalized. A call to live out our faith through tangible acts of justice here and now. Resources: Listen to the next episodes in the series and join the Queer Bible Study at https://www.queertheology.com/community The post All Are Gathered In: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 & Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this episode, we explore the idea that everyone needs a village or that everyone wants to build community. The thing is, when it comes to actually being the Villager.. no one wants to put in the effort. Or they think it needs to be a big effort. Or cost alot. Or look perfect. But that is not the case! Building meaningful community in a world that often prioritizes convenience and individuality can be tough. The truth is that not everyone in your community has to be your best friend to still show up and care. Even if there can be pressure to make community look polished or perfect, it’s those low-stakes, real-life connections (think messy houses, popcorn hangs, and shared responsibility) that are real community building. Support can often look like small, everyday acts of showing up that can add up to something much bigger. Remember- building a village isn’t about doing everything, it’s about doing something, together.   Resources: Listen to the next episodes in the series and join the Queer Bible Study at https://www.queertheology.com/community   The post Everyone Wants a Village… but Nobody Wants to be the Villager appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this week’s episode we queer Mark 10:17–31 and look at some of Jesus’ most challenging teachings. The ones that really make you think about how difficult it would be to let go of wealth, privilege, and certainty in order to follow a more expansive, justice-centered vision of love. There is often a tendency to explain away hard passages about money while taking other scriptures literally. But is that what was intended in this passage? We also explore complicated ideas about eternal life, moving beyond rigid, afterlife-focused theology to consider how “eternal life” might be experienced here and now- in moments of connection, vulnerability, and collective care that draw us into something bigger than ourselves. Those rituals that connect us outside or inside church and really make us feel part of a community. If we can reimagine a faith rooted in embodied justice and shared humanity, one that ultimately calls us deeper into love, what a more expansive faith that is. Resources: Listen to the next episodes in the series and join the Queer Bible Study at https://www.queertheology.com/community   The post Finding Eternal Life Now: Mark 10:17-31 appeared first on Queer Theology.

Fr. Shannon brings us this week’s episode and it is the first in a series on the books of Colossians. In this first episode on book 1 of Colossians, he invites us into the deeply human world of letter writing and explores how this ancient text started as a letter to a real community navigating complex questions of identity, faith, and belonging. What does it mean to be “in Christ” while also rooted in a particular place, culture, and political reality? This is a question we can still resonate with and can set the stage for honest, thoughtful wrestling with the Bible, with tradition, and with ourselves.   Resources: Listen to the next episodes in the series and join the Queer Bible Study at https://www.queertheology.com/community The post Queer Bible Study: Colossians 1:1–2 appeared first on Queer Theology.

It’s Easter Sunday, so we dive into the messy, complicated, and deeply meaningful questions surrounding resurrection, belief, and what it all means in the world today. We explore the literal vs. metaphorical resurrection of Jesus and broader questions about God, suffering, and the reconciliation of all things. There is an element in the Easter resurrection story that rather than offering neat answers, embraces the tension of faith that doesn’t always fit into tidy boxes. Wrestling with doubt, grief, activism, and hope in a world marked by injustice and uncertainty can feel so difficult. But the invitation of the resurrection story opens for all of us to choose our level of engagement to lead to the reconciliation of all things. We can reimagine resurrection not as a distant theological concept, but as a lived, communal practice rooted in love, resistance, and the ongoing work of making things right that lead toward a more connected, compassionate, and hopeful way of being. Resources: Learn more and join the Community at https://www.queertheology.com/community The post How Easter Inspires Us To Work For The Reconciliation of All Things appeared first on Queer Theology.

Brian shares part of his interview with Jonah Wheeler on the podcast this week. Together they explore the complex intersections of sex, spirituality, and personal history, unpacking how formative experiences, particularly around desire, power, and validation, shape the ways we show up in intimate encounters. Jonah shares  an experience from his early 20s that becomes a lens for examining “daddy issues,” internalized religious frameworks, and the search for divine approval through sex. He muses how these revealing moments of vulnerability and surrender can mirror spiritual longing while also exposing the ways we project meaning onto our partners. The conversation traces the shift from compulsive, unconscious patterns toward a more intentional and self-aware approach to intimacy- highlighting how naming our desires can create space for agency, consent, and emotional sustainability. Reframing sex not just as physical connection, but as a site of self-discovery, transcendence, and the ongoing work of offering ourselves the validation we once sought from others (or from God!) can be a spiritual experience. Resources: Hear more of this conversation at Permission to Desire podcast Learn more and join the Community at https://www.queertheology.com/community The post Searching for Divine Approval Through Sex with Jonah Wheeler (@ShowOffJonah) appeared first on Queer Theology.

This week, Fr. Shannon sits down with Samantha Boucher, (@sceboucher) a trans activist and political organizer with deep roots in Appalachia, to explore how growing up in a rural, conservative community shaped her approach to justice, belonging, and advocacy. Samantha shares her journey from disaster response and intelligence work into national politics, becoming the first openly trans federal campaign manager, and now leading efforts to advance trans rights through heartland-focused organizing. They dive into the cultural divide between urban and rural America, the importance of messaging that resonates across moral frameworks, and why building relationships in faith communities and small towns is critical to lasting change. Samantha also discusses urgent work supporting trans individuals facing displacement as well as practical ways allies can take action. Despite escalating challenges and political vitriol, Samantha encourages that there is still reason for hope grounded in community, courage, and connection. Resources: Operation Lifeboat https://www.translifeboat.org/  Learn more and join the Community at https://www.queertheology.com/community   The post When Safety is at Stake: Organizing in a Time of Crisis with Samantha Boucher appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this episode, Brian explores a provocative idea: what if your orgasms were a form of activism? In a world that often tries to make people (especially queer folks, women, and non-monogamous people!) feel small, ashamed, or powerless, reclaiming pleasure can be a radical act of resistance. Brian looks at how shame around sex has historically been used as a tool of control and why separating love from sexuality diminishes our aliveness. Tending to your erotic life can fuel both personal healing and political courage. In his own experiences from activism, relationships, and coaching, he argues that pleasure isn’t escapism or indulgence. It’s energy. Connection. And a big reminder of what we’re fighting for. If the world feels heavy right now, we invite you to consider that cultivating desire, intimacy, and even your solo sex life might be one of the most powerful ways to stay fully alive and engaged. Resources: If you want to keep up on new episodes of Permission to Desire, you find the links to subscribe in your favorite podcast player here: https://pod.link/1876076895  Learn more and join the Community at https://www.queertheology.com/community The post Pleasure is Political appeared first on Queer Theology.

For this episode, Fr. Shannon talks with author Steven C. Law to explore the life and legacy of Rev. Robert W. Wood, a WWII veteran, United Church of Christ pastor, and author of the groundbreaking 1960 book, “Christ and the Homosexual.” Steven is a writer whose work bridges faith and cultural engagement. His commitment to compassionate storytelling enriches “The Story of Bob” with insight and empathy. Drawing from intimate interviews and extensive research, Law brings to life Bob’s journey and activism that helped lay the foundation for greater acceptance. Steven shares how he met Bob at a moment of profound grief, how that pastoral visit became a six-year writing journey, and why Bob’s story of faith, secrecy, love, and moral courage still speaks powerfully today. He reflects on queer theology before it had a name, the cost of living in a heteronormative church culture, and the sacred risk of finally telling the truth about the love of your life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Steven Law’s Journey 05:37 Transition from Preaching to Literature 11:00 The Impact of GLBTQ Experiences on Theology 16:30 Bob’s Story: A Journey of Faith and Identity 27:14 The Search for Meaning in the Aftermath of War 27:51 Faith and Judgment: A Personal Struggle 33:13 The Journey to Acceptance and Ministry 44:53 Moral Development and Personal Conviction 50:40 Love, Loss, and Legacy   Resources: The Story of Bob by Steven C. Law Learn more and join the Community at https://www.queertheology.com/community The post The Story of Bob: an Interview with Steven C. Law appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this episode, we answer a listener question and then queer Matthew 17:1–9 for the second Sunday in Lent. The Transfiguration as a powerful coming out story and when we reflect on Jesus taking his closest friends up the mountain, revealing something radiant and vulnerable about his identity, and asking them to hold that truth tenderly for a time, it’s an experience that resonates deeply with queer and trans journeys of self-disclosure. This is the moment of courage for Jesus and encourages us to also claim who we are even when the road ahead is uncertain or costly. The Transfiguration becomes not just a spectacle, but an intimate revelation, a holy transformation, and good news for anyone navigating identity, fear, and faith. Resources: Learn more and join the Community at https://www.queertheology.com/community The post When Jesus Came Out – Queering the Transfiguration appeared first on Queer Theology.

In this solo episode, Fr. Shannon is sharing his curated list of favorite books about theology, prayer, memoir, the Bible, and in-depth study- which is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their faith with a queer and justice-centered lens. He reflects on the texts that have shaped his theology and imagination and highlights transformative prayer resources. He also offers his go-to Bible study tools for serious Biblical-themed nerding out, resources that have stretched, grounded, and inspired his faith. Whether you’re brand new to Queer Theology, ready to go deeper, or need some reading inspo, this episode is packed with thoughtful recommendations to add to your reading list! Fr. Shay’s Must-Read List: Black Liturgies by Cole Arthur Riley Liturgies from Below by Claudio Carvalhaes The Divine Hours by Phyllis Tickle What Is the Bible? by Rob Bell A Black Theology of Liberation by James Cone Trans-Gendered: Theology, Ministry, and Communities of Faith by Justin Tanis Radical Love: Introduction to Queer Theology by Patrick S. Cheng Radical Reinvention by Kaya Oakes Take This Bread by Sara Miles Binding the Strong Man by Ched Myers The New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary The Jewish Annotated New Testament Resources: Learn more and join the Community at https://www.queertheology.com/community The post Bible Nerd Starter Pack appeared first on Queer Theology.

A guided audio experience for this time of reflection and renewal as we work toward collective liberation. Signup at queertheology.com/lent The post Queering Lent appeared first on Queer Theology.

In an inspiring episode, Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg (@rabbidanyaruttenberg) returns to the podcast to explore what it means to treat our lives, and our world, as sacred texts in a time of rising fascism, burnout, and moral confusion. Shaped by decades of organizing, she challenges the false divide between “religious” and “moral” behavior, reminding us that any authentic spiritual life must be rooted in dignity, accountability, and collective liberation. Drawing on Torah, the prophets, and centuries of Jewish wisdom, Danya invites us to reframe sacred text- not as unquestionable doctrine, but as a call to wrestle with, resist empire, and build just systems that protect the most vulnerable. She shares how spiritual practice expanded her activist imagination beyond the limits of our hyper-individualistic culture and why solidarity is the only way home. This is your invitation to fight with those texts, fight for one another, and remember that liberation isn’t symbolic, it’s collective, embodied, and urgently needed now! Takeaways We have a moral and religious obligation to care for one another. Moral and ethical obligations should align with religious beliefs. The prophets were angry about the disconnect between ritual and ethical behavior. Every human being deserves dignity and respect. Engagement with ancient texts can lead to personal transformation. The Torah serves as a guide for creating a just society. Collective liberation is essential for progress. Finding one’s identity involves exploration and community engagement. Life itself is a sacred text worthy of investigation. Solidarity across differences is crucial in today’s world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Life as a Sacred Text 04:19 Moral and Religious Obligations 08:12 Engaging with Ancient Texts 15:14

We’re going back to the beginning for this episode as we dive into Genesis 1–3 to unpack how dominant Christian narratives of “the fall” and “original sin” have shaped theology, politics, and our sense of human worth. Reflecting on our evangelical upbringings, we explore how starting the story with human failure robs us of agency and fuels passivity which can be religious or political! But what if we contrast that with an alternative framework rooted in original goodness or original blessing? The narrative changes and so does how we approach conversations about scripture, ritual, social justice, and the stories we tell about ourselves and about the world. How we interpret these ancient texts deeply affects how we treat ourselves, one another, and our collective responsibility to create a more just and compassionate future.   Takeaways The concept of original sin has shaped many religious teachings. Traditional narratives often emphasize humanity’s flaws over its potential for goodness. Agency is crucial; waiting for salvation can lead to passivity. Shifting perspectives can empower individuals and communities. Stories we tell ourselves influence our understanding of the world. Recognizing inherent goodness can change how we view ourselves and others. Accountability is important, but so is recognizing humanity in all people. Political narratives can mirror religious ones in their impact on agency. Interrogating historical narratives is essential for progress. A new story can lead to a better future for all.   Chapters 00:00 Exploring Genesis: The Foundation of Faith 08:27 Agency and Salvation: A Shift in Perspective 11:44 F

In this episode, we return to our roots and queer the passage, Matthew 4:12–23 by exploring Jesus’s turn toward public ministry in the wake of John the Baptist’s arrest and what that moment of political repression reveals about courage, solidarity, and collective action. In light of the state violence and community resistance and ongoing organizing and protests in Minneapolis, we reflect on Jesus stepping into an already-existing movement, calling others to follow, and proclaiming a kingdom that disrupts unjust systems. We look at what is deemed “criminal” and the power of showing up, building local networks, and plugging into work that’s already happening in your community. We invite y’all to consider how faith, justice, and everyday acts of community care are deeply intertwined and how the light that dawns in dark places is something we choose to carry together. Takeaways The passage in Matthew 4 highlights the call to action in the face of injustice. Resistance is often catalyzed by witnessing the arrest or harm of others. Community organizing is essential for effective resistance against systemic issues. Criminality is often framed by those in power to suppress movements for justice. Building community infrastructure is crucial for sustained activism. Engaging with local movements can amplify existing efforts and support. Small actions collectively contribute to larger movements for change. Finding common ground with neighbors can foster community resilience. The importance of showing up and being present in community efforts. Action is the antidote to fear and overwhelm in the face of injustice. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Matthew 4: The Call to Action 02:47 Reflections on Resistance and Community Organizing 05:42 The Role of Criminality in Social Justice

In this episode, Brian is joined by the inimitable Reverend Sex @reverand_sex (Alba Onofrio), executive director of Soulforce (@souforceorg), for a conversation about queer faith, spiritual violence, and the liberative possibilities of sex-positive theology. Rev. Alba Onofrio is a theologian and spiritual activist rooted in the U.S. South, engaged in human rights work for over two decades throughout the U.S. and Latin America. As a queer, feminist Christian pastor, their ministry moves at the intersections of religion, gender, and sexuality to heal the wounds of spiritual violence and weaponized religion. Also known as Reverend Sex and co-founder of the Sexual Liberation Collective, their global education work seeks to eradicate shame and fear around bodies and sex, reclaiming pleasure and desire as sacred centers of knowledge, healing, and spiritual practice. As Executive Director and Spiritual Strategist of Soulforce, Rev. Alba has published liberatory theological resources uncovering the ideologies of white Christian Supremacy. Their work has been translated into seven languages and shared around the world. Brian and Rev. Alba talk about Soulforce’s evolution from direct action to global culture-change work and unpack the realities of white Christian supremacy. They get into how it is important to name the lasting harm, and healing, around weaponized religion. Rev. Alba shares how moving beyond deconstruction into reconstruction opens up conversations about consent, pleasure, bodily autonomy, and finding the divine everywhere from drag worship to kink spaces, while also highlighting Soulforce’s projects like Shameless Theology and an upcoming book on spiritual violence.  Resources: Learn more about Soulforce at: https://soulforce.org/  Learn more about Rev. Sex | Alba Onofrio https://www.reverendsex.com/about  Learn more and join the Community at https://www.queertheology.com/community/ This transcript was generated by AI and may contain errors or omissions. 1 (10s): Welcome to the Queer Theology Podcast. I’m Brian G Murphy. 2 (13s): And I’m father Shannon, T l Kearns. We’re the co-founders of Queer Theology dot com and your hosts from 1

Fr. Shannon is joined this week by author Margot Douaihy (@NeonMargot), and this is very exciting for him since he is a huge fan of her Sister Holiday series! Margot is a professor of creative writing at Emerson College as well as the author of the award-winning, nationally bestselling Sister Holiday series, as well as the poetry collections “Bandit/Queen: The Runaway Story of Belle Starr, Scranton Lace, and Girls Like You.” Her debut mystery, “Scorched Grace,” won The Pinckley Prize in Crime Fiction and was named a Best Crime Novel of the Year by the New York Times, Guardian, and others. In this conversation, Margot reflects on her Maronite Catholic upbringing, her queerness, and how those threads come together in her noir mystery series, which features a devout, tattooed, riot-girl lesbian nun navigating crime, desire, justice, and faith in New Orleans. She discusses subverting the crime genre, queering narratives of law and order, desire and celibacy, found family, and the sacred possibilities of storytelling. There is so much holiness in storytelling, and Margot’s work shows why art and community matter more now than ever.   Resources: Learn more about Margot at https://www.margotdouaihy.com/  Buy her books: https://www.margotdouaihy.com/scorched-grace  Learn more and join the Community at https://www.queertheology.com/community/   This transcript was generated by AI and may contain errors or omissions. (10s): Welcome to the Queer Theology Podcast. I’m Brian G Murphy. And I’m father Shannon, T l Kearns. We’re the co-founders of Queer Theology dot com and your hosts from Genesis, revelation. The Bible declares good news to LGBTQ plus people, and we want to show you how Tuning each week on Sunday for conversations about Christianity, queerness and transness, and how they can enrich one another. We’re glad you’re here. Hello and welcome back to the Queer Theology Podcast. This week we have a special guest, Margot Dhe, And I cannot wait for you to hear this interview. Margot is the author of one of my favorite trilogies of books, the sister holiday series. It’s an incredible, incredible series, and we’re gonna talk a lot more about that on the podcast this week. (54s): And in general, I just think you’re gonn

We’re excited to welcome @angelajherrington back to the podcast to talk about her new book and overcoming Christian patriarchy. For over a decade, Angela has helped women break free from the grip of Christian patriarchy and reconnect with the wisdom they were taught to silence. She is a trauma-informed coach, strategist, and author, who has walked alongside thousands through deconstruction, spiritual burnout, and the messy, beautiful work of building a life that feels whole and true. Her work brings together spiritual insight, nervous system awareness, and grounded practices that create lasting change. In this episode, Fr. Shay talks with Angela about her new book, “Embracing the Old Witch in the Woods: Liberating Feminine Wisdom from Christian Patriarchy” and how it is building on her first book about faith deconstruction. Angela explores how Christian patriarchy and nationalism shape our inner lives, limit our sense of self, and disconnect us from embodied wisdom. She discusses archetypal feminine wisdom beyond gender binaries, the power of intuition and embodiment after high-control religion, grief over missed developmental stages, and the healing potential of reconnecting with these feminine archetypes. This conversation offers a compassionate invitation to self-nurturing, wholeness, and reclaiming wisdom that was never meant to be lost. Resources: Learn more about Angela Herrington at https://angelajherrington.com/  Buy Embracing the Old Witch in the Woods: Liberating Feminine Wisdom from Christian Patriarchy by Angela Herrington Learn more and join the Community at https://www.queertheology.com/community/   This transcript was generated by AI and may contain errors or omissions. 1 (10s): Welcome to the Queer Theology Podcast. I’m Brian G Murphy. 2 (13s): And I’m father Shannon, T l Kearns. We’re the co-founders of Queer Theology dot com and your hosts from 1 (17s): Genesis, revelation. The Bible declares good news to LGBTQ plus people, and we want to show you how 2 (23s): Tuning each week on Sunday for conversations about Christianity, queerness and transness, and how they can enrich one another. We’re glad you’re here.

It’s a New Year and in this first episode of 2026, we reflect on highlights from 2025. From book releases and big life transitions, to moves, new jobs, and shifting rhythms. What has kept us grounded has been our approach to goals and intentions that have evolved as needed. It’s why we keep saying rituals and intentions are important, y’all! Going into this year we feel that community matters more than ever. We also feel that it’s important to build more meaningful lives and one of the ways to start doing that is by naming our longings and goals. If you want some help with that, we’re bringing back the Queerness Every Day Challenge, a simple, daily practice to help you start the year with greater intention around spirituality, queerness, and connection.   Takeaways Shannon released two books in 2025, marking a significant achievement. Brian also published his first book, focusing on relationships and spirituality. Shannon transitioned to a full-time job, requiring adjustments in her routine. Both hosts emphasize the importance of setting intentions for the new year. They discuss the challenges of maintaining personal well-being amidst professional demands. Brian reflects on the importance of community and local connections. Shannon is focusing on improving her local community involvement in 2026. They explore different approaches to goal setting and personal growth. The conversation highlights the need for intentionality in daily life. The Queerness Every Day Challenge offers a way to reflect on spirituality and identity.   Chapters 00:00 Reflecting on 2025: Personal Highlights 02:27 Navigating New Beginnings: Career Changes and Adjustments 05:30 Intentions

In this episode, we respond to a listener question about how to challenge harmful uses of the Hebrew Scriptures without falling into anti-Semitism or Christian supersessionism. As Christians, we can’t rely on the New Testament to “fix” or dismiss the Old Testament and we unpack common misunderstandings about Judaism and the Hebrew Bible. We also queer the Ten Commandments by reading this foundational text through lenses of justice, liberation, and community rather than control or exclusion. Despite how we have been taught, the commandments can function as a framework for loving God and loving our neighbor. That doesn’t mean we get to ignore the fact that we need to wrestle honestly with the parts that feel troubling to us in modern times, to engage the text critically, contextually, and faithfully. Rather than discarding the Ten Commandments as outdated or weaponizing them against marginalized people, we show how lingering with the tension can open up richer, more life-giving interpretations that support the queer community flourishing.    Resources: Learn more and join the Community at https://www.queertheology.com/community/   The post Queering the 10 Commandments appeared first on Queer Theology.

This week, we respond to a thoughtful listener question from Tumblr about whether progressive Christians can understand the Bible as uniquely authoritative, or whether it should be treated as inspired work alongside other great works of literature and poetry. We look at how different Christian traditions approach scripture, why “authority” depends on community and context, and how revelation can be understood without requiring inerrancy or literalism. We have to have a more nuanced engagement with scripture that challenges false dichotomies between taking the Bible seriously and reading it critically. In the second half of the episode, we queer Psalm 119:105-112, unpacking how poetry, song, and metaphor function within the Bible. We invite you to consider what it means for God’s word to be “a lamp to our feet and a light for our journey,” not as the path itself, but as something that illuminates the way as we navigate faith, queerness, relationships, and life.   Resources: Our resources have moved! You can find the workshop contents within our free resources at my.queertheology.com   This transcript was generated by AI and may contain errors or omissions. 1 (9s): Welcome to the Queer Theology Podcast. I’m Brian G Murphy. 2 (13s): And I’m father Shannon, T l Kearns. We’re the co-founders of Queer Theology dot com and your hosts from 1 (17s): Genesis, revelation. The Bible declares good news to LGBTQ plus people, and we want to show you how 2 (23s): Tuning each week on Sunday for conversations about Christianity, queerness and transness, and how they can enrich one another. We’re glad you’re here. 1 (33s): Hello. Hello. Hello. Welcome back to the Queer Theology of Podcast. 2 (36s): This week we’ve got a listener question from Tumblr and they ask, are there progressive non literalist ways of talking about the Bible as uniquely authoritative and communicative of revelation? Or are the scriptures only inspired in a relativized sense alongside great works of literature, poetry, et cetera? 1 (57s): Oh, I love this question. So this 2 (1m 1s): Is a great 1 (1m 2s): Question. Yeah, it get really gets at the heart of what we’re talking about on this podcast and in our work. I think it’s important to first name that there are gonna be a bunch of different answers to this question. Certainly if you survey all Christians, like conservative fundamentalist Christians are gonna have a different idea than other folks. Like there’s a whole range, like if you, if you survey fundamentalist Christians, if you survey Mormons, if you survey Catholics, if you survey progressive Christians, if you survey, you know, black preachers, i

As we come to the beginning of Hanukkah, Brian invites us to reimagine the Festival of Lights as a celebration of resistance, resilience, and the sacred spark within every queer body. When queering Hanukkah, we can explore how the Hanukkah story itself is rooted in defiance against erasure, and how its rituals can be reclaimed as affirming practices that honor queer joy, creativity, and survival. Resources: Learn more about Rituals for Resistance & Resilience here Join us and be part of Queering Advent! Find more info here. This transcript was generated by AI and may contain errors or omissions. 1 (9s): Welcome to the Queer Theology Podcast. I’m Brian G. Murphy, 2 (13s): And I’m Father Shannon TL Kerns. We’re the co-founders of queer theology.com and your hosts from Genesis, 1 (18s): Revelation. The Bible declares good news, LGBTQ plus people, and we want to show you how 2 (23s): Tuning each week on Sunday for conversations about Christianity, queerness and transness, and how they can enrich one another. We’re glad you’re here. 1 (33s): A few days ago, I texted one of my friends who was also Jewish and asked if he wanted to come over for a lot ’cause and food and candles on the first native Hanukkah with some other friends. Wait, when does Hanukkah start? He asked, yes, I’m terrible for not knowing. He added, but you know what? Not knowing when Hanukkah starts is also a quintessentially Jewish experience for many Jews. It, it starts tonight, by the way, now if you know me, you know that I’m a big fan of counting holidays. I like to count the days of land count, the days of the Ooma count, the days of Advent, and of course, count the Knights of Hanukkah. It might be that that soothes some part of my A DHD brain, but for me, there’s also something deeply grounding about the practice of paying attention to the passing of time. 1 (1m 13s): Maybe you count the days since a partner or friend or a family members passing. Maybe you count the days of your sobriety. Maybe you count the days until your gender affirming surgery. I’m a bit obsessed with the idea that everything can be spiritual, that the divine is already at your fingertips. In our rituals for resistance and resilience workshop, I outline seven steps to transform a routine into ritual. Sure, you can pray the rosary or go to Shabbat services, but if that’s, but if those don’t resonate with you, perhaps you could take some inspira

In this episode, we dig into why leaving harmful churches isn’t enough, you also have to unlearn the bad theology you absorbed along the way.  We talk about how lingering fear, shame, reactivity, or discomfort around sex, Scripture, or Christian community can reveal where old beliefs are still running the show, even for folks who’ve left evangelicalism, Catholicism, or grew up in progressive spaces without learning how to engage the Bible for themselves. We get into what unlearning actually looks like and why arguing on evangelical terms keeps you stuck. You gotta be able to rebuild your faith (or recognize when to walk away from it) with grounding, nuance, and liberation. We also answer listener questions about the 1946 documentary and where to begin when returning to faith after fear. Resources: Join us and be part of Queering Advent! Find more info here. This transcript was generated by AI and may contain errors or omissions. 1 (9s): Welcome to the Queer Theology Podcast. I’m Brian G. Murphy. 2 (13s): And I’m Father Shannon TL Kerns. We’re the co-founders of queer theology.com and your hosts from 1 (17s): Genesis, revelation. The Bible declares good news, LGBTQ plus people, and we want to show you how 2 (23s): Tuning each week on Sunday for conversations about Christianity, queerness and transness, and how they can enrich one another. We’re glad you’re here. 1 (33s): Hello. Hello. Hello. So good to be back in your eras with you today. On today’s episode, we’re gonna talk about the importance of not just leaving bad churches or leaving bad faith entirely, but also unlearning your path theology and this like danger of what could happen if you don’t take the time to un unload, unlearn. And you just sort of like try and pat it aside and pat it set aside and for, and forget about it for a while. We’ll also have a listener question that we will get to at the end of the episode. If you would like to have your question featured on the podcast, you can go to cardiology.com/listen. You can also leave us a voice message or send us a text message to 2 4 0 2 0 0 0 9 2 2. 1 (1m 19s): That’s 2 4 0 2 0 0 0 9 2 2. Okay, and with that said, Shea, what are we talking about this episode and why? 3 (1m 30s): Yeah, so I mean, I think one of the things that we see really, really often, and it’s especially prevalent among former evangelicals or folks who grew up in kind of evangelical or Catholic spaces, but it’s also, we see it in kind of a different way in folks that grew up in prog

Queering Advent is a guided audio experience for this time of waiting, dreaming, and preparing as we hope for and work toward liberation and salvation. Rituals and liturgical seasons like Advent are invitations for us to re-center on what is most important to us. This winter, journey with us through Advent to deepen your awareness of and commitment to the connections between queerness and faith. Learn more and register at queertheology.com/advent An Advent practices that enriches your December, rather than stresses you out Brian & Shannon will offer a deeper reflection each Sunday of Advent—a mix of teaching, queer insights, and questions to consider. Then, during the week, you’ll get a short audio guide—shorter readings, reflections, prompts, and experiments— delivered right to your podcast app or available in our community hub. So that you move through this season with intentionality and contemplation. Feel steadied and reassured in these trying times. And a greater inspiration for how our faith can speak a good word to your personal life and our communal systems. All for $25 — that’s just one dollar for each day of Advent. Register here: queertheology.com/advent   This transcript was generated by AI and may contain errors or omissions. 0 (0s): Hello. Hello. We are just a few days into Advent, and I wanted to make sure that you knew about Queering Advent, a daily guided audio exploration of Advent so that in this time of winter waiting, you might be able to draw closer to the Divine, also to draw your queerness and your faith closer to one another as part of Queering Advent. Each day there are short audio reflections on weekdays, they’re five minutes or less, and then on Sundays it’s a little bit longer of a conversation between myself and Shannon on the different themes of Advent. You get them in a private audio feed that you can put in the podcast player of your choice. 0 (41s): So if you’re listening to this podcast, you already know how that works. You don’t have to remember any logins. You don’t have to sit at your computer. There are no screens to stare at. Just a daily dose of queer Faithful Reflections, meditations, and even some challenges and inspirations. We would love to have you be part of it. It’s just $25. That’s $1 for each day of Advent. You can learn more at queer theology.com/advent. And now I would like to share with you a preview of w

Father Shannon kicks off the Advent season with a solo episode where he reflects on the meaning of Advent as both a spiritual and practical season of preparation. During this time of rising threats for trans, non-binary folks, and immigrants, uncertainty and fear hangs over us. Fr. Shannon offers some grounding reflections about community, care, safety, resistance, and showing up for one another. You’re encouraged to bring your journal to this one! The Christian story calls us to co-create a more just and compassionate world, and we encourage listeners not only to reflect, but to take action in their communities.    Takeaways: We’re asking this question not out of a sense of doomsday prepper. What do I need to do right now, right where I am? Creating the kind of community I long to live in. Building a world that will protect the most at risk. The importance of personal responsibility in community building. Resilience is key in facing challenges. Safe spaces are essential for vulnerable populations. Community building requires active participation. We must think about our actions in the present moment. Creating supportive environments is a collective effort.   Resources: Join us and be part of Queering Advent! Find more info here.   This transcript was generated by AI and may contain errors or omissions. Amazon Music (1s): Ever notice how ads always pop up at the worst moments when the killer’s identity is about to be revealed? During that perfect meditation flow on Amazon music, we believe in keeping you in the moment. That’s why we’ve got millions of ad-free podcast episodes, so you can stay completely immersed in every story, every reveal, every breath. Download the Amazon music app and start listening to your favorite podcast, ad free, included with Prime. 2 (43s): Welcome to the Queer Theology podcast. I’m Brian G. Murphy. 3 (46s): And I’m Father Shannon TL Kerns. We’re the co-founders of queer theology.com and your hosts 2 (51s): From Genesis, revelation. The Bible declares good news to LGBTQ plus people, and we want to show you how

This episode dives into Matthew Chapters 14-16 and the rich political, communal, and spiritual tensions woven throughout. We unpack the death of John the Baptist, the feeding miracles, Jesus walking on water, debates about purity, the encounter with the Canaanite woman, and Peter’s declaration of Jesus as Messiah. These stories are especially revealing as they challenge Empire, center outsiders, and call followers into risky, justice-oriented solidarity. We get into what treasonous acts we may be called to take up when confronting power, and what it really means to “take up your cross” today.   Resources: Join our online community at  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   This transcript was generated by AI and may contain errors or omissions. Mochi Health (1s): A mochi moment from Sadie who writes, I’m not crying, you’re crying. This is what I said during my first appointment with my physician at Mochi, because I didn’t have to convince him I needed a GLP one, he understood and I felt supported, not judged. I came for the weight loss and stayed for the empathy. Thanks, Sadie. I’m Myra Ammo, founder of Mochi Health. To find your mochi moment, visit join mochi.com. Sadie is A mochi member compensated for her story. 2 (40s): Well, 3 (40s): To the Queer Theology podcast, I’m Brian G. Murphy. 4 (43s): And I’m father Shannon, TL Kerns. We’re the co-founders of queer theology.com and your hosts 3 (47s): From Genesis to Revelation. The Bible declares good news to LGBTQ plus people, and we want to show you how tuning 4 (53s): Each week on Sunday for conversations about Christianity, queerness and transness, and how they can enrich one another. We’re glad you’re here. 3 (1m 2s): Today we’re doing a deep dive on three chapters of Matthew, Matthew 14, 15 and 16. This episode feels particularly important right now as it talks about confronting the powers that be in the places we live. And spoiler alert contains a bit of a call to treason in these charged political times. How our faith calls us to engage with society, community, government, and the world around us feels especially important. This episode originally aired as part of a larger series looking at the entire book of Matthew. If you’re interested in checking out more of that, the first episode of the series does a lot of context setting for the whole book of Matthew. 3 (1m 48s): That episode re aired just a few episodes ago, so you could s

We’re diving into one of their most asked-about topics: sex, relationships, and faith. Building on years of listener questions like, “Is it okay to masturbate?” “What does the Bible say about premarital sex, polyamory, or kink,” we explore why so many of us seek definitive answers and how that impulse comes from an evangelical mindset that treats the Bible like a rulebook. As always we invite y’all to move beyond arguing Bible passages toward a deeper, embodied understanding of faith, sexuality, and ethics that is grounded in consent, respect, and self-awareness. Queerness, desire, and faith are not at odds. God’s love is not conditional, and living faithfully means embracing complexity, doing inner work, and claiming your inherent goodness.  Resources: Join our online community at  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   This transcript was generated by AI and may contain errors or omissions. 1 (10s): Welcome to the Queer Theology Podcast. I’m Brian G. Murphy. 2 (13s): And I’m Father Shannon TL Kerns. We’re the co-founders of queer theology.com and your hosts from 1 (17s): Genesis, revelation. The Bible declares good news, LGBTQ plus people, and we want to show you how 2 (23s): Tuning each week on Sunday for conversations about Christianity, queerness and transness, and how they can enrich one another. We’re glad you’re here. 1 (32s): Alright, for this episode, our little two part series on sex and relationships, we want to take a look at a lot of the questions that we’ve gotten over the years about sex and dating and how that intersects with Christianity. A few years ago, my, one of my, my then boyfriend, we were having a conversation about sex and, and queer theology.com and he said, wait, people like strangers on the internet ask you if it’s okay to masturbate and then like what you say back to them matters to them. And I was like, yep, that is, that is something that happens. And so today we wanna look at sort of like broadly at questions like, what does the Bible say about sex? 1 (1m 15s): Is it okay to masturbate? Is it okay to have premarital sex? Is polyamory okay? Is kink okay? Like, is like insert x, y, Z thing th

In this episode, Fr. Shannon talks with the Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis. He is an assistant professor and director of the Social Transformation program at United Theological Seminary. He earned his Ph.D. from the Graduate Theological Union in Interdisciplinary Studies in addition to a Master of Divinity degree at Harvard Divinity School and a Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary. We explore Justin’s journey as a transgender man of faith, his groundbreaking contributions to trans theology, and the evolution of queer and trans thought within the church and academia. Justin shares the inspiration behind his influential book on trans theology, and reflects on the growing richness and diversity of trans religious scholarship. The conversation also delves into the intersections of art, spirituality, justice, and education, highlighting how creative expression and community-centered leadership can transform theology and the world. Find more of Rev. Dr. Justin at: https://www.unitedseminary.edu/academics/faculty/justin-sabia-tanis/ Grab a copy Trans-Gender: Theology, Ministry, and Communities of Faith Injustice at Every Turn A Report of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey Resources: Join our online community at  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   This transcript was generated by AI and may contain errors or omissions. 1 (10s): Welcome to the Queer Theology Podcast. I’m Brian G. Murphy. 2 (13s): And I’m Father Shannon TL Kerns. We’re the co-founders of queer theology.com and your hosts from 1 (17s): Genesis, revelation. The Bible declares good news, LGBTQ plus people, and we want to show you how 2 (23s): Tuning each week on Sunday for conversations about Christianity, queerness and transness, and how they can enrich one another.

For this episode, we’re diving into the Gospel of Mark. We unpack why Mark was likely the first Gospel written, who it was written for, and what was happening politically under Roman occupation. Drawing on scholarly interpretation, we look into how Mark’s storytelling and its urgency, as well as its focus on common people, challenge the Empire and center the marginalized. This perspective also redefines discipleship as active resistance through themes like repentance, liberation, and community transformation, showing how Mark’s “good news” remains a radical call to action for today’s world. Resources: Join our online community at  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   This transcript was generated by AI and may contain errors or omissions. 1 (10s): Welcome to the Queer Theology Podcast. I’m Brian G. Murphy. 2 (13s): And I’m Father Shannon TL Kerns. We’re the co-founders of queer theology.com and your hosts from 1 (17s): Genesis, revelation. The Bible declares good news, LGBTQ plus people, and we want to show you how 2 (23s): Tuning each week on Sunday for conversations about Christianity, queerness and transness, and how they can enrich one another. We’re glad you’re here. Welcome back to the Ology podcast. This week we are gonna do a deep dive into the gospel of Mark, and I am so excited. This is 1 (40s): Me too. 2 (41s): This is where I get to be like super nerdy and this is my favorite stuff in the world. And so, yeah, so I’m excited to dive in. I, I feel like we’ve talked about this a lot, but I know that for me, I was not raised with looking at the historical context at all of the Bible where even reading the gospels right, we like try to jam all four of them. 1 (1m 7s): Yep. Yeah. Together 2 (1m 8s): Into one coherent narrative. And so we are not gonna do that on this, this podcast. We’re really gonna dig, take a deep dive into looking at just what does Mark say and why does Mark say it and all of those things. And I’m, I’m super excited. Brian, why are you excited to talk about the gospel of Mark? I 1 (1m 28s): Mean, for a lot of those same reasons, I think before I, so I studied film production in college, but I also studied religion in college. And when I added religion as a second area of focus, my pare

We had the pleasure of speaking with activist and author, Edafe Okporo. Edafe was born in Warri, Nigeria. He migrated to the United States in 2016 as an asylum seeker and is now a refugee of the United States. He is a global gay rights activist, the founder of Refuge America, and one of the country’s most visible voices on the issue of displacement. We spoke about the issues of detainment for immigrants in the US, especially difficult for trans people seeking asylum and LGBTQ people. Edafe’s story is inspiring and powerful, reminding us that our work for equality must include marginalized people in the immigrant community. Edafe is the author of the book “ASYLUM: A Memoir and Manifesto.” He brings a personal commitment to his refugee work and the premise of his book- that home is not where you feel safe and welcome only but also how you make others feel safe and welcome.   Learn more about Edafe: Web: https://www.edafeokporo.com/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/edafeokporo IG: https://www.instagram.com/edafeokporo Order your copy of ASYLUM, A Memoir & manifesto: https://www.edafeokporo.com/book To learn more about the immigration detention system in the U.S: https://www.freedomforimmigrants.org/ https://www.refugeamerica.org/   Resources: Join our online community at  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/queertheo

For this interview, we are excited to talk with Millie, more well known as Milli Not So Vanilli on social media. She is a 34-year-old Jewish mother and “accidental” TikTok creator. We learn how her grandmother has inspired her to speak out and how she is her greatest source of inspiration; her grandmother had been a Holocaust survivor and her grandfather was a victim of McCarthyism. We discuss how important it is for Christians to learn about their own history, to learn about Jewish history, and why this will help end prevalent misconceptions about Judaism and Jews. She also explains how anti-Semitism is accepted and widespread throughout Christian belief teachings and what Christians can do to unlearn and reframe these damaging beliefs in order to be a good ally for Jews. Millie reminds us how important and relevant this work is today and what you can do now to be a Christian without spreading anti-Semitic rhetoric. Millie celebrates Jewish diversity and advocates for a more inclusive and accepting Jewish community. She believes in Jewish empowerment through knowledge and awareness of Jewish history and believes a better understanding of Jewish history and who Jews are as a people is the best way to fight antisemitism. Learn more about Millie at: IG: https://www.instagram.com/milli_not_so_vanilli/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milli_not_so_vanilli https://linktr.ee/milli_not_so_vanilli Links from the episode: https://www.myjewishlearning.com/ https://www.rabbisandralawson.com/   Resources: Join our online community at  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   This transcript was generated by AI and may contain errors or omissions.

We’re revisiting our interview episode with the remarkable Dr. Christena Cleveland. Dr. Cleveland is an author, activist and a founder and director of the Center for Justice + Renewal as well as its sister organization, Sacred Folk. Tune in as Fr. Shay talks with Dr. Cleveland about her journey to find the Black Madonna and the Sacred Feminine, what that means for her view of the white, male god and her evangelical upbringing, and how wisdom and the Sacred Divine can be found within ourselves. Grab a copy of her book: God Is a Black Woman Liberating the Mind Body course Dr. Cleveland Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cscleve Website: https://www.christenacleveland.com/ https://www.justiceandrenewal.org/   Resources: Join our online community at  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   This transcript was generated by AI and may contain errors or omissions. (9s): Welcome to the Queer Theology Podcast. I’m Brian G. Murphy. And I’m Father Shannon TL Kerns. We’re the co-founders of queer theology.com and your hosts from Genesis, revelation. The Bible declares good news, LGBTQ plus people, and we want to show you how Tuning each week on Sunday for conversations about Christianity, queerness and transness, and how they can enrich one another. We’re glad you’re here. I’m so, so, so excited. Dr. Christina Cleveland PhD is a social psychologist, public theologian, author and activist. She’s the founder and director of the Center for Justice and Renewal, as well as its sister organization, sacred Folk, which creates resources to stimulate people’s spiritual imaginations and support their journeys toward liberation. (50s): An award

We welcome Miryam Kabakov to the podcast this week. Miryam is a national leader who has worked for more than three decades on the inclusion of LGTBQ+ individuals in the Orthodox world. She is Executive Director and ​co-founder of Eshel, @eshelonline, a national organization that supports LGBTQ+ Orthodox individuals and their families. Prior to being a leader at Eshel, Miryam was the New York and National Program Director of AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps, Director of LGBT programming at the JCC Manhattan, Social Worker at West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing, and was the first social worker at Footsteps.  She founded the New York Orthodykes, a support group for lesbian, bisexual and transgender Orthodox women, and is the editor of “Keep Your Wives Away From Them: Orthodox Women, Unorthodox Desires,” a collection of writings about the challenges and joys of LBT Orthodox Jews and winner of the Golden Crown Literary Award. In this conversation, Miryam shares her journey of growing up in a modern Orthodox community while grappling with her LGBTQ identity with Brian. She discusses the challenges of acceptance within her family and the broader Orthodox community, and how these experiences led her to found Eshel, an organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ Jews. Miryam emphasizes the importance of community, rituals, and the ongoing work to create inclusive spaces within Orthodox Judaism. She also reflects on the evolving landscape of LGBTQ acceptance in religious contexts and the power of obligation and connection in fostering supportive environments.   Takeaways Miryam’s upbringing in a modern Orthodox community shaped her understanding of faith and queerness. The importance of community in navigating LGBTQ identity within Orthodox spaces. A-Shell was founded to create supportive environments for LGBTQ Jews and their families. Coming out is a continuous journey, especially in Orthodox contexts. Family acceptance can take time, but patience is key. Creating inclusive rituals is essential for LGBTQ individuals in Orthodox life. The future of queer Judaism holds hope for greater acceptance and understanding. <li style="font-weight: 400;

In this week’s throwback episode, we return to the final episode of our eight-part series on Matthew. And here is where we come to crucifixion and resurrection.. The End… but really, the Beginning! It’s important for us to call out and recognize in these texts the significant polemic against the Jewish leaders, even if most of Matthew’s audience still considered themselves to be Jewish. The context is crucial here for us to not continue the anti-semitic rhetoric that “the Jews killed Jesus”, but underline that the Roman Empire killed Jesus. We have stories of the anointing of Jesus, the last supper, his betrayal, the trial, and subsequent punishment of death. From the story of the resurrection, we really look at who Jesus entrusted the continued work of discipleship. It is not to perfect angels that this work is given to continue, but to the doubting, flawed, messy, complicated people. How can we embrace that same call to follow Jesus today?   Resources: Journey Into the Bible part of Spiritual Study Hall  Join our online community at  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   This transcript was generated by AI and may contain errors or omissions. (1m 56s): Welcome to the Queer Theology Podcast. I’m Brian G Murphy. And I’m father Shannon, T l Kearns. We’re the co-founders of Queer Theology dot com and your hosts From Genesis to Revelation. The Bible declares good news to LGBTQ plus people, and we want to show you how tuning Each week on Sunday for conversations about Christianity, queerness and transness, and how they can enrich one another. We’re glad you’re here. Hello. Hello. And welcome back to the Queer Theology Podcast. Can you believe that we are at the final, the final section of our deep dive into the gospel of Matthew? I can hardly believe it, to be honest. (2m 37s): This has been a ride. Yeah. You know, before we dive into these final things, I just wanna say, you know, Brian, you And I have talked about how over the years of doing the lectionary that revisiting these texts, even texts that we were super, super familiar with, that we learned and discovere

What was your upbringing regarding your belief in Satan or the Devil? How were you taught (or scared) growing up about the fallen angel, the demon, the serpent, Beelzebub, and the many other names? In this throwback episode, we will discover where our idea of Demon or Satan comes from and see how your beliefs or ideas about the devil line up with what scripture says. Satan in the Hebrew Bible: Numbers 22:22 Satan in the Garden of Eden as the serpent: Ezekiel 28:12-19 Where the term “fallen archangel” come from: Isaiah 14:12 Pop-cultural resources about The Devil: Inferno by Dante Aligheri Paradise Lost by John Milton The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis A few images depicting Satan Florence Baptistry mural Detail of Satan from Hans Memling’s Triptych of Earthly Vanity and Divine Salvation Devilish propaganda William Blake’s depiction of Lucifer in Paradise Lost   Resources: Join our online community at  Sanctuary Collective Community    If you want

We are queering the whole chapter of Isaiah 58 in this week’s episode. There is so much in this chapter, especially when we look at themes of justice, community, and personal reflection. It’s especially interesting to look at how this chapter resonated with our younger selves and how we view it today. There is emphasis on the importance of treating marginalized individuals with care and the communal nature of faith. We feel called in this chapter to foster growth and imagination, focusing on our own unique gifts that come with queerness.  Takeaways Isaiah 58 calls for justice and community care. Personal faith should reflect how we treat others. Communal restoration is a key aspect of faith. Revisiting scripture can lead to personal growth. Navigating privilege is essential in faith discussions. Sabbath is a time for rest and reflection. Imagining a better world is crucial for progress. Articulating a collective dream is necessary for change. Community support is vital for individual growth. Engagement with scripture fosters deeper understanding.   Chapters (02:59) Personal Reflections on Faith and Justice (06:02) The Communal Nature of Faith (09:12) Revisiting Scripture: Growth and Reflection (12:07) Navigating Privilege and Safety (14:49) The Importance of Sabbath and Rest (18:04) Imagining a Better World (21:03) Articulating Our Collective Dream (24:00) Conclusion: Community and Next Steps   Resources: Join our online community at  <a href="https://my.queertheology.com/checkout/sanctuary-collec

This week we’re celebrating Brian’s new book, “Love Beyond Monogamy,” which comes out this month! In this book, he explores the themes of polyamory, spirituality, and the importance of love in various forms. Brian shares insights on how the book addresses both monogamous and non-monogamous audiences, emphasizing the sacredness of ALL relationships. The conversation also touches on the societal stigmas surrounding queerness and non-monogamy, and Brian reads an excerpt from the book that illustrates his perspective on spirituality and connection. This book is not just for poly folks or queer folks, it has so much for everyone.    Takeaways The book is about polyamory and spirituality. It addresses love in all its forms, not just romantic. Spirituality is a key theme in understanding relationships. The book aims to celebrate connections beyond monogamy. Brian emphasizes the importance of pre-orders for authors. Polyamory is often misunderstood as solely about sex. The book is for both monogamous and non-monogamous readers. Brian shares personal experiences with queerness and spirituality. The book includes a reading about finding God in community. Brian hopes the book will serve as a healing balm for readers.   Chapters (01:17) Exploring the Essence of the Book (04:57) The Role of Spirituality in Relationships (08:24) Reading Excerpt: The Polyamorous God (13:11) Dreams and Aspirations for the Book (15:43) The Gifts of Polyamory (21:15) Addressing Skepticism Towards Polyamory (24:26) Logistics and Upcoming Events Resources: <span style="fo

We’re going back to our roots and queering scripture for this week’s episode! We look at Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 where we explore themes of faith, community, and the importance of engaging with marginalized groups, particularly those who are incarcerated. We reflect on the radical message of this passage, and how it emphasizes the call to hospitality and solidarity. We also discuss the complexities of building relationships with those who are different from us, but the absolute necessity of doing so. We must be willing to be vulnerable, trust others, and practice embodied love in our interactions with others.   Takeaways The lectionary provides a framework for exploring faith and community. Hospitality is a divine encounter that can change lives. Solidarity with the incarcerated requires deep empathy and understanding. Trust and vulnerability are essential in building relationships. Engaging with marginalized communities can be uncomfortable but necessary. Solidarity is not just about charity; it’s about deep relationships. Practicing love means showing up for others in tangible ways. The messiness of life is part of the journey of faith. We must be willing to step outside our comfort zones. Engagement with others can lead to transformative experiences.   Chapters (02:43) Radical Hospitality and the Divine in Strangers (05:29) Solidarity with the Incarcerated: A Call to Action (08:04) Practicing Vulnerability and Trust in Community (10:47) The Cost of Solidarity: Embracing Messiness (13:48) Transformative Relationships: Beyond Charity (16:42) Engaging with the Uncomfortable: A Journey of Faith   Resources: <li style="fo

Fr. Shannon has a new book coming out soon, “Come and See: An Invitation to a Radical Encounter with Jesus,” which is a devotional aimed at youth and young adults. We talk about the role of traditional devotionals in shaping young people’s faith, especially how our experiences with devotionals have impacted us. We get into the limitations of these devotionals and their practices, and the importance of understanding how limiting they can be- especially since they often leave out the Bible’s context. Shannon shares his motivations for writing the book, emphasizing accessibility, justice, and the need for young people to engage with scripture meaningfully. This book is aimed for a younger audience, but anyone can engage with this as a means for deepening a personal understanding of scripture and faith.    Takeaways Devotionals are often seen as a proxy for faith. Many youth devotionals lack depth and context. Understanding the Bible requires recognizing its complexity. Devotionals can reinforce harmful theology if not critically engaged. There are various ways to engage with spirituality beyond devotionals. Shannon’s book aims to provide tools for understanding scripture. The book encourages readers to ask questions and wrestle with faith. ‘Come and See’ is designed to be accessible for young people. The book includes journaling prompts for reflection and discussion. Engaging with the Bible can be a communal experience.   Chapters (00:53) Devotionals: A Personal Journey (10:36) Alternatives to Traditional Devotionals (14:05) Introducing ‘Come and See’ Devotional (17:41) Understanding the Bible: Context Matters (21:09) Target Audience for ‘Come and See’ Resources: <li style

Rev. Mark E. Fowler from the @tanenbaumcenter joins us this week and discusses his journey from a Presbyterian upbringing to becoming an interfaith minister. Rev. Fowler guides Tanenbaum to the fulfillment of its mission to promote justice and build respect for religious difference by transforming individuals and institutions to reduce prejudice, hatred, and violence. He is a graduate of the One Spirit Interfaith Seminary, is an ordained Interfaith/Interspiritual minister, and is a Dean of second-year students at One Spirit Interfaith Seminary. In this episode, he explores the concepts of interfaith and interspirituality, emphasizing the importance of community and understanding among different faiths. Rev. Fowler shares insights from his work at the Tannenbaum Center, which focuses on combating religious prejudice and promoting justice. He reflects on personal experiences with spirituality, the impact of wounds from religious traditions on peoples’ spiritual journeys, and the intersection of faith and activism.    Takeaways Reverend Mark Fowler emphasizes the importance of community in interfaith work. Interfaith work involves knowing one another as neighbors and supporting each other. Interspirituality transcends traditional interfaith concepts, focusing on shared humanity. Tannenbaum Center aims to combat religious prejudice and promote justice. Personal experiences with religion can shape one’s spiritual journey significantly. Wounds from past religious experiences can influence current spiritual exploration. Christian privilege can be an invisible barrier to understanding religious diversity. Engagement in interfaith work can lead to healing and community building. Joy can be found in spending time with family and friends. The importance of investigating the relationship between culture and religion.   Chapters (04:23) Understanding Interfaith and Interspirituality</p

We’re showcasing another throwback episode for this week and this one is the beginning of a series we did on the Gospel of Mark. Mark is one of our favorite books of the Bible. There is so much richness to the history in Mark and for this first episode in the series, we look at the context and time in which this gospel was written. We had such a good time diving deep into this sacred story, and trying to pull out new insights for today. There is so much relevance that can be carried into our own lives from these ancient texts.    Resources: Listen to the full series on Mark Week 2: What’s the Deal With the Pigs? Week 3: Healing and Oppression Week 4: When Empires Crumble Join our online community at  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 Throwback: The First Gospel – Mark  appeared first on Queer Theology.

We have both found ourselves living in really different communities – Brian in New York City, and Shay in rural Kansas. That got us to thinking about the contrasting religious experiences of living in urban and rural settings and reflecting on how these environments shape understandings of community, spirituality, and the presence of the Divine. There has been a theme of going to the desert or the quiet of the country to hear God, but what if paying attention and tuning in helps us find God in everyday city life as well? We emphasize the need for connection and community in both urban and rural contexts, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of faith and presence in diverse spaces.   Takeaways We are living in two very different places. The spaces we inhabit shape our religious imagination. <li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; f

Andrew Gurza (@andrewgurza) joins Brian this week on the podcast to talk about sex, disability, and his new book, “Notes From a Queer Cripple.” Andrew is an award winning Disability Awareness Consultant and the Chief Disability Officer and Co-founder of Bump’n, a sex toy company for and by disabled people.  Andrew uses they/he pronouns and identifies proudly as disabled.  He is also the host of Disability After Dark: The Podcast Shining a Bright Light on Disability Stories. In this conversation, Andrew shares their journey as a queer disabled person, discussing their experiences with sexuality, disability advocacy, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces. They delve into their work as a speaker and author, emphasizing the need for open discussions about sex and disability. The conversation highlights the challenges faced in the community, the impact of critiques, and the joy of connecting with others through shared experiences.   Takeaways Andrew has been a disability consultant for 14 years. They emphasize the importance of discussing sex and disability openly. Andrew’s book is a love letter to queer disabled people. They advocate for the inclusion of disabled sexuality in mainstream conversations. Andrew’s experiences with sex work have transformed their relationship with intimacy. They believe that disabled people deserve to explore their sexuality freely. Andrew’s journey includes creating a sex-positive community for disabled individuals. They highlight the need for more accessible spaces for disabled people to express their sexuality. Andrew’s work aims to challenge societal norms around disability and sexuality. They encourage others to see the beauty in their bodies and desires.   Chapters (02:40) Talking About Sex and Disability (05:37) The Journey to Disability Advocacy (08:29) The Book: Notes from a Queer Cripple (11:19) Sex Work and Intimacy (14:09) The Importance of Connection (17:01) Embracing Sexuality and Body Positivity (19:50) The Power of Humor in Disability Advocacy (22:52) The Influence of Queer Media (25:10) Creating Inclusive Spaces for Disabled Queer People (28:32) The Impact of the Deliciously Disabled Party (31:07) Navigating Critiques and Misunderstandings (34:35) The Complexity of Disability and Sexuality (37:21) The Importance of Community and Support (40:19) Final Thoughts on Sexuality and Disability   Resources:. Notes From a Queer Cripple by Andrew Gurza Learn more about Andrew Gurza https://www.andrewgurza.com/about Join our online community at  <a href="https://my.queertheology.com/checkout/sanctuary-collective-community

We’ve hit another milestone on the podcast – 600 episodes!! That’s 600 weeks of looking at the Bible, faith, God (and a lot of other things!) through the lens of queer theology. We’ve grown. The community has grown. The world has changed. And all that will continue. But what will still remain, is that there is so much richness to be discovered in scripture. In this reflective episode, we celebrate 600 episodes and discuss the evolution of our faith, the power of sacred texts, and the changing landscape of queer and trans Christian spaces. We explore personal growth through spiritual practices, the moral challenges of today’s society, and the relevance of queer theology in a world that continues to grapple with issues of faith and identity. Under it all, the continuing thread we find is the importance of community and the ongoing journey of understanding our own spirituality.   Takeaways The podcast has been running for 12 years, reflecting on faith and spirituality. Polypossibilities cohort explores the intersections of polyamory and spirituality. The power of sacred texts continues to resonate in new ways. Queer and trans Christian spaces are evolving, facing both progress and regression. Personal growth is deeply tied to spiritual practices and community engagement. Moral moments in society call for reflection and action. The relevance of their work highlights both positive and negative aspects of faith today. Surprises from the journey include a deeper engagement with traditional practices. The importance of community in exploring spirituality and identity. Looking ahead, the hosts are excited for future episodes and continued exploration.   Chapters (01:21) Reflecting on 12 Years of Podcasting (02:11) The Evolution of Faith and Spirituality (04:55) The Power of Sacred Texts

We’re joined this week by Troy Weekes (@troyweekesmusic) from “Alphabet Soup” to talk about the show, his music, and faith. From Harlem New York, Troy has been singing since the age of three and performing since the age of fourteen. He is also a songwriter, actor, dancer, and MC/Event Host. He is currently working on his first EP project, under the new genre and style that he created called *Soul & B. He can sing gospel, neo-soul, and R&B, but he did not feel like one or the other is exactly where he fits in. When not working on his own project, Troy can be seen performing with his band, Ji-Groove. and hosting events all across America. “Alphabet Soup,” an unfiltered reality of queer dating in NYC, where raw emotions, intimate texts and authentic relationships unfold without scripts or filters is now airing on Peacock.   In this conversation, Troy shares his journey as a reality TV star on ‘Alphabet Soup,’ discussing the importance of vulnerability, navigating sexuality, and the role of faith in his life with Brian. He emphasizes self-love, authenticity, and the power of community, while also touching on his music career and aspirations for the future. Troy’s insights provide a powerful message of hope and resilience for the LGBTQ community and beyond.   Takeaways Troy emphasizes the importance of being vulnerable in reality TV. He discusses the challenges of navigating sexuality and relationships. Faith plays a significant role in Troy’s life and identity. Troy identifies as pansexual and shares his experiences in dating. He highlights the importance of self-love and authenticity. Troy’s music is a blend of R&B, neo-soul, and gospel. He aims to create a community for LGBTQ couples. Troy believes in the power of manifestation and positive thinking. He shares insights on overcoming personal challenges and societal pressures. Troy encourages others to embra

We get a lot of questions about hell, the rapture, and end times. So awhile back, we did a series on Scary Things. For this week, we have another throw back episode from this series. For this one, we’ll focus on the Rapture and the End of the World.  We’re talking all about end times, the rapture, and other “scary” things from the Bible. We are certain that no matter the religion or faith you were brought up in, you’ve probably heard something or another about the end of the world and in this episode, Brian and Fr. Shay talk about what they were taught, whether they believe in the rapture, and a hilarious (twisted?) rapture-themed practical joke from Shay’s childhood.   Resources:.  Listen to all the Scary Things episodes: https://www.queertheology.com/podcast/424/  Join our online community at  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   This transcript was generated by AI and may contain errors or omissions. (9s): Welcome to the Queer Theology Podcast. I’m Brian G Murphy. And I’m father Shannon, T l Kearns. We’re the co-founders of Queer Theology dot com and your hosts from Genesis, revelation. The Bible declares good news to LGBTQ plus people and we want to show you how Tuning in each week on Sunday for co