Queer Theology (CT3001P)

Content

This unit will explore queer theology as it has emerged from queer theory, LGBTIQ justice struggles, and faith development and practice. It will acquaint students with the history and challenges of the term ‘queer’, and introduce the multiplicity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer Christian theologies that have emerged in recent decades. It will seek to analyse and critique theological loci and motifs of Christian theology, including the queering of scripture and hermeneutics and key theological doctrines. Exploring intersectional approaches, including postcolonial perspectives, queer art, action and contemporary reflection, participants will be enabled to assess critically the value and possibilities of queer theology for faith and society today.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

18 points of Christian Theology and 18 points of Biblical Studies and/or a combination of units in associated disciplines such as the following: philosophy; gender studies; literary studies; spirituality; spiritual care; social work; history.

Pedagogy

Lectures; on-line seminars;

Indicative Bibliography

• Cheng, Patrick S. Rainbow Theology: Bridging Race, Sexuality, and Spirit. New York: Seabury, 2013.

• Cooper, Thia. Queer and Indecent: An Introduction to the Theology of Marcella Althaus Reid. London: SCM. 2021.
• Cornwall, Susannah. Constructive Theology and Gender Variance: Transformative Creatures. Cambridge University Press. 2023
• Greenough, Chris. Queer Theologies: The Basics. New York; Routledge 2019.
• Lightsey, Pamela R. Our Lives Matter: A Womanist Queer Theology. Eugene, OR: Pickwick, 2015.
• Schlager, Bernard S. (ed) Mapping New Terrain in Queer Religious Scholarship: Essays in Honor of John Eastburn Boswell. New York: Routledge, 2025.
• Tanis, Justin. Trans-Gender: Theology, Ministry, and Communities of Faith. 2nd Edition. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2018.
• Tonstad, Linn. Queer Theology: Beyond Apologetics. Cascade, 2018.
• Deryn Guest, Robert E. Goss, Mona West & Thomas Bohache (eds.), The Queer Bible Commentary. London: SCM Press, 2015
• Wilcox, Melissa. Queer Religiosities: An Introduction to Queer and Transgender Studies in Religion. Lanham, MY: Rowman & Littleman. 2020.

Assessment