Queer Theology (CT9001P)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

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.

Unit code: CT9001P

Unit status: Approved (Minor revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Delivery Mode: Intensive

Proposing College: Pilgrim Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

critically evaluate queer theory as it relates to religious, especially Christian studies
2.

assess critically the history of queer identities and formulations within religious studies
3.

apply reflective understanding to theological discussion, both oral and written, about queer theological texts
4.

develop a critical analysis of contemporary issues surrounding queer identities and religion

5.

articulate a developed expression of the value and possibilities of queer theology to others

Unit sequence

24 points in Christian Theology and 24 points in 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

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay - Essay

Essay critically analysing the nature of queer theology

 1000 20.0
Essay - Analysing a queer text/artwork/event

Presentation analysing theologically a queer text, artwork or event, which is also submitted in writing (2000 words)

 2000 30.0
Essay - Essay

Essay critically exploring a significant feature of queer theology

 4000 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 20 Jun, 2025

Unit record last updated: 2025-06-20 12:07:21 +1000