Queer Theology

Queer Theology / Brian G. Murphy & Shannon T.L. Kearns · queertheology.com

The longest running podcast for and by LGBTQ Christians and other queer people of faith and spiritual seeker. Hosted by Fr. Shannon TL Kearns, a transgender Christian priest and Brian G. Murphy, a bisexual polyamorous Jew. and now in its 10th year, the Queer Theology Podcast shares deep insights and practical tools for building a thriving spiritual life on your own terms. Explore the archives for a queer perspective on hundreds of Bible passages as well as dozens of interviews with respected LGBTQ leaders (and a few cis, straight folks too). Join tens of thousands of listeners from around the world for the Bible, every week, queered.

654 episodes

14d ago latest

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English language

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Episodes 300

Queering Ruth: Chosen Family and Belonging
10h ago · 9:34
In this episode, we look at Ruth 1:1–18 and the powerful, often-overlooked queerness of Ruth and Naomi’s relationship. Rather than reading the passage primarily as a lesbian love story, we consider how Ruth’s radical commitment to Naomi challenges traditional ideas about family, loyalty, and belonging. There is a celebration of chosen family and the freedom to build deep, lifelong commitments with people whether or not those relationships are romantic or sexual. and imagines a queer vision of community where friendship, co-parenting, shared homes, work, gardens, caregiving, and end-of-life com
Stay, Go, or Find Another Way
7d ago · 51:51
In this episode, we tackle the complicated question of when to stay, when to take a break, and when to leave a religious tradition. Our own journeys are very different, but there are definitely similarities. There was a point when we started questioning Christianity, stepping away from church, wrestling with doubt, and finding more expansive ways of understanding faith. Fr. Shay shares how coming to terms with his queerness, experiencing exclusion in evangelical spaces, and taking time away from church ultimately led him toward a deeper, more embodied Christian faith and ordained ministry. Bri
a Moving Beyond Affirmative Ministry with Queer Theology: Brent Saccucci Interview of Brian
14d ago · 51:35
Brian was recently interviewed by Brent Saccucci (@brentsaccucci) from the University of Lethbridge to talk about Queer Theology and how it differs from affirmative ministry and we’re going to share that interview with y’all! In this interview, Brian challenges the idea that queer people need to justify their existence within faith traditions and explains the difference between affirmative faith and queer theology. Always at the heart of our work is our belief that we need to move beyond debating whether queerness is “okay” and instead ask what queer perspectives can reveal about God, Scriptur
The Sin of Sodom & Gomorrah?
21d ago · 6:12
Because we’re the QueerTheology Podcast, of course we’re going to dive into Isaiah 1:10–18. This is a familiar and powerful passage. Just the words, “Sodom and Gomorrah” evoke a reaction because of their use in evangelical Christian religion. But we invite you to challenge common assumptions about their so-called “sin.” We explore how Isaiah shifts the focus away from ritual and religious performance and toward justice for the oppressed, care for the vulnerable, and accountability for those whose faith causes harm. We reflect on what it means to reclaim a progressive Christian witness in a cul
Toward Pride With Rev. Don Abram
28d ago · 48:52
This episode features a powerful conversation between Rev. Don Abram and Brian on reimagining care as an abundant resource rather than a scarce commodity. Don Abram (@towardpride) is a Chicago-based social innovator and founder of Toward Pride, leading work that advances the well-being of Black LGBTQ+ communities through partnerships with civic, cultural, and community institutions. Don shares how his Christian faith shapes a vision of both interpersonal and structural care, calling individuals and institutions alike to move beyond affirmation toward active advocacy for LGBTQ+ communities. Bri
Taking Ownership of Your Faith Life
1mo ago · 10:56
In this episode, Fr. Shannon reflects on growing up in a high-control evangelical religion where every aspect of faith and how he was supposed to show up, was laid out for him. It was a long journey to untangle those deeply ingrained beliefs, but when we explore how harmful messages and unrealistic expectations can shape anyone’s spiritual life, not just those from high-control religious spaces, then we can see why taking ownership of our faith is so crucial. Rather than waiting for perfect circumstances, we should seek to embrace opportunities for healthy, life giving spiritual growth and dis
Hard Passages
1mo ago · 15:55
What do you do when you come across difficult passages in the Bible? In this episode, Fr. Shannon explores how to engage with challenging texts, especially those often used to condemn LGBTQ people, as well as passages that portray God as violent, or seem to support slavery, or take a negative view of sex and the body. While some see these verses as a reason to abandon the Bible altogether, Fr. Shannon offers a different perspective for those who want to remain rooted in the Christian tradition. He shares three practical ways to grapple with hard passages honestly, thoughtfully, and with faith.
Bridging the Rivers of Difference with Dr. Catherine Meeks
1mo ago · 51:12
Fr. Shannon is joined by author Catherine Meeks on the pod this week to talk about self-interrogation, discernment, and what it means to move beyond being an ally toward becoming a committed co-resistor and fellow pilgrim in the work of collective liberation. Catherine Meeks, PhD, is the founder of the Turquoise & Lavender Institute for Transformation and Healing and a nationally recognized leader in racial healing and spiritual transformation. She is the author of “Bridging the Rivers of Difference” as well as “The Night Is Long but Light Comes in the Morning” and”The Quilted Life”. A regular
Bottoming for Jesus with Michael R. Speciàle
1mo ago · 56:05
Brian is joined by his longtime friend, Michael R. Speciàle (@speciale.mr) on this pod this week for an interview that is funny, provocative, and moving. Michael is a writer, performer, and cultural strategist based in Los Angeles. He grew up between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington, converted himself to the Mormon Church at fifteen, faithfully served a mission in Paraguay, and left the Church at twenty-three. Two decades later, that experience became the catalyst for “Bottoming for Jesus” which is his debut solo work. The conversation is an exploration of faith, sexuality, belonging
Holding Boundaries When Your Family Won’t Change
2mo ago · 23:13
In this episode, Fr. Shannon reflects on the grief and complexity of navigating a strained relationship with family after coming out. After a recent trip home, he shares the painful realization that no amount of patience or perfectly crafted theological arguments can change people who are unwilling to change. It’s ok to grieve the family relationships we hoped for while still honoring our own needs through healthy boundaries. AND recognizing that boundaries can be reassessed and reaffirmed over time. Most importantly, Fr. Shannon reminds us that Chosen Family and supportive community are essen
Conversion Therapy Dropout with Timothy Shraeder Rodriguez
2mo ago · 56:16
Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez (@timothy.s.rodriguez) joins Brian on pod this week to discuss his debut memoir, “Conversion Therapy Dropout,” and his journey through eight years of conversion therapy, evangelical megachurch culture, sobriety, and spiritual reconstruction. Tim spent almost a decade in gay conversion therapy- all while working behind the scenes at some of the most influential Evangelical Christian megachurches. After embracing his identity as a gay Christian and stepping away from church work, he co-founded Church Clarity, an organization that helps queer people find affirming fait
Reclaiming Ritual
2mo ago · 15:35
In this episode, Fr. Shannon reflects on how we can reconnect with spiritual practices after being hurt by faith communities or religious experiences. Following a personal experience that left him with hurt feelings (see episode 642!), he realized the importance of intentionally creating space for meaningful spiritual rituals. Fr. Shannon explores how many queer people, after stepping away from faith because of harm, often find themselves missing the sense of ritual, connection, and meaning those practices once provided. Rather than returning to traditions that caused pain, he offers thoughtfu
Laughing Through Religious Trauma with Kevin James Thornton
2mo ago · 51:24
We’re so excited to welcome comedian, author, and internet storyteller Kevin James Thornton (@kevinjamesthornton) to the Podcast this week to talk about his new memoir, Big Gay Baby: On Beginnings, Endings, and Being Unapologetically Yourself. Kevin reflects on the accidental TikTok videos that connected thousands of people through shared experiences of growing up in fundamentalist Christianity, the role humor plays in surviving and healing religious trauma, and the long, messy process of discovering who he is beyond the expectations of church and family. We explore queer identity, faith, hear
Can We Trust Our Experiences With The Divine?
3mo ago · 20:16
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 reflec
Prophetic Queer Plays with Jason Tseng
3mo ago · 1:02:04
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
The Radical Simplicity of Micah 6:1-8
3mo ago · 9:22
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 th
Can You Fall Out of God’s Favor?
3mo ago · 21:25
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,
All Are Gathered In: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 & Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
3mo ago · 8:08
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.
Everyone Wants a Village… but Nobody Wants to be the Villager
4mo ago · 29:24
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 thos
Finding Eternal Life Now: Mark 10:17-31
4mo ago · 19:24
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
Queer Bible Study: Colossians 1:1–2
4mo ago · 24:12
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 o
How Easter Inspires Us To Work For The Reconciliation of All Things
4mo ago · 35:54
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 th
Searching for Divine Approval Through Sex with Jonah Wheeler (@ShowOffJonah)
5mo ago · 15:39
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 exp
When Safety is at Stake: Organizing in a Time of Crisis with Samantha Boucher
5mo ago · 51:47
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 tha
Pleasure is Political
5mo ago · 16:38
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

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Queer Theology

Episodes 300

Queering Ruth: Chosen Family and Belonging

Stay, Go, or Find Another Way

a Moving Beyond Affirmative Ministry with Queer Theology: Brent Saccucci Interview of Brian

The Sin of Sodom & Gomorrah?

Toward Pride With Rev. Don Abram

Taking Ownership of Your Faith Life

Hard Passages

Bridging the Rivers of Difference with Dr. Catherine Meeks

Bottoming for Jesus with Michael R. Speciàle

Holding Boundaries When Your Family Won’t Change

Conversion Therapy Dropout with Timothy Shraeder Rodriguez

Reclaiming Ritual

Laughing Through Religious Trauma with Kevin James Thornton

Can We Trust Our Experiences With The Divine?

Prophetic Queer Plays with Jason Tseng

The Radical Simplicity of Micah 6:1-8

Can You Fall Out of God’s Favor?

All Are Gathered In: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 & Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32

Everyone Wants a Village… but Nobody Wants to be the Villager

Finding Eternal Life Now: Mark 10:17-31

Queer Bible Study: Colossians 1:1–2

How Easter Inspires Us To Work For The Reconciliation of All Things

Searching for Divine Approval Through Sex with Jonah Wheeler (@ShowOffJonah)

When Safety is at Stake: Organizing in a Time of Crisis with Samantha Boucher

Pleasure is Political

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Episodes 300

Queering Ruth: Chosen Family and Belonging

Stay, Go, or Find Another Way

a Moving Beyond Affirmative Ministry with Queer Theology: Brent Saccucci Interview of Brian

The Sin of Sodom & Gomorrah?

Toward Pride With Rev. Don Abram

Taking Ownership of Your Faith Life

Hard Passages

Bridging the Rivers of Difference with Dr. Catherine Meeks

Bottoming for Jesus with Michael R. Speciàle

Holding Boundaries When Your Family Won’t Change

Conversion Therapy Dropout with Timothy Shraeder Rodriguez

Reclaiming Ritual

Laughing Through Religious Trauma with Kevin James Thornton

Can We Trust Our Experiences With The Divine?

Prophetic Queer Plays with Jason Tseng

The Radical Simplicity of Micah 6:1-8

Can You Fall Out of God’s Favor?

All Are Gathered In: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 & Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32

Everyone Wants a Village… but Nobody Wants to be the Villager

Finding Eternal Life Now: Mark 10:17-31

Queer Bible Study: Colossians 1:1–2

How Easter Inspires Us To Work For The Reconciliation of All Things

Searching for Divine Approval Through Sex with Jonah Wheeler (@ShowOffJonah)

When Safety is at Stake: Organizing in a Time of Crisis with Samantha Boucher

Pleasure is Political