Jesus ACTED UP and Any Possible Future of “Queer Theology”

What can we learn about the prospects for “queer theology” from how Goss wrote Jesus ACTED UP into the future for which he hoped? Theology seems to add four things to the book's political arguments and exhortations. It deepens the analyses of oppression, provides stronger means for re-education, invokes divine help, and doubles political theater with sacrament. These tasks of critique, re-education, invocation, and ritual will continue to define any Christian theology that might be called “queer.” Each requires the transformation of language. In order to have a future, queer theology must undertake a poiesis outside the endless prattle that sustains present power. Its poetry may first appear as silence.     

‘Outing’ Qoheleth: On the Search for Homosexuality in the Wisdom Tradition

Abstract

U. Wernik has recently commented upon the attempts of liberals and conservatives to co-opt the Bible in support of their respective positions on homosexuality. Focusing on same-sex relationships within the Bible, he offers six arguments in support of ‘outing’ Qoheleth as a homosexual. Here each is evaluated in turn. It is argued that a more convincing interpretation of all six is available in the light of the culture of Qoheleth's world. It is also argued that in the light of the ongoing essentialist/constructionist debate, Wernik's decision to impose the term ‘homosexual’ on the ancient world is deeply problematic. His ultimate failure to convince, however, does not definitively answer the question of Qoheleth's sexuality, but it is clear that any attempt to make good his claim in future must overcome significant textual and theoretical difficulties if it is to succeed. On the basis of current evidence, the view that Qoheleth's sexuality was identical to that which was most culturally acceptable in his own day remains the most likely option.     

The Rainbow Connection

Abstract

In this article, Cheng argues that the symbol of the rainbow—with its associated characteristics of multiplicity, diaspora, and hybridity—can be a helpful way of understanding the experiences of queer people of asian descent. Cheng sketches out an outline of a rainbow theology for queer Asian Christians and examines the classical doctrines of Trinity, eschatology, and Christology in light of such a theology. He concludes by examining possible future directions for queer Asian theologies.     

Difference and Desire— a Queer Reading

Abstract : The 2008 Lambeth Conference of the Anglican Communion illustrated the difficulties presently facing all mainline Western churches in dealing with their internal divergencies in matters of gender, family and sexuality. Drawing on recent articles on queer theology the author argues that the Christian traditions—contrary to common assumption—have unique resources for solving not only their internal controversies in these matters, but also for contributing to the wider challenges facing the human family on how to live differently together.     

Six Different Theological Responses to the Scientific Prediction of the Decaying Universe*

This article explores six different theological responses to the scientific prediction of the ultimately decaying universe. They are atheistic resignation, scientific creationism, futureless eschatology, physical eschatology, process eschatology, and, finally, resurrection hope in mutually critical dialogue with scientific prediction. In the conclusion, the author argues that the ultimate ground for the cosmic hope must be derived from the distinctively theological norm, that is, the gospel of Jesus Christ, which encourages us to envision the new creation as the redemptive transformation of the present universe.     

Caught Between Two Worlds:

No abstract available for this article.     

The Way of Salvation in Luther's Theology: A Feminist Evaluation

Abstract : Luther's understanding of salvation can be summed up with the phrase “justification by grace through faith.” The doctrine of justification is the focal point for all theological categories in Luther's theology, including salvation. That said, this article examines various ways grace or salvation is understood to be conveyed in Luther's theology through: the cross, the resurrection or through God's election and covenant with humankind. Throughout the article, it evaluates these foci for salvation in terms of their ability to speak gospel to women's lives today. In particular, it evaluates the appropriate usage of Luther's epistemology of the cross.     

Queering Buddhism or Buddhist De-Queering?

Abstract

This article examines how multiple axes of difference — race, ethnicity, class, gender, and sexuality — operate in the religious/spiritual lives of western convert LGBTQI Buddhists. Through an ethnographic study of a diverse LGBTQI Buddhist group in Oakland, California, it will reflect on emerging differences between western convert Buddhist LGBTQI practitioners. In particular, it examines how distinct populations of LGBTQI practitioners utilize the non-essentialist philosophy of Buddhism, showing how it can operate both conservatively as a way to reinforce heteronormativity and subversively as a way to challenge heteronormativity.     

The Queerness of Distraction

Queer theorists most commonly challenge conventional pictures of the stable self by pointing out ways in which the self can be opened towards others (i.e. “spatially” disrupted). This essay demonstrates how the recent work of Paul North on “primal distraction” supplies material for an expansion of this critique by allowing theorists to better understand how the self can also be “temporally” disrupted, its apparently smooth progression through time being in fact punctuated by fundamental discontinuities. Taking up a recent monograph by Kent Brintnall as a case study in the fruitfulness of bringing North’s work to bear on queer studies of religion and subjectivity, the article discusses distraction’s relevance not just for understanding queer temporality but also for reimagining theological problems in areas such as soteriology, eschatology, and mysticism. The article thus both sketches out a particular project for queer theory and points to the broader research programs in theory and theology that such a project enables.