Slouching towards Gaytheism

Slouching towards Gaytheism

Author: W. C. Harris

Publisher: State University of New York Press

Published: 2014-02-19

Total Pages: 279

ISBN-13: 143845113X

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Slouching towards Gaytheism brings together two intellectual traditions—the New Atheism and queer theory—and moves beyond them to offer a new voice for gay Americans and atheists alike. Examining the continued vehemence of homophobia in cultural and political debate regarding queer equality, this unabashed polemic insists that the needs met by religion might be met—more safely and less toxically—by forms of community that do not harass and malign gay and lesbian Americans or impede collective social progress. W. C. Harris argues that compromises with traditional religion, no matter how enlightened or well intentioned, will ultimately leave heteronormativity alive and well. He explores a range of recent movements, such as Dan Savage's "It Gets Better" project, reparative "ex-gay" therapy, Christian purity culture, and attempts by liberal Christians to reconcile religion with homosexuality, and shows how these proposed solutions are either inadequate or positively dangerous. According to the author, the time has come for "gaytheism": leaving religion behind in order to preserve queer dignity, rights, and lives.


Book Synopsis Slouching towards Gaytheism by : W. C. Harris

Download or read book Slouching towards Gaytheism written by W. C. Harris and published by State University of New York Press. This book was released on 2014-02-19 with total page 279 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Slouching towards Gaytheism brings together two intellectual traditions—the New Atheism and queer theory—and moves beyond them to offer a new voice for gay Americans and atheists alike. Examining the continued vehemence of homophobia in cultural and political debate regarding queer equality, this unabashed polemic insists that the needs met by religion might be met—more safely and less toxically—by forms of community that do not harass and malign gay and lesbian Americans or impede collective social progress. W. C. Harris argues that compromises with traditional religion, no matter how enlightened or well intentioned, will ultimately leave heteronormativity alive and well. He explores a range of recent movements, such as Dan Savage's "It Gets Better" project, reparative "ex-gay" therapy, Christian purity culture, and attempts by liberal Christians to reconcile religion with homosexuality, and shows how these proposed solutions are either inadequate or positively dangerous. According to the author, the time has come for "gaytheism": leaving religion behind in order to preserve queer dignity, rights, and lives.


Slouching towards Gaytheism

Slouching towards Gaytheism

Author: W. C. Harris

Publisher: SUNY Press

Published: 2014-04-01

Total Pages: 279

ISBN-13: 1438451121

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Argues that homophobia will not be eradicated in the United States until religion is ended. Slouching towards Gaytheism brings together two intellectual traditions—the New Atheism and queer theory—and moves beyond them to offer a new voice for gay Americans and atheists alike. Examining the continued vehemence of homophobia in cultural and political debate regarding queer equality, this unabashed polemic insists that the needs met by religion might be met—more safely and less toxically—by forms of community that do not harass and malign gay and lesbian Americans or impede collective social progress. W. C. Harris argues that compromises with traditional religion, no matter how enlightened or well intentioned, will ultimately leave heteronormativity alive and well. He explores a range of recent movements, such as Dan Savage’s “It Gets Better” project, reparative “ex-gay” therapy, Christian purity culture, and attempts by liberal Christians to reconcile religion with homosexuality, and shows how these proposed solutions are either inadequate or positively dangerous. According to the author, the time has come for “gaytheism”: leaving religion behind in order to preserve queer dignity, rights, and lives. “Lively, original, and serious, this book is great fun to read. One looks forward to how Professor Harris will skewer the next foe.” — Paul Robinson, author of Queer Wars: The New Gay Right and Its Critics


Book Synopsis Slouching towards Gaytheism by : W. C. Harris

Download or read book Slouching towards Gaytheism written by W. C. Harris and published by SUNY Press. This book was released on 2014-04-01 with total page 279 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Argues that homophobia will not be eradicated in the United States until religion is ended. Slouching towards Gaytheism brings together two intellectual traditions—the New Atheism and queer theory—and moves beyond them to offer a new voice for gay Americans and atheists alike. Examining the continued vehemence of homophobia in cultural and political debate regarding queer equality, this unabashed polemic insists that the needs met by religion might be met—more safely and less toxically—by forms of community that do not harass and malign gay and lesbian Americans or impede collective social progress. W. C. Harris argues that compromises with traditional religion, no matter how enlightened or well intentioned, will ultimately leave heteronormativity alive and well. He explores a range of recent movements, such as Dan Savage’s “It Gets Better” project, reparative “ex-gay” therapy, Christian purity culture, and attempts by liberal Christians to reconcile religion with homosexuality, and shows how these proposed solutions are either inadequate or positively dangerous. According to the author, the time has come for “gaytheism”: leaving religion behind in order to preserve queer dignity, rights, and lives. “Lively, original, and serious, this book is great fun to read. One looks forward to how Professor Harris will skewer the next foe.” — Paul Robinson, author of Queer Wars: The New Gay Right and Its Critics


Tenderness

Tenderness

Author: Eve Tushnet

Publisher: Ave Maria Press

Published: 2021-12-03

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 1646800753

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Winner of a second-place award in the category gender issues, inclusion in the Church from the Catholic Media Association. What would happen if gay Christians began to believe the truth about God—that he loves all people unconditionally? In Tenderness, Catholic writer and speaker Eve Tushnet says trusting God’s love would be the beginning of a transformation, not only in the lives of gay Christians but also in the Body of Christ itself. She offers hope and companionship to those who have been deeply hurt by their parishes, a wound that also damaged their relationship with God. Tushnet also offers practical guidance from her own journey as a celibate lesbian. Tenderness explores scripture and history to find role models for gay Christians—including Jesus, King David, Ruth, St. John, Mary, poets, mystics, penitents, leaders, and ordinary gay people who have found unexpected paths of love. The book also offers guidance on living through or recovering from the painful experiences that are all too common in gay Christian life—from familial rejection and weaponized Christianity to ambivalence and doubt. Weaving her own story with resources, prayers, and practical actions that can help gay people trust that God loves them, Tushnet renews our understandings of kinship, friendship, celibacy and unmarried life, ordered love, personal integrity, solidarity with the marginalized, obedience, surrender, sanctification, and hope. This book is primarily for gay Christians, but it also offers a window into their experiences and needs that will make it useful for anyone in pastoral care or who wants to be a better friend to the gay people they know.


Book Synopsis Tenderness by : Eve Tushnet

Download or read book Tenderness written by Eve Tushnet and published by Ave Maria Press. This book was released on 2021-12-03 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Winner of a second-place award in the category gender issues, inclusion in the Church from the Catholic Media Association. What would happen if gay Christians began to believe the truth about God—that he loves all people unconditionally? In Tenderness, Catholic writer and speaker Eve Tushnet says trusting God’s love would be the beginning of a transformation, not only in the lives of gay Christians but also in the Body of Christ itself. She offers hope and companionship to those who have been deeply hurt by their parishes, a wound that also damaged their relationship with God. Tushnet also offers practical guidance from her own journey as a celibate lesbian. Tenderness explores scripture and history to find role models for gay Christians—including Jesus, King David, Ruth, St. John, Mary, poets, mystics, penitents, leaders, and ordinary gay people who have found unexpected paths of love. The book also offers guidance on living through or recovering from the painful experiences that are all too common in gay Christian life—from familial rejection and weaponized Christianity to ambivalence and doubt. Weaving her own story with resources, prayers, and practical actions that can help gay people trust that God loves them, Tushnet renews our understandings of kinship, friendship, celibacy and unmarried life, ordered love, personal integrity, solidarity with the marginalized, obedience, surrender, sanctification, and hope. This book is primarily for gay Christians, but it also offers a window into their experiences and needs that will make it useful for anyone in pastoral care or who wants to be a better friend to the gay people they know.


Queer Externalities

Queer Externalities

Author: W. C. Harris

Publisher: State University of New York Press

Published: 2009-09-10

Total Pages: 265

ISBN-13: 1438427670

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Provocative take on the negative effects of increasing queer visibility and assimilation on the lives of queer people and politics in the U.S.


Book Synopsis Queer Externalities by : W. C. Harris

Download or read book Queer Externalities written by W. C. Harris and published by State University of New York Press. This book was released on 2009-09-10 with total page 265 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Provocative take on the negative effects of increasing queer visibility and assimilation on the lives of queer people and politics in the U.S.


Taking a Chance on God

Taking a Chance on God

Author: John J. McNeill

Publisher: Beacon Press

Published: 2015-10-27

Total Pages: 241

ISBN-13: 0807079006

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Taking a Chance on God explores how lesbians and gay men can claim both a positive gay identity and a fulfilling life of Christian faith.


Book Synopsis Taking a Chance on God by : John J. McNeill

Download or read book Taking a Chance on God written by John J. McNeill and published by Beacon Press. This book was released on 2015-10-27 with total page 241 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Taking a Chance on God explores how lesbians and gay men can claim both a positive gay identity and a fulfilling life of Christian faith.


Gay Theology without Apology

Gay Theology without Apology

Author: Gary David Comstock

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2009-12-01

Total Pages: 193

ISBN-13: 160899175X

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. . . fresh and bold . . . a charter of hope"In these fresh and bold essays, Gary David Comstock finds God's liberating connection in scripture-from-the-underside, in nontraditional traditions, and in body experience. Candidly self-revelatory, he shows how only in taking our own lives seriously can we be lovers of the world. Gay Theology without Apology is both judgment on churchly oppression and a charter of hope for gay/lesbian/bisexual Christians on the edges of the church. It is also truly an apologia, a persuasive case for the richer, more erotic, more just and loving humanness of everyone of us."--James B. Nelson, Professor of Christian Ethics, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities . . . an important contribution . . . a creative search for meaning "Gary Comstock has taken the initiative to reconstruct Christian tradition out of his experience of mutuality and relationship as a gay man and has made an important contribution to the growing field of gay liberation theology. His critique of heterosexism in the Bible leads to a creative search for meaning in the lives of those struggling for wholeness and new life in community."--Letty M. Russell, Professor of Theology, Yale Divinity School . . . a gripping testimonial . . . all of us are enriched "Starting from the ground of his own unfolding experience as a gay man, Gary Comstock critically assesses Christian Scripture, tradition, and church practice as fragile but valued resources--rather than monolithic authorities--for nurturing a more inclusive human community. This book is a gripping testimonial to the integrity of the gay way of being in the world. At the same time, it is a convincing demonstration of how all of us are enriched by fully honoring gayness as a valid way of being human and Christian."--Norman K. Gottwald, Professor of Biblical Studies, New York Theological Seminary. . . the real deviants are the homophobes "Gay people generally will draw hope and support from this book, and a lot of Christians will find in the author's thoughtfulness and humanity a real asset in battling their own Victorian resistance and rigidity. Comstock reconfirmed my conviction that the real deviants are the homophobes."--William Sloane Coffin, Former Senior Minister. Riverside Church. New York


Book Synopsis Gay Theology without Apology by : Gary David Comstock

Download or read book Gay Theology without Apology written by Gary David Comstock and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2009-12-01 with total page 193 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: . . . fresh and bold . . . a charter of hope"In these fresh and bold essays, Gary David Comstock finds God's liberating connection in scripture-from-the-underside, in nontraditional traditions, and in body experience. Candidly self-revelatory, he shows how only in taking our own lives seriously can we be lovers of the world. Gay Theology without Apology is both judgment on churchly oppression and a charter of hope for gay/lesbian/bisexual Christians on the edges of the church. It is also truly an apologia, a persuasive case for the richer, more erotic, more just and loving humanness of everyone of us."--James B. Nelson, Professor of Christian Ethics, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities . . . an important contribution . . . a creative search for meaning "Gary Comstock has taken the initiative to reconstruct Christian tradition out of his experience of mutuality and relationship as a gay man and has made an important contribution to the growing field of gay liberation theology. His critique of heterosexism in the Bible leads to a creative search for meaning in the lives of those struggling for wholeness and new life in community."--Letty M. Russell, Professor of Theology, Yale Divinity School . . . a gripping testimonial . . . all of us are enriched "Starting from the ground of his own unfolding experience as a gay man, Gary Comstock critically assesses Christian Scripture, tradition, and church practice as fragile but valued resources--rather than monolithic authorities--for nurturing a more inclusive human community. This book is a gripping testimonial to the integrity of the gay way of being in the world. At the same time, it is a convincing demonstration of how all of us are enriched by fully honoring gayness as a valid way of being human and Christian."--Norman K. Gottwald, Professor of Biblical Studies, New York Theological Seminary. . . the real deviants are the homophobes "Gay people generally will draw hope and support from this book, and a lot of Christians will find in the author's thoughtfulness and humanity a real asset in battling their own Victorian resistance and rigidity. Comstock reconfirmed my conviction that the real deviants are the homophobes."--William Sloane Coffin, Former Senior Minister. Riverside Church. New York


Generous Spaciousness

Generous Spaciousness

Author: Wendy VanderWal-Gritter

Publisher: Brazos Press

Published: 2014-05-13

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13: 1441245855

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Committed Christians may respond differently to gay and lesbian Christians. How can we engage those with whom we might disagree and navigate our journey together in a way that nurtures unity, hospitality, humility, and justice? Through her extensive experience in ministering to gay and lesbian Christians, Wendy VanderWal-Gritter has come to believe we need a new paradigm for how the church engages those in the sexual minority. She encourages generous spaciousness, a hope-filled, relational way forward for those in turmoil regarding a response to gay and lesbian Christians. This book offers a framework for discussing diversity in a gracious way, showing that the church can be a place that welcomes a variety of perspectives on the complex matter of human sexuality. It also offers practical advice for implementing generous spaciousness in churches and organizations.


Book Synopsis Generous Spaciousness by : Wendy VanderWal-Gritter

Download or read book Generous Spaciousness written by Wendy VanderWal-Gritter and published by Brazos Press. This book was released on 2014-05-13 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Committed Christians may respond differently to gay and lesbian Christians. How can we engage those with whom we might disagree and navigate our journey together in a way that nurtures unity, hospitality, humility, and justice? Through her extensive experience in ministering to gay and lesbian Christians, Wendy VanderWal-Gritter has come to believe we need a new paradigm for how the church engages those in the sexual minority. She encourages generous spaciousness, a hope-filled, relational way forward for those in turmoil regarding a response to gay and lesbian Christians. This book offers a framework for discussing diversity in a gracious way, showing that the church can be a place that welcomes a variety of perspectives on the complex matter of human sexuality. It also offers practical advice for implementing generous spaciousness in churches and organizations.


Gay Religion

Gay Religion

Author: Scott Thumma

Publisher: Altamira Press

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 480

ISBN-13:

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While homosexuals continue gaining acceptance in other arenas of American culture, only a tiny minority of religious groups accept gays and lesbians as full members and potential clergy. Serious conflicts over homosexuality threaten to break apart several large U.S. denominations. Yet these heated theological debates can often obscure what religious gays and lesbians are actually doing. Gay Religion is the first book to objectively present the spiritual lives, practices and expressions of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and the transgendered. Drawing from a wide range of religious traditions, new and established scholars explore the range of gay religious expression in denominations, sects, and in areas outside recognized religious institutions. And these scholars ask what these religious innovations mean to the continually evolving religious environment of North America. With its helpful section introductions and an appendix providing profiles of organizations involved, Gay Religion is a useful and a compelling resource for anyone interested in homosexuality and American religion.


Book Synopsis Gay Religion by : Scott Thumma

Download or read book Gay Religion written by Scott Thumma and published by Altamira Press. This book was released on 2005 with total page 480 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: While homosexuals continue gaining acceptance in other arenas of American culture, only a tiny minority of religious groups accept gays and lesbians as full members and potential clergy. Serious conflicts over homosexuality threaten to break apart several large U.S. denominations. Yet these heated theological debates can often obscure what religious gays and lesbians are actually doing. Gay Religion is the first book to objectively present the spiritual lives, practices and expressions of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and the transgendered. Drawing from a wide range of religious traditions, new and established scholars explore the range of gay religious expression in denominations, sects, and in areas outside recognized religious institutions. And these scholars ask what these religious innovations mean to the continually evolving religious environment of North America. With its helpful section introductions and an appendix providing profiles of organizations involved, Gay Religion is a useful and a compelling resource for anyone interested in homosexuality and American religion.


Messy Grace

Messy Grace

Author: Caleb Kaltenbach

Publisher: WaterBrook

Published: 2015-10-20

Total Pages: 226

ISBN-13: 1601427360

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Sometimes, grace gets messy. Caleb Kaltenbach was raised by LGBT parents, marched in gay pride parades as a youngster, and experienced firsthand the hatred and bitterness of some Christians toward his family. But then Caleb surprised everyone, including himself, by becoming a Christian…and a pastor. Very few issues in Christianity are as divisive as the acceptance of the LGBT community in the church. As a pastor and as a person with beloved family members living a gay lifestyle, Caleb had to face this issue with courage and grace. Messy Grace shows us that Jesus’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself” doesn’t have an exception clause for a gay “neighbor”—or for that matter, any other “neighbor” we might find it hard to relate to. Jesus was able to love these people and yet still hold on to his beliefs. So can you. Even when it’s messy. “Messy Grace is an important contribution to the conversation about sexual identity for churches and leaders. Caleb's story is surprising and unique, and he weaves it together compellingly. He states his views clearly, leaves room for disagreement, and champions love no matter where you are in this conversation.” —Jud Wilhite, Sr. Pastor, Central Christian Church


Book Synopsis Messy Grace by : Caleb Kaltenbach

Download or read book Messy Grace written by Caleb Kaltenbach and published by WaterBrook. This book was released on 2015-10-20 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sometimes, grace gets messy. Caleb Kaltenbach was raised by LGBT parents, marched in gay pride parades as a youngster, and experienced firsthand the hatred and bitterness of some Christians toward his family. But then Caleb surprised everyone, including himself, by becoming a Christian…and a pastor. Very few issues in Christianity are as divisive as the acceptance of the LGBT community in the church. As a pastor and as a person with beloved family members living a gay lifestyle, Caleb had to face this issue with courage and grace. Messy Grace shows us that Jesus’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself” doesn’t have an exception clause for a gay “neighbor”—or for that matter, any other “neighbor” we might find it hard to relate to. Jesus was able to love these people and yet still hold on to his beliefs. So can you. Even when it’s messy. “Messy Grace is an important contribution to the conversation about sexual identity for churches and leaders. Caleb's story is surprising and unique, and he weaves it together compellingly. He states his views clearly, leaves room for disagreement, and champions love no matter where you are in this conversation.” —Jud Wilhite, Sr. Pastor, Central Christian Church


Echoes of a Queer Messianic

Echoes of a Queer Messianic

Author: Richard O. Block

Publisher: State University of New York Press

Published: 2018-03-14

Total Pages: 216

ISBN-13: 143846956X

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Reconsiders mostly German narratives from around 1800 to recover echoes of a queer messianic that still resonate today. Queer theory has focused heavily on North American and contemporary contexts, but in this book Richard O. Block helps to expand that reach. Deftly combining the two main currents of recent queer theory, the asocial and the reparative, he reconsiders mostly German narratives from around 1800, while relating his findings to recent texts such as A Lover’s Discourse and Brokeback Mountain. He offers novel readings of well-known texts by Shelley, Kleist, and Goethe, arguing that this early writing serves as a creative font for much of the subsequent work in sexology. These texts also provide echoes of a kind of love overlooked or suppressed in favor of a politics of appeasement or one intended to make queers model citizens. This book charts the unexplored possibilities for queer love in an attempt to map a future for gay politics in the age of homonormativity. Richard O. Block is Associate Professor of Germanics at the University of Washington, Seattle and the author of The Spell of Italy: Vacation, Magic, and the Attraction of Goethe.


Book Synopsis Echoes of a Queer Messianic by : Richard O. Block

Download or read book Echoes of a Queer Messianic written by Richard O. Block and published by State University of New York Press. This book was released on 2018-03-14 with total page 216 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Reconsiders mostly German narratives from around 1800 to recover echoes of a queer messianic that still resonate today. Queer theory has focused heavily on North American and contemporary contexts, but in this book Richard O. Block helps to expand that reach. Deftly combining the two main currents of recent queer theory, the asocial and the reparative, he reconsiders mostly German narratives from around 1800, while relating his findings to recent texts such as A Lover’s Discourse and Brokeback Mountain. He offers novel readings of well-known texts by Shelley, Kleist, and Goethe, arguing that this early writing serves as a creative font for much of the subsequent work in sexology. These texts also provide echoes of a kind of love overlooked or suppressed in favor of a politics of appeasement or one intended to make queers model citizens. This book charts the unexplored possibilities for queer love in an attempt to map a future for gay politics in the age of homonormativity. Richard O. Block is Associate Professor of Germanics at the University of Washington, Seattle and the author of The Spell of Italy: Vacation, Magic, and the Attraction of Goethe.