The mystical tradition is a set of beliefs that emphasizes the spiritual nature of reality and human experience. It often focuses on the interconnectedness of all things and the potential for transcendence through meditation, contemplation, and prayer. Queer theology is an emerging field that looks to explore the intersection between LGBTQ+ identities and religious faith. One way that these two traditions intersect is through their shared emphasis on union. Both believe in the importance of bringing together seemingly opposing forces or ideas. This article will discuss how this concept of union can be found in both the mystical tradition and queer theology, highlighting similarities between them and suggesting ways they might interact productively.
In the mystical tradition, union is often seen as a key component of enlightenment. The goal of many practices, such as yoga or Zen Buddhism, is to achieve a state of unity with the divine. This means letting go of duality, rejecting the idea that there are separate selves or objects in the world. Instead, everything becomes one, united by love and understanding. In queer theology, this same principle is applied to relationships. Just as individuals can seek to overcome their sense of separation from the universe, so too can couples work towards becoming one body. Through intimacy and trust, partners learn to see each other as extensions of themselves rather than separate entities. They become part of a larger whole, joined together in their sexuality and erotic desires.
There are several similarities between these two approaches.
Both suggest that union can happen on multiple levels - not just within oneself but also with others. Both emphasize the need for communication and cooperation in order to achieve harmony. And both rely heavily on language, using words to describe the nuances of experience and create meaningful connections.
There are also some differences. While mysticism tends to focus on abstract concepts like truth or enlightenment, queer theology places more emphasis on embodied experiences like pleasure and desire. It also prioritizes justice, exploring how systems of oppression affect the ability to achieve union.
It seems clear that there is potential for fruitful collaboration between mysticism and queer theology. By sharing ideas and insights, they could create new ways of thinking about spirituality and human connection.
Combining meditation practices with relationship dynamics might help couples better understand each other's needs and fears. Or bringing together principles of mindfulness with LGBTQ+ history could provide insight into social change movements. These examples show how two seemingly disparate traditions can come together in productive dialogue, creating something greater than either alone.
How does the mystical tradition anticipate queer theology's union of opposites?
The mystical tradition is described as an experience where one can transcend the human body and mind to attain a state of oneness with the universe (Vaughan 2016). This experience often involves understanding that everything in existence is interconnected, including humans. Queer theology also emphasizes this concept of connection by recognizing that all people are connected through their shared humanity and experiences (Rudy 2009).