The title of this article is "Can the Queer Believer's Experience of Being 'Both/And' Rather Than 'Either/Or' Reveal a Deeper Metaphysical Logic of Divine Paradox?" This question suggests that for some people who identify as both queer and Christian, their experience of God may involve elements of paradox or contradiction that are integral to their faith. It proposes that the idea of being both/and rather than either/or could be a way to understand this apparent tension between their beliefs and experiences.
Does such an understanding hold true?
To answer this question, it may help to define what is meant by "paradox" and "divine logic." A paradox is a statement that appears to be self-contradictory but can nonetheless be logically true.
The statement "This sentence is false," which contains the word "false," contradicts itself if taken literally. But when understood as referring to itself, the statement becomes true since it contains its own negation. In the context of religion, divine paradox refers to seemingly impossible concepts or ideas that nevertheless point to deeper truths about God.
Jesus's teaching that one must lose their life in order to find it (Matthew 16:25) is a paradox because it seems counterintuitive; yet it points to the reality that true life comes through surrendering oneself to God.
In the same way, the queer believer's experience of being both/and could reveal a deeper metaphysical logic of divine paradox. The term "queer" encompasses a wide range of identities and experiences beyond just sexuality, including gender identity, race, culture, class, and more. Someone who identifies as queer may embrace multiple dimensions of their identity simultaneously, defying easy categorization into binary labels like "male" or "female." This "both/and" approach challenges the either/or thinking that often undergirds Christian theology and doctrine. It also reflects the biblical concept of God's creation as diverse and multifaceted (Genesis 1:27).
Not all queer believers will necessarily have this experience. Some may feel pressure to choose between their faith and their sexuality, leading to tension and confusion. Others may feel alienated from traditional expressions of Christianity due to its emphasis on heteronormativity and binary gender roles. Still, others may reject any form of religion altogether out of discomfort with its conservative views on LGBTQ+ issues. These experiences are valid and should be taken seriously by those seeking to understand the intersection of sexuality and spirituality.
While the idea of being both/and rather than either/or is intriguing, it does not necessarily hold true for all queer believers. It depends on individual experiences, perspectives, and how they relate to wider cultural and religious contexts. But perhaps exploring such seemingly contradictory ideas can lead us closer to understanding the fullness of divine paradox.
Can the queer believer's experience of being “both/and” rather than “either/or” reveal a deeper metaphysical logic of divine paradox?
Yes, the queer believer's experience of being "both/and" rather than "either/or" can reveal a deeper metaphysical logic of divine paradox. The concept of paradox invokes both seemingly contradictory qualities that coexist harmoniously, such as light and dark, masculine and feminine, love and hate. This is similar to how some queer individuals may identify with multiple genders or sexual orientations simultaneously.