How do queer believers reconcile the desire for transcendence with the call to find holiness in embodied existence?
Some people believe that God is present in everything around them, and that they can experience spiritual connection through meditation, prayer, ritual, art, music, nature, community, service, or even sexual pleasure. These experiences are called "transcendent." Queer believers often have special needs when it comes to finding and expressing their spirituality because their bodies and identities may be stigmatized or excluded from traditional religious contexts. Some queer people seek out alternative faith communities where their sexual orientation or gender identity is accepted, while others create new traditions that honor their unique experiences. But how do these individuals navigate between the desire for transcendence and the call to embrace embodied existence as holy?
One approach is to focus on the physical body as a source of divine energy. In this view, the human form is sacred because it is created by God and capable of experiencing divine love. Practices such as yoga, tai chi, dance, martial arts, meditation, or Tantra can help cultivate awareness of the physical self and open up channels for spiritual growth. At the same time, some queer believers recognize the limitations of bodily pleasures and strive to avoid excessive indulgence. They might fast, abstain from certain behaviors, or emphasize moderation and discipline in order to maintain purity of heart and mind.
Another strategy is to use eroticism as a path to enlightenment.
Certain forms of Buddhist tantra teach that through exploring sexual intimacy with another person, one can discover deeper levels of compassion and understanding. Taoist practices like internal alchemy involve breath work, movement, and visualization techniques designed to transform sexual energy into spiritual power. Many indigenous cultures around the world have long valued sex as a means of connecting with deities, ancestors, and natural forces. Some contemporary Pagans incorporate sensual pleasure into rituals and celebrations as a way of honoring the divine feminine or masculine energies within themselves and others.
Some queer believers may see their bodies as temples of God's presence but still choose not to engage in physical relationships out of respect for personal and social boundaries. They could instead focus on service or contemplative practice as ways of expressing devotion. Others may feel called to marry or form committed partnerships, but seek out non-traditional arrangements that honor both their own identities and those of their partner(s). Still others may view all earthly pleasures as illusory and strive for detachment from material desires. In any case, they must find a balance between embracing embodied existence while also recognizing its limitations and flaws.
No matter what approach they take, queer believers often face challenges related to finding community support, navigating cultural taboos, overcoming shame and guilt about their bodies or sexuality, and integrating disparate aspects of identity into a coherent whole. It takes courage and creativity to reconcile these seemingly opposing impulses - but the journey can be richly rewarding.
How do queer believers reconcile the desire for transcendence with the call to find holiness in embodied existence?
Queer believers often struggle to reconcile their desire for transcendence with the call to find holiness in embodied existence. The religious tradition they grew up in may have taught them that being queer is sinful, and that they are not allowed to explore their sexuality fully or express it publicly. As a result, some individuals may feel alienated from their faith community and seek out new forms of spiritual expression that allow them to be open about their identity.