The concept of divine transcendence is often associated with the idea that there exists an all-encompassing spiritual realm beyond the physical world, which can be accessed through various means such as prayer, meditation, and spiritual practices. This notion has traditionally been interpreted within the context of heteronormative and binary understandings of gender and sexuality, wherein individuals are expected to conform to rigid binaries of masculine/feminine or male/female identities.
Recent scholarship in queer theory and feminist studies has challenged these assumptions by emphasizing the fluidity and multiplicity of identity and experience, including gender, sexuality, and embodiment. In this paper, we will explore how queer becoming and fluid identity can inform our understanding of divine transcendence, and what it might mean for religious communities to embrace more expansive definitions of divinity and spirituality.
Queer theorists have argued that the traditional conceptualization of gender and sexuality as fixed, stable categories is limiting and harmful, perpetuating oppressive power structures that privilege certain identities and experiences while marginalizing others. Instead, they suggest that gender and sexuality should be understood as dynamic, fluid, and constantly evolving processes that are shaped by social, cultural, and political factors. Similarly, the concept of divine transcendence can be reimagined as a fluid and expansive force that encompasses diverse forms of embodiment, expression, and experience.
One way to do this is to consider the notion of God as a queer entity, one who transcends all binary categorizations and exists beyond the confines of human language and understanding. As Audre Lorde writes in "The Uses of the Erotic," "Our erotic knowledge empowers us, becomes a bridge to knowledge of ourselves, to each other, to the world around us." By exploring the eroticism and intimacy inherent in spiritual experiences, we can move beyond restrictive binaries toward a more inclusive vision of the divine. This approach suggests that there are multiple paths to transcendence, each shaped by individual experiences and contexts, rather than a single, prescribed path dictated by religious doctrine or tradition.
Another way to interpret divine transcendence through the lens of queer becoming and fluid identity is to focus on how it allows for a reinterpretation of religious rituals and practices.
Some traditions emphasize the importance of physical embodied expressions of faith, such as prayer, meditation, and worship music.
These practices may not resonate with all individuals, particularly those whose bodies or identities fall outside of traditional norms. By expanding our understanding of what constitutes "holy" behavior to include a wider range of expressions, including non-binary gender identities and sexual orientations, we can create spaces where all members of a community can feel welcome and seen.
We might consider how divine transcendence can inform our relationships with others, both within and beyond religious communities. The notion that we are all interconnected with one another suggests that we have a responsibility to honor and uplift the experiences of others, regardless of their backgrounds or identities. This requires actively challenging systems of oppression that marginalize certain groups and creating spaces for authentic expression and connection. As bell hooks writes in "Talking Back," "All too often we fail to see the ways in which intimacy connects us to other human beings who are different from ourselves, forgetting that this intimate bond is the basis for meaningful communion." By acknowledging the complexity and diversity of human experience, we can build stronger and more inclusive spiritual communities that embrace the fullness of divine transcendence.
Interpreting divine transcendence through the lens of queer becoming and fluid identity offers an opportunity to reimagine our understandings of the divine and transform our spiritual practices. By emphasizing the fluidity and multiplicity of identity, we can create spaces where all individuals can feel welcomed, seen, and celebrated. By embracing diverse forms of embodiment, expression, and experience, we can move toward a more expansive and inclusive vision of spirituality that encompasses the full breadth of human existence.
What does divine transcendence mean when interpreted through the language of queer becoming and fluid identity?
Divine transcendence is a concept that has been used throughout history by various religions and spiritual traditions to describe an experience beyond the material world. The idea of transcendence can be seen as a form of becoming, where individuals undergo a transformation from one state to another. In this context, it refers to the possibility of breaking free from social norms and cultural expectations that restrict people's identities.