Queer theology is a relatively new field within religious studies which focuses on how LGBTQIA+ people can find meaning and purpose through faith despite discrimination from churches and religions. Non-theistic spiritual traditions such as Taoism and Buddhism place more importance on balance and harmony rather than transcending beyond physical existence to reach an unknowable deity. This paper will explore what happens when queer theology encounters non-theistic spiritualities that emphasize balance over transcendence.
One challenge for queer theologians who encounter non-theistic spiritual traditions is reconciling their beliefs with those of non-believers. While many queer Christians may feel marginalized within Christian communities due to their gender identity or sexual orientation, they are still part of a larger community that believes in God and relies on divine intervention.
Non-theistic spiritual traditions do not rely on an external god but instead seek to maintain internal balance and harmony. For queer theologians, this can be difficult because it means rejecting the idea that there is a higher power outside of themselves.
Some queer theologians may see their non-theist counterparts as heretical or lacking the necessary guidance needed to navigate life's challenges.
Another challenge for queer theologians is reconciling their beliefs with the concept of non-duality. In many non-theistic spiritual traditions, such as Taoism and Buddhism, the notion of duality is rejected in favor of accepting all things as they are. This includes accepting one's gender and sexuality without judgment. Queer theologians may struggle with this because they have been taught to believe that homosexuality is sinful or morally wrong. They may also find it challenging to accept that there is no right or wrong way to live, which can contradict their faith.
There are ways in which queer theology can find common ground with non-theistic spiritualities. One way is by focusing on embodiment and mindfulness practices. Both queer theology and non-theistic spiritual traditions emphasize being present in the moment and living fully. By practicing meditation or other forms of mindfulness, queer people can learn how to embrace their bodies and sexuality without shame. This can help them feel more comfortable in their own skin and better understand their place in the world.
While queer theology and non-theistic spiritual traditions differ significantly in their beliefs about God and transcendence, they share a focus on balance and harmony. By engaging with these traditions, queer theologians can learn new ways of approaching spirituality that do not require believing in an external deity. They may also find comfort in recognizing that they are part of a larger community that values acceptance and inclusion rather than judgement.
What happens when queer theology encounters non-theistic spiritual traditions that emphasize balance rather than transcendence?
In recent years, there has been an increased interest in exploring the intersection of queer theology and non-theistic spirituality. Queer theology is an emerging field of religious studies that examines how LGBTQ+ people have historically experienced oppression within Christianity and other monotheistic religions.