The notion of holiness has traditionally been associated with purity, morality, and spirituality.
Contemporary scholarship on queerness and religious studies has challenged this binary understanding of holiness by exploring how the divine can be perceived as radically inclusive of queer embodiment and desire. This shift towards a more expansive view of holiness has significant implications for the way that we understand gender, sexuality, and spirituality.
It is important to define what is meant by "queer embodiment" and "desire." Queer embodiment refers to the ways in which individuals identify and express their gender and sexual identity outside of traditional binaries. It encompasses a wide range of identities including but not limited to transgender, nonbinary, intersex, pansexual, bisexual, asexual, and polyamorous. Desire, on the other hand, is understood as the physical or emotional longing for another person or thing. When these concepts are applied to the divine, they challenge traditional understandings of godliness and holiness.
One way to think about this is through the lens of theology. Traditionally, theological discourse has emphasized the separation between the divine and human experience. The divine was seen as above and beyond human understanding, while humans were viewed as imperfect creatures who needed to strive for perfection. In contrast, the inclusion of queer embodiment and desire into religious discourse suggests that the divine is present within our bodies, desires, and relationships. This approach recognizes that God is not separate from creation but rather an integral part of it.
Another way to consider this is through the lens of anthropology. Traditional views of holiness have been predicated on the idea that human beings must conform to certain moral standards in order to achieve salvation.
This view fails to acknowledge the diversity of human experiences and ignores the ways in which some people may be unable or unwilling to live up to those standards. A more inclusive understanding of holiness would recognize that all people are capable of experiencing spiritual growth and connection with the divine regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
Exploring the intersection between queerness and religion can help us reimagine what it means to practice religion in an increasingly diverse world. By recognizing that God's love extends to all people, regardless of their identities, we can create communities that are more welcoming and inclusive.
By acknowledging the complexities of human experience, we can develop a richer understanding of faith and spirituality that transcends rigid categories and labels.
Exploring the notion of holiness when understood as radically inclusive of queer embodiment and desire has significant implications for how we understand gender, sexuality, and spirituality. By challenging traditional binaries and expanding our understanding of godliness, we can create more just and equitable societies where everyone is seen as valuable and worthy of respect.
What happens to notions of holiness when the divine is understood as radically inclusive of queer embodiment and desire?
The notion of holiness has traditionally been associated with purity, perfection, and righteousness. In Christian theology, for example, God is often described as holy, which means that He is perfect and free from sin. When the divine is understood as radically inclusive of queer embodiment and desire, however, this understanding of holiness may be challenged.