Historically, there have been many instances of queer devotion in monastic and religious life throughout the world. This has led to interesting and diverse theological debates about the nature of sexuality, gender, and spirituality.
Some have argued that same-sex love is a natural expression of divine love and can be a pathway to enlightenment, while others have condemned it as sinful and immoral. In this article, we will explore how historical accounts of queer devotion in monastic and religious life inform contemporary theological discourse.
The earliest known instance of queer devotion in religious life was recorded in ancient Egypt around 4000 BCE. The story revolves around Queen Nefertiti and her consort Smenkhkare, who were both depicted as male and female figures in traditional artwork. Some scholars believe that their relationship went beyond that of royalty and may have included physical intimacy. This belief is supported by archaeological evidence showing that they shared a tomb, which is uncommon for heterosexual couples but common among gay couples in ancient Egypt.
In medieval Europe, there are several examples of religious communities where members engaged in homoerotic relationships. One such community was the Knights Templar, an order of Christian warriors founded in the 12th century. They were accused of engaging in rituals involving cross-dressing, sodomy, and other forms of erotic behavior. Despite the accusations, the Knights Templar remained a powerful force until their suppression in the early 14th century. Another group of religious men who engaged in queer devotion were the Cistercian monks, who founded the Abbey of Saint Bernard in France in the late 11th century. Their rule required that all brothers sleep together naked, which some scholars interpret as a way to maintain chastity while expressing intimacy with each other.
During the Renaissance, Catholicism became increasingly hostile towards same-sex relationships. In 1578, Pope Gregory XIII issued an edict forbidding any member of the clergy from engaging in sexual acts, including those between men.
There were still instances of secretive queer devotional practices within the church, such as the Friars Minor Capuchin, who used honeyed words and gestures to express love for each other. The friars were eventually persecuted and disbanded, but their legacy lives on in popular culture through stories like "Call Me By Your Name."
Modern theological discourse has been shaped by these historical accounts of queer devotion. Many theologians believe that same-sex relationships can be expressions of divine love and should be accepted as legitimate forms of spirituality. Others argue that homoeroticism is sinful and must be condemned. Still, others argue that the language used to describe same-sex relationships is outdated and needs to be updated to reflect modern understandings of gender and sexuality. Regardless of one's beliefs, it is clear that historical accounts of queer devotion have had a profound impact on contemporary theology.
How do historical accounts of queer devotion in monastic and religious life inform contemporary theological discourse?
Historical accounts of queer devotion in monastic and religious life have provided insights into how gender identity and sexual orientation may be fluid and diverse within communities that are often perceived as being highly structured and hierarchical. These accounts highlight the ways in which individuals were able to navigate their faith in relation to their identities and desires, and suggest that contemporary theology should embrace this same level of complexity and flexibility when addressing issues related to sexuality and spirituality.