Theology is the study of religion and religious beliefs, often involving the examination of sacred texts, rituals, ethics, philosophy, history, and culture. It can also involve the exploration of themes related to love, creation, God, and humanity's place in the universe. Queerness, on the other hand, refers to a range of identities and experiences that fall outside traditional gender norms, including but not limited to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, intersex, asexual, polyamorous, and kink communities. In this essay, I will explore whether or not queerness can be used as a metaphor for divine unpredictability and creative emergence within theological frameworks.
Queerness is a complex concept that defies easy definition. Some definitions include sexual orientation, gender identity, romantic attraction, or social behavior, while others expand to encompass political resistance, spiritual practices, and cultural expression. Within Christian theology, queerness may refer to God's unknowable nature, the mystery of creation, or the unexpected ways that people experience and express faith. The Bible offers multiple examples of divine surprises and transformations, such as when God redefines gender roles by creating Adam from dust and Eve from his rib (Genesis 2), or when Jesus breaks with Jewish traditions by eating with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9). These stories suggest that God cannot be fully understood or controlled, and that divine creativity is always surprising and transformative.
Some theologians argue that queer interpretations of Scripture are harmful because they subvert traditional understandings of gender and sexuality. They may also be seen as disrespectful to those who feel excluded or marginalized by them. Yet, queer theology has been embraced by many Christians who seek new ways of understanding their faith in light of contemporary realities. Queer theologians have argued that God is non-binary, fluid, and constantly changing - much like queer identities themselves.
Feminist theologian Mary Daly suggested that God is neither male nor female but both at once, transcending human categories altogether (Beyond God the Father: Toward a Philosophy of Women's Liberation, 1973). Similarly, LGBTQ+ advocates have used queer perspectives to challenge religious homophobia and heteronormativity, arguing for greater inclusion and acceptance within Christian communities.
Queerness can also offer insights into the nature of love and intimacy. In queer theory, love is often described as unpredictable and messy, involving multiple partners, fluid relationships, and unexpected connections. This perspective challenges traditional notions of romantic monogamy and family structures, suggesting that love is more expansive and flexible than previously thought. Within theological frameworks, this idea can be applied to how God relates to humanity. If God is truly unknowable and beyond our control, then we cannot predict or define God's actions or desires. Instead, we must remain open to divine surprises and changes, trusting that God will lead us where we need to go.
Queerness offers valuable metaphors for theology by challenging traditional understandings of gender, sexuality, and relationship dynamics. It encourages us to embrace uncertainty, creativity, and transformation in faith, recognizing that God is always beyond our comprehension. By exploring these ideas, theology may become more inclusive, dynamic, and relevant to contemporary life, while deepening our understanding of what it means to be human and connected to the divine.
Can theology find in queerness a metaphor for divine unpredictability and creative emergence?
Queerness is a term that has been used to describe individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and other non-heterosexual identities (LGBTIQ). The word "queer" can also be applied more broadly to describe anyone who does not conform to traditional gender roles or sexual norms.