For most people, the word "revelation" conjures up images of God speaking to his prophets through sacred scripture.
For queer believers, this understanding is problematic because it implies that all revelations are contained within one book and cannot be expanded upon or updated. Instead, they view divine revelation as an ongoing conversation between God and humanity, which means that new insights can emerge over time. In fact, some argue that revelations may even contradict each other as we grow spiritually and learn more about ourselves.
One way to understand this concept is through the metaphor of a living organism. Just as our bodies constantly change and adapt to new environments, so too does divine revelation evolve to meet the needs of modern society. This doesn't mean that old revelations are invalidated; rather, they become part of the larger conversation and continue to inform our spiritual journey.
Consider how attitudes towards homosexuality have shifted in recent decades - once seen as sinful, it is now accepted by many mainstream religious communities. While these changes were not explicitly stated in the Bible, they reflect an evolution in our understanding of what it means to be created in God's image.
Another factor that contributes to this interpretation is the belief that God exists outside of time and space, making it impossible for us to fully comprehend all aspects of divinity at any given moment. As such, there will always be gaps in our knowledge, and new information will continue to come forth over time. Queer believers embrace this uncertainty and see it as a chance to deepen their relationship with God by seeking out new perspectives and challenging themselves to grow.
Embracing a fluid understanding of divine revelation allows queer believers to explore their faith in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to them. It also encourages them to take responsibility for their own spiritual development rather than relying on dogmatic teachings imposed from above. By viewing revelation as an ongoing dialogue, they can create a dynamic and ever-evolving spiritual path that resonates with their unique experiences and struggles.
How do queer believers understand divine revelation as an ongoing conversation rather than a closed canon?
Queer believers often view divine revelation as an evolving dialogue between God and humanity, rather than a static set of rules that are unchangeable. This perspective recognizes the complexity of spiritual experience and encourages openness to new insights and interpretations. It also acknowledges the diversity of belief within the LGBTQ+ community and allows for multiple perspectives on what constitutes divine truth.