Unlocking Orthodoxies for Inclusive Theologies: Queer Alternatives

This book enters a new liminal space between the LGBTQ and denominational Christian communities. It simultaneously explores how those who identify as queer can find a home in church and how those leading welcoming, or indeed unwelcoming, congregations can better serve both communities. The primary argument is that queer inclusion must not merely mean an assimilation into existing heteronormative respectability and approval.

Chapters are written by a diverse collection of Asian, Latin American, and U.S. theologians, religious studies scholars and activists. Each of them writes from their own social context to address the notion of LGBTQ alternative orthodoxies and praxes pertaining to God, the saints, failure of the church, queer eschatologies, and erotic economies. Engaging with issues that are not only faced by those in the theological academy, but also by clergy and congregants, the book addresses those impacted by a history of Christian hostility and violence who have become suspicious of attempts at "acceptance". It also sets out an encouragement for queer theologians and clergy think deeply about how they form communities where queer perspectives are proactively included.

This is a forward-looking and positive vision of a more inclusive theology and ecclesiology. It will, therefore, appeal to scholars of Queer Theology and Religious Studies as well as practitioners seeking a fresh perspective on church and the LGBTQ community.

Robert E. Shore-Goss is a retired UCC clergy/theologian. He is the author of multiple books including, God is Green (2016) and Dead But Not Lost (2005). He has also co-edited several books such as, Queering Christianity (2013), The Queer Bible Commentary (2006) and Gay Catholic Priests and Clerical Sexual Misconduct (2005).

Joseph N. Goh is a Lecturer in Gender Studies at the School of Arts and Social Sciences, Monash University Malaysia. His research interests include queer and LGBTI studies; human rights and sexual health issues; and diverse theological and religious studies research. He is the author of Living Out Sexuality and Faith (2018), and co-editor of Queering Migrations Towards, From, and Beyond Asia (2014). His personal website is at http://josephgoh.org.