loader from loading.io

Complicated Communities

queertheology's podcast

Release Date: 06/08/2025

Throwback: Scary Things show art Throwback: Scary Things

queertheology's podcast

We get a lot of questions about hell, the rapture, and end times. So awhile back, we did a series on Scary Things. For this week, we have another throw back episode from this series. For this one, we’ll focus on the Rapture and the End of the World.    We’re talking all about end times, the rapture, and other “scary” things from the Bible. We are certain that no matter the religion or faith you were brought up in, you’ve probably heard something or another about the end of the world and in this episode, Brian and Fr. Shay talk about what they were taught, whether they...

info_outline
Post Shame & Sacred Intimacy with Adam MacLean show art Post Shame & Sacred Intimacy with Adam MacLean

queertheology's podcast

We’re joined on the podcast this week by Adam MacLean (@adammacattack) who is the founder of PostShame.org and #PostShame, online tools designed to help people examine their past for things they worry might leak on the internet, and then proactively share those stories themselves. By doing so, they transform these stories into narratives of strength and leadership, offering support to others struggling with similar challenges. He is also the host of the podcast  “Find Your Light with Adam MacLean”, where he navigates difficult conversations around shame, leadership, and...

info_outline
Throwback: Queerness Is A Cornerstone show art Throwback: Queerness Is A Cornerstone

queertheology's podcast

We're doing something that we haven't done in awhile here which is to have a throwback episode for this week. We're coming up on a huge milestone- 600 episodes!-  and there's probably a lot of episodes that some of y’all have not heard and we think that revisiting the Bible has power because you learn new things. So for this episode, we’ll revisit Queerness as a Cornerstone.    This episode is filled with so much good stuff and we’re excited for you to dive in. We have a listener question from Bella about how to talk about your faith without making other people...

info_outline
Tips for Churches at Pride show art Tips for Churches at Pride

queertheology's podcast

Pride brings out many people trying to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community and an interesting conversation about how churches show up at Pride inspired this week’s episode. In this conversation, we explore the role of churches supporting and engaging with the LGBTQ community during Pride Month. We have some practical insight on how churches can show genuine involvement, service, and inclusivity, while showing up meaningfully at Pride events and beyond.   Takeaways Pride Month is celebrated globally, creating a sense of connection among queer individuals. Churches should...

info_outline
Complicated Communities show art Complicated Communities

queertheology's podcast

Communities can be complex. We delve into the complexities of relationships, the nature of goodness, and the challenges of community dynamics. We explore the idea of labeling people as “good” or “bad,” and emphasize the importance of understanding inherent goodness and the health of individuals. We also touch on the necessity of boundaries within communities and the role of compassion in navigating difficult relationships. Ultimately, we are advocates for a nuanced approach to community building and self-reflection, and encourage y’all to embrace the complexities of human...

info_outline
Celebration & Resistance: Let's Talk About Pride Month! show art Celebration & Resistance: Let's Talk About Pride Month!

queertheology's podcast

It’s Pride month and we’re sharing some of our thoughts about it in this week’s episode. There are a lot of complexities with Pride Month and we especially want to explore the dual nature of celebration and resistance within the LGBTQ community. With recent funding cuts to arts organizations, the challenges of sustaining movements without corporate support, and the importance of balancing joy with activism, it can seem like there isn’t much to celebrate. But sometimes you have to mix that joy with the hard work and really lean into community engagement.   Takeaways Pride Month...

info_outline
Queering Prayer show art Queering Prayer

queertheology's podcast

In this episode of the Queer Theology Podcast, Shannon and Brian explore the multifaceted nature of prayer, reflecting on their personal journeys and the evolving understanding of spirituality. They discuss the emotional complexities tied to prayer, the importance of community, and how queerness influences their approach to prayer. The conversation emphasizes the need for collective action and connection in spiritual practices, inviting listeners to rethink their own beliefs and experiences with prayer.   Takeaways Shannon shares his evolving journey with prayer. Prayer can be a means...

info_outline
We Need a Nap show art We Need a Nap

queertheology's podcast

Besides just being BUSY at the moment, we’re both feeling the anxiety of the daily current news. And it is exhausting, y’all. So, yes, while we do need a good nap, we also get into the themes of rest, self-care, and community engagement amidst the challenges of modern life in this episode. There is a tension between the need for personal rest and the demands of activism, and as with most things in life, it is important to find balance. We also talk about the value of micro rituals in daily life, even if they are much more micro than you would like them to be. We're holding another round of...

info_outline
Grief, Demons, Agnostics at Church: Listener Q&A show art Grief, Demons, Agnostics at Church: Listener Q&A

queertheology's podcast

We tackle a series of questions from listeners on this week’s episode! The questions focus on the intersection of faith, identity, and community for LGBTQ+ individuals. We discuss the challenges faced by transgender individuals in church settings, the misconceptions surrounding sin and sexuality, the experiences of agnostics in religious spaces, and the nuanced understanding of the Holy Spirit in the lives of queer individuals. We also get into grief, demons and the importance of personal agency and community in navigating these topics.   Takeaways No, it's not a sin and you're not...

info_outline
Maybe Doubting Thomas Was The Only Reasonable One show art Maybe Doubting Thomas Was The Only Reasonable One

queertheology's podcast

Fr. Shannon shares a sermon exploring the story of Doubting Thomas from the Gospel of John for this episode. He delves into themes of fear, doubt, and faith, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging doubt as a natural part of faith, particularly in the face of suffering and uncertainty. May we be a little more like Thomas in the sense that it feels like he was being reasonable. And may we embrace our doubts and continue to show up for our communities, promoting peace and justice despite challenges.   Takeaways Doubt is a natural part of faith. Thomas's demand for proof is...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

Communities can be complex. We delve into the complexities of relationships, the nature of goodness, and the challenges of community dynamics. We explore the idea of labeling people as “good” or “bad,” and emphasize the importance of understanding inherent goodness and the health of individuals. We also touch on the necessity of boundaries within communities and the role of compassion in navigating difficult relationships. Ultimately, we are advocates for a nuanced approach to community building and self-reflection, and encourage y’all to embrace the complexities of human interactions.

 

Takeaways

  • The distinction between good and bad people is not helpful.

  • Everyone imagines themselves as the good person in their narrative.

  • Understanding inherent goodness can help navigate complex relationships.

  • Communities should create spaces for health and healing.

  • Boundaries are essential for maintaining healthy relationships.

  • It's important to differentiate between beliefs and actions in community dynamics.

  • Compassion for others can coexist with the need for boundaries.

  • Self-reflection is crucial in understanding our impact on others.

  • Navigating relationships with family can be particularly complex.

  • Embracing the gray areas of life can lead to healthier communities.

 

Chapters

(00:00) Exploring Relationships and Polarization

(07:00) Understanding Goodness and Health

(13:57) Navigating Community and Boundaries

(20:51) Compassion and Complexity in Relationships



Resources:. 


If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology