“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
-Maya Angelou
Gathering new information is crucial for broadening our understanding and fostering inclusivity, especially when it comes to interpreting sacred texts like the Bible. Approaching the Bible with curiosity and an open mind allows us to move beyond traditional interpretations, offering fresh insights that may have been overlooked or marginalized. Specifically, rereading the Bible with an awareness of queer gender identities can help us challenge rigid, historically constructed views of gender and sexuality, promoting a more inclusive and compassionate faith. By embracing new perspectives and acknowledging the experiences of queer individuals, we can deepen our connection to the text, enriching our spiritual journey while fostering acceptance and love for all people.
Academic Resources:
Gender in the Ancient Near East by Stephanie Lynn Budin
The Erotic Word: Sexuality, Spirituality and the Bible by David Carr
Transforming: The Bible& the Lives of Transgender Christians by Austen Hartke
Transgender, Intersex, and Biblical Interpretation by Teresa Hornsby and Deryn Guest
Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
Queer Soul and Queer Theology by Laurel C. Schneider and Thelathia Young
“I often wonder what I would do if there weren’t any books in the world.”
— James Baldwin