Queer Religion
by Donald L. Boisvert and Jay Emerson Johnson, Editors
December 2011, 559pp, 6 1/8x9 1/4
2 volumes, Praeger

Hardcover: 978-0-313-35358-1
$127, £98, 111€, A174
eBook Available: 978-0-313-35359-8
Please contact your preferred eBook vendor for pricing.

Religion and same-sex desire are not absolutely incompatible; in fact, spirituality and homosexuality have coexisted in both the modern context and throughout history. Naturally, there have been ongoing tensions between disparate schools of belief, which may be partially responsible for recent revolutions such as the LGBT movement and queer theory.

This ground-breaking and eye-opening book examines the intersections of religion and same-sex desire, from St. Augustine to Hinduism to contemporary LGBT and queer culture.

Queer Religion provides a systematic and detailed overview of the challenges and issues that the intersections of religion, same-sex desire, and gender variance have generated, both now and in the past. It focuses upon the development of these areas of overlap through three distinct historical periods: modern religious history, LGBT liberation movements, and the emergence of queer theory and analysis.

This two-volume collection of eclectic essays investigates the experiences of queer people and religion, providing a broad, unique, and invaluable analysis of this important cultural and theological encounter. As a group, the contributors offer brave insights and diverse perspectives on a variety of topics dealing with religion, same-sex desire, and gender expression. Some of these essays are explicitly historical in focus or scholarly articles, while others provide autobiographical viewpoints and personal reminiscences. This book provides a comprehensive look at the queer dimensions of religious practice and belief—essential reading for religious scholars; those within the LGBT community; and anyone interested in human spirituality and sexuality.

Features

  • Contributions from 28 distinguished North American and international scholars and activists from a variety of religious traditions
  • A comprehensive index of key ideas and concepts
Donald L. Boisvert teaches in the Department of Religion at Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, where he is also a member of the sexuality studies program. Boisvert was former cochair of the Gay Men and Religion Group of the American Academy of Religion. His published works include Out on Holy Ground: Meditations on Gay Men's Spirituality and Sanctity and Male Desire: A Gay Reading of Saints. He is currently studying for ordination in the Anglican Church of Canada.

Jay Emerson Johnson is a priest in the Episcopal Church (USA) and member of the core doctoral faculty at the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, CA. He is also the director of Academic Research and Resources at the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry at Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, CA. Johnson was former cochair of the Gay Men and Religion Group of the American Academy of Religion. His published works include Dancing with God: Anglican Christianity and the Practice of Hope.

Reviews

"A vast literature on queer religion is now available, and this set makes an important contribution. It could also serve as a foundational text or introduction. Summing Up: Recommended. College and university libraries supporting lower-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty."—Choice, June 1, 2012
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