Zoom, Tues, Sep 15–Oct 20, 5:30-7:30pm
Join a diverse group this fall in an FPC six-week series that explores queer theology, which is a way of understanding God and our relationship with God through the lens of God’s radically inclusive love. Deacon Tony Arnold leads the exploration of concepts, and Spiritual Director Jeannie Bowman leads guided meditations.
The sessions are on Tuesday evenings from 5:30-7:30pm (Mountain) on September 15, 22, 29; October 6, 13, & 20. They will be held on Zoom, and you can sign up for the session by contacting Tony Arnold, who will give you the Zoom link.
What’s this about?
This is an online group that will be exploring queer theology, which is a way of understanding God and our relationship with God through the lens of God’s radically inclusive love. This is not just a study of LGBTQIA+ issues in the church, and it is not intended to convince you to adopt queer theology. What you find interesting or compelling might be different from what others find interesting or compelling. The experience is meant to be provocative and transformative.
Who is it open to?
Anyone. You must be able to access Zoom, show respect to everyone in the group, and maintain confidentiality of the group’s conversations. In addition, you should be open to asking questions and exploring new ways of thinking about God, faith, the Bible, and even yourself. If you are open-minded and end up deciding that queer theology isn’t for you, that’s totally OK.
Do I need to be LGBTQIA+?
No. This study and meditation is for all. Straight cis people are likely to find aspects of queer theology that help you to think about faith and the divine in new, useful ways. We will sometimes discuss sexuality and/or gender in a faith context, as well as the experiences of LGBTQIA+ people.
Do I need to be Presbyterian or a Christian?
No. The group will be valuable to anyone who seeks to consider the Divine and your relationship with the Divine from a queer perspective. Much of what we will discuss will involve Christian theology and the Bible, though. Participants with non-Christian beliefs may need to help the group to understand how queer perspectives apply to your belief system.
How will it be structured?
We will meet for 2 hours on Tuesday evenings for 6 weeks from September 15 through October 20. One-third of the time will be to introduce key features and concepts in queer theology. The second one-third will be for group discussion. And the final one-third will feature guided meditation. This group is not merely about acquiring knowledge but also exploring how your encounter with queer theology might affect your faith, spiritual life, and heart.
Do I need to buy a book?
No. The study will be based on Patrick S. Cheng, Radical Love: An Introduction to Queer Theology (Seabury Books 2011), written by a theology professor. You are welcome to acquire it for yourself, but each session will be based on the assumption that participants haven’t done any prior reading.
How do I get the Zoom link?
Email Tony Arnold to let us know of your interest and why you are interested. This series is free.
Who are the co-leaders?
Dr. Tony Arnold is a university professor in Louisville, KY, award-winning teacher and mentor, and ordained Deacon at First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe. He is deeply involved in various aspects of the LGBTQIA+ community and queer Christian communities. Jeannie Bowman is a wife, a mother, and a contemplative in Santa Fe, NM. She is an ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church and a member of Spiritual Directors International. She is a graduate of the Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction, Tucson, AZ.