It might seem like a harsh question, but maybe one that needs to be asked: Why is queer theology needed? Why do queer people need their own theology? Can’t they just take elements from “traditional” theology and make it work for them? Won’t queer theology just divide the Church even more?

These are all legitimate questions. I’ve even asked these same questions myself. However, by looking at the arguments of queer theologians, it is clear that queer theology is needed.

Kelly Kraus, in her article “Queer Theology: Reclaiming Christianity for the LGBT Community,” states that “[t]he root of homophobia in the United States is the condemnation of homosexuality in the Church.” The mainstream theology of the Church includes the belief that homosexuality is a sin, and this condemnation is based on heterosexist biases in mainstream theology. Kraus gives a “call to action” to queer Christians by saying,

Queer Christians need to reclaim their right to participate in Christianity and detail their experiences as gay and lesbian Christians. Christianity has traditionally been a patriarchal and heterosexual institution. Queer people challenge the patriarchal and heterosexist culture of Christianity by refusing to accept the rules laid out by traditional Christian theology, namely that one must follow the rule of males and be heterosexual.

These strict rules result in bad news for queer Christians. However, I said before that the concept of “queering” Christianity means “tearing up, stomping on, and setting on fire the Box of Theology that Christians so desperately hold onto in order to exert their power over others.” The fact that Christianity has historically been a heterosexual institution means that power for heterosexuals is built into Christianity. Queer theology is needed so that queer Christians can begin to influence Christianity as much as heterosexuals have historically.

Condemnation of queer Christians also can be tied to Biblical literalism. Nik, a queer/trans undergrad Religious Studies major, wrote a blog post entitled “An Evaluation of Queer Theology in Religious and Spiritual Organization Settings” He states,

One of tasks of queer theology, then, becomes the construction of sexuality affirming hermeneutics, which include, among other tactics, focus on a contemporary reinterpretation of sacred texts to reclaim them for marginalized sexualities (Yip 50-51). Studies have shown that biblical literalism directly relates to a willingness to restrict the civil liberties of those perceived as “other” – notably non-heterosexual individuals, atheists, and anyone else who does not fit with the template of being a “true American” – the aforementioned white, cisgendered, young, able-bodied, rich, heterosexual Christian man (Merino, 233-234).

So, “by reclaiming sacred texts through a relevant, contemporary reading for people of non-heterosexual identity or experience,” queer theology allows scripture to become “accessible as a tool of faith instead of an instrument of damnation” (Nik).

And finally, perhaps the most important reason why queer theology is needed is because queer theology is for everyone.It is for every person that has ever felt marginalized, whether it is due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, (dis)ability status, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or anything else that causes one to feel that they are an outcast. It is for those that represent the status quo, as cisgender and binary people. Queer theology embraces and celebrates everyone, and it advocates for the wholeness of all people.