Becoming Queer Christians in Indecency: Exploring Queer Theologies of Peripheries

Abstract

Queer theology has established itself as a substantial and relevant field within theology, which, to a certain extent is visible in Norway, however such research tends to start from a theoretical point of view rather than from a bodily departure. The dissertation “Becoming Queer Christians in Indecency: Exploring queer theologies of peripheries” therefore introduces an exploratory case study with four LGBTQ+ Christians in Oslo, Norway and their experiences around sexual decency and Christian religious belonging. This study explores the vast possibilities in constructions of queer theologies from sexualities and genders. Starting from interviews, autobiographical reflections, and constructive and critical dialogue with existing empirical projects in queer theologies, this study is an interdisciplinary work in conversation with traditional theological concepts. The thesis discusses and interprets how stories and voices from queer people can challenge and go beyond dominant heteronormative discourse in theology, thereby constructing queer theologies. All along rooted in a Norwegian context. This study argues that starting from experiences of sexualities and gender, many forms of theologies can be constructed. Such forms of theologies do not have to be centred in heteropatriarchal constructions of theological truths, rather they can exist in the peripheries of hegemonic discourse. In such peripheries, it is possible to move inside, outside, and in between the hegemonic discourse, constructing theologies that answers to different sexual and gender experiences, rather than a construction of sexual decency. This study, therefore, constitutes as fresh and relevant contribution of queer theologies by starting from a Norwegian context, which seeks not to explore one decent theology, rather embraces the magnitude of voices that sexual and gender experiences entail in constructions of indecent theologies. Instead of finding answers in heteropatriarchal theological discourse, this dissertation suggests multitude ways of exploring queer theologies in the peripheries of the hegemonic discourse. Thusly, a becoming of queer Christians in indecency can challenge the heterosexual colonization of Christian religious bodies.