Academic in new focus on faith
SENIOR Lecturer in Theology and Religion, Dr Chris Greenough, is publishing a new book on the fascinating interplay between religion, gender and sexuality.
In Queer Theologies: The Basics, Dr Greenough discusses the development of queer theologies and their relationship to “traditional” theology, queer theologies in global contexts, queer Bible and queer Christian lives, striving to present the subject in an accessible way.
Dr Greenough, whose research focuses on gender, sexuality, identity and queer studies in religion, talked about the themes which inspired the new publication, which goes on sale on October 15.
“Queer was once a term of abuse but the word has been reclaimed.
“The term is used in relation to LGBTQ+ identities, as well as queer theory in research.
“Queer theologies look at LGBTQ+ lives and their faith identities.
“Some people use verses selected from the Bible to condemn same-sex relationships/marriage, transgender recognition, gay and lesbian parenting or adoption.
“There are also regular television and media discussion panels debating questions about how LGBTQ+ lives and Christianity are seemingly incompat-ible, but my research explores how people navigate both aspects of their identity. They don’t have to be mutually exclusive.”
Queer Theologies is the second book from Dr Greenough, who initially trained to become a teacher at Edge Hill.
His first book, Undoing Theology: Life Stories from Non-normative Christians, published in May last year, explored life stories as a source for theology.
Dr Greenough’s work tackles difficult questions and engages with the complexity and diversity of LGBTQ+ identities and Christianity. The academic, who received research investment funding for the project from the university, praised Edge Hill University’s culture of inclusivity and diversity for LGBTQ+ members of our community.
Chris added: “I think Edge Hill is very welcoming towards the LGBTQ+ community; it’s a safe, inclusive space where students and staff can be themselves.”
Dr Greenough will talk about his work at an event next month, in partnership with The Diocese of Liverpool, Open Table, Homo-topia (the UK’s longestrunning LGBTQ+ arts and culture festival) and Liverpool Queer Collective.
Queer Faith Voices takes place on Saturday, November 23, at 7.30pm, in Liverpool’s Leaf café, debating what it means to be an LGBTQ+ person of faith today. For tickets, visit Eventbrite. Students interested in studying religion will, from next September, be able to choose between three undergraduate courses in the Faculty of Education ● Queer Theologies: The Basics can be pre-ordered at Routledge publishers.