That We Might Become God: The Queerness of Creedal Christianity

Is it possible for orthodox creedal Christianity to change its views on matters of sexuality and gender? In order to do so must it simply incorporate elements of the secular world that are foreign to it? In That We Might Become God Andy Buechel argues that many of the basic insights of queer theory are not only deeply amenable to the wider Christian tradition but that they allow us to see that tradition with fresh eyes. The churches that are most concerned with maintaining theological tradition can in fact develop on these matters and in so doing deepen some of the most fundamental insights they cherish. Looking specifically at Christian teaching surrounding the Incarnation of Jesus Christ the sacraments and eschatology Andy Buechel shows how deeply queer these areas are already. The insistence of too many churches to clinging to modern notions of sexuality and gender impede the proclamation of the good news and this is needless. By attending to the ancient tradition in contemporary ways this text demonstrates the coherence of that heritage today as well as its capacity to develop to encompass all those whom God has created. Andy Buechels book exerts itself to avoid false certainties easy algebras in order to acknowledge the full queerness of Christianity. That effort is one of the queerest things about the book. Some readers may pick it up expecting that anyone who criticizes church teachings on sexuality will of course reject every article of the creed. They will be surprised to read here that a radical reconsideration of sexed bodies can also affirm very traditional preoccupations and pieties. --from the foreword by Mark D. Jordan In this stimulating study Andy Buechel demonstrates how queer Christian faith really is. He also reveals how the insights of queer thinkers and the witness of queer lives may well be crucial for the future of the church. This is a significant work written with theological daring and intellectual clarity. It has the potential to re-invigorate stale theological discourses reframe tired ideas of orthodoxy and bring hope to those seeking new ways to embrace the queer body of Christ. --Michael Bernard Kelly author of Seduced by Grace Queer theology is maturing and Buechels work represents yet another step forward as he reveals how queer Christianity is at its core. Reclaiming the power of analogy for theological construction especially in relation to embodiment and desire he offers new grace-filled readings of central doctrines: incarnation sacramentality eschatology and ecclesiology. Impressively as his sources range widely he explains each of them clearly while offering his own commentary and critique with generosity. --W. Scott Haldeman author of Towards Liturgies of Reconciliation Andy Buechel (PhD Emory University) is currently teaching courses at Xavier University in Cincinnati Ohio.