Queerness Is Mormonism Is Queerness

Queerness—the lived identity of LGBTQ+ and non-normative people—and Mormonism—the theological social structures adhered to by the Church Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints—always seem be at odds. Blaire Ostler's Queer Mormon Theology: An Introduction rejects this conflict with an approach that collapses two into each other: queerness is Mormonism queerness. This unapologetic stance toward different than many other approaches subject makes her text's contribution innovative, advancing, integral contemporary conversation within Mormonism.Queer Theology separated seven chapters discuss central themes: theology, God, Christ, family, sexuality creation, polygamy, policy. Ostler uses center topic on a queer reading rather investment in theology scholarship as it has been previously constituted. For example, second chapter, reads or, least, having become through Atonement experiencing multiple embodied experiences (from childbirth male-pattern baldness). While arguments succinctly read Atonement, she doesn't establish various atonement theologies have proliferated still proliferate Mormonism. tactic means can fresh eyes, unencumbered years scholarship.In addition, reach audience message without fear getting bogged down undo harmful rhetoric or scholarship, engage anti-queer scholars, argue against apologists. In words, seems escape presenting heteronormative theology. Indeed, helps audience—practitioners She clearly articulate stand its own scripture devotional literature foundation.For reader, subtitle text critical way view use book—Ostler's introductory invitational. does not wish final word topic; instead, engagement opens door for further, more prolonged, deeper investigations unapologetic, collective hermeneutic. future writers might work medium which theologians like Justin Lee, Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, Marcella Althaus-Reid, others. Another potential study but brought up hermeneutic what be, argues, inseparable from Thus, should beginning unapologetically definitive declaration queer, Mormon, moves away self-deprecating, polemical autobiography academic, institutional histories philosophical, ontological, theological.Ostler's book invites accept other. Instead building bridges across chasm separates queers Mormons, Mormons same cliff, dealing scripture, history, mortal existence eschatological consequences. I hope those interested “queer” “Mormon” “gay” “Latter-day Saint” will open doors new insight engagement.