We are so excited to welcome Cassidy Hall to the podcast for a conversation about her book, ‘Queer and Contemplation.’ We talk with Cassidy about the importance of queering traditional religious concepts and practices. She shares her personal experiences with faith and queerness, and how they intersected in her upbringing. Hall defines contemplation as a sacred pause and emphasizes the need for both inner reflection and active engagement. She explores the idea of queering as a way to subvert dominant structures and embrace uniqueness and oddity. Hall also discusses the process of breaking up with traditional theologians and expanding the scope of voices in spiritual discourse. She encourages everyone to recognize the contemplative moments in their lives and to respond with love, justice, and liberation.
Takeaways
- Contemplation is a sacred pause that allows for inner reflection and listening to one’s inner voice.
- Queering is a way to subvert dominant structures and embrace uniqueness and oddity.
- It is important to break up with traditional theologians and expand the scope of voices in spiritual discourse.
- Everyone already engages in contemplation in their own way, and it is about recognizing and embracing those moments.
- Contemplation requires both inner reflection and active engagement, responding with love, justice, and liberation.
Chapters
(05:57) The Harmful Messages of Evangelical Christianity
(08:08) Defining Contemplation
(13:09) Queering Traditional Concepts and Practices
(21:03) Breaking Up with Traditional Theologians
(32:29) Accessibility and Recognition of Contemplation
(39:24) The Importance of Action and Response
Resources:
- “Queering Contemplation” by Cassidy Hall
- Website: https://cassidyhall.com/about-me/
- Join the Sanctuary Collective Community
If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT