ABSTRACT

This chapter analyses the emergence of lesbian and gay-affirming sexual theology, which has generated much-needed theological capital, namely inclusive scriptural knowledge, imagery, and language. It addresses an exciting development in recent years, namely the convergence of such theological capital with social and political capital, in the form of secular discourse of equality and human rights. The chapter reviews key social scientific research on LGBTQI religiosity/spirituality, by offering four emergent themes. It focuses on organised religions; particularly Christianity, but also Islam and Judaism. The chapter argues that the appropriation of the secular discourse is going to be more extensive, not only among religious LGBTQI people, but also among their heterosexual counterparts who become more aware of the importance of recognising diversity and difference. The documentation of lived experiences is important on many levels. Politically, it signposts the presence and visible existence of LGBTQI people, even in spaces where their existence is most contested and oppressed.