There are few people capable of using religious academic training in a way that is accessible for the typical layperson. Brandan Robertson is one of those individuals. He masterfully demonstrates this in his forthcoming book “Queer & Christian: Reclaiming the Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the Table.”
Throughout the book, Robertson repeatedly indicates his belief that queer people need to “stop conceding our scripture and our faith to non-affirming people.” That is to say, why should we let them have the power to define who God is for us and what the Bible says about us?
In this book, he provides a definitive argument about how much richer the Bible and our individual faith can be if we reclaim it for ourselves.
Robertson begins by sharing his own journey of reconciling his queerness and his faith. He artfully captures life experiences that are simultaneously unique to him and pervasive throughout the LGBTQ+ Christian community: hiding his queerness, loving Jesus, trusting and then getting betrayed by a church, seminary, conversion therapy, and public outing.
Parallel to his coming out story, Robertson describes his deconstruction journey. All too often, young evangelicals are reprimanded for asking too many questions, for exploring theology outside the purview of their specific congregation, or for simply appearing too “different.” Robertson’s journey highlighted those realities in a relatable way.
He then moves to a brief overview of the most well-known “clobber passages,” the handful of cherry-picked Bible verses that are most often used to demonize LGBTQ+ people. Of all the examinations I’ve read of these verses, Robertson offers the most concise and clear explanations I’ve seen.
He jumps into Hebrew and Greek word studies when necessary, but does so in a way that doesn’t bog the text down in unnecessarily academic jargon. It’s accessible and relatable.
He also includes a practical response for each “clobber passage” the reader can use if they engage in conversation with non-affirming people attempting to use these verses to justify their homophobia. After reviewing the “clobber passages,” Robertson invites the reader to consider the stories of some beloved Bible characters from a queer perspective.
While he invites us to reflect on some of these relationships in a romantic way (such as the relationship between David and Jonathan), Robertson also reminds the reader that queer is not necessarily synonymous with romantic or sexual.
His treatment of the relationship between Ruth and Naomi is particularly compelling, as he argues that they had a queer relationship simply because it subverted practically all social norms of the time related to age, nationality, religious affiliation and marital status. This approach to their story allows the reader to reflect upon the relationships in their own lives that subvert modern social convention and how those relationships are life-giving to them.
Robertson concludes “Queer & Christian” with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions he receives from LGBTQ+ Christians on their journey to reconcile their queerness and their faith. These topics include things such as coming out, dating and marriage, sexual ethics and engaging with non-affirming individuals.
Here, his pastoral nature truly shines. His advice is thoughtful, pragmatic, and compassionate, inviting the reader to reflect on their own mental and spiritual groundedness before making any decisions themselves.
“God’s love overcomes fear” is a drum Robertson beats throughout the book. In each section, whether he addresses his own story, scripture, or arguments in favor of homophobia, he grounds the reader with the assurance that God doesn’t want them to be fearful.
This incredibly pastoral approach makes what is understandably an anxiety-inducing conversation for many people a hope-filled opportunity instead. Because he used this framework, I believe this book will be a healing balm for many LGBTQ+ people (Christian or not) and their allies.
For this reader, Robertson’s latest book is an easy 5 out of 5 stars. It’s a resource I can’t wait to share with my congregation and will be recommending fervently.
“Queer & Christian” will be released on May 27, but is currently available for pre-order through Robertson’s website.
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A bivocational pastor, writer and spiritual director based in Williamsburg, Virginia, she currently works as a Spiritual Director at Reclamation Theology. Cawthon-Freels is the author of Reclamation: A Queer Pastor’s Guide to Finding Spiritual Growth in the Passages Used to Harm Us (Nurturing Faith Books), and a contributing correspondent at Good Faith Media.
