Rylee McDonal ~ Copy Editor
The creators of the podcast and website called Queer Theology visited the University of Lynchburg to present a lecture on queer theology and religious belief.
The lecture was held on Monday, Sept. 26 in Snidow Chapel by creators Brian Murphy and Father Shay Kearns, whose podcast explores how queerness can enrich faith.
Both Murphy and Father Kearns are queer men who grew up in religious families.
While growing up, they both faced their own individual challenges with their sexuality and identity. Through these challenges they both were able to not only come to terms with their identity, but also their own spirituality.
Murphy identified himself as an atheist, while Father Kearns is ordained as a priest in the Old Catholic Church.
While these two could not be more different, they both have not only been able to come together and start and not only create an online community for queer people, but also have managed to become very close friends.
At the beginning of the lecture, I was assuming that there would be some type of sermon or some type of religious expression that would drive me out of the chapel as I am not a very religious man myself.
However, what the lecture actually became was completely different.
While they spoke of their own insecurities and challenges, I ended up reflecting on my own life as a gay man.
I grew up being insecure with my own sexuality and whether or not I wanted to be religious, and if I would be accepted by those around me.
I realized I was not alone in this sense, and that it was almost natural to feel confused about these ideas.
As well, I realized that regardless of who you are or how you identify, you can still be spiritual, without having to believe in a higher power. Even without a church or a god, you can still choose to be spiritual, and to believe in something more than yourself.
I have chosen to believe in myself, as a gay man, as a future educator, and, more importantly, as a person.
While it is not necessary for anyone to read this and think they should believe in exactly what I believe or feel how I feel, it is an opportunity for others to reflect and think about their own spirituality.
Overall, the talk was a very eye opening experience, with different perspectives and ideas being used rather than a religious sermon.
