Slouching Towards Gaytheism: Christianity and Queer Survival in America (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781438451121)

Slouching towards Gaytheism brings together two intellectual traditions--the New Atheism and queer theory--and moves beyond them to offer a new voice for gay Americans and atheists alike. Examining the continued vehemence of homophobia in cultural and political debate regarding queer equality, this unabashed polemic insists that the needs met by religion might be met--more safely and less toxically--by forms of community that do not harass and malign gay and lesbian Americans or impede collective social progress. W. C. Harris argues that compromises with traditional religion, no matter how enlightened or well intentioned, will ultimately leave heteronormativity alive and well. He explores a range of recent movements, such as Dan Savage's "It Gets Better" project, reparative "ex-gay" therapy, Christian purity culture, and attempts by liberal Christians to reconcile religion with homosexuality, and shows how these proposed solutions are either inadequate or positively dangerous. According to the author, the time has come for "gaytheism" leaving religion behind in order to preserve queer dignity, rights, and lives.

Author: W. C. Harris
ISBN-10: 1438451121
ISBN-13: 9781438451121
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Language: English
Published: 04/01/2014
Pages: 277
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.82lbs
Size: 9.11h x 6.07w x 0.73d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 11/01/2014 pg. 463