Discovering the Comic Spirit for Preaching in LGBTQ+ Affirming Contexts

Gilbert, Bodie

Etd

Discovering the Comic Spirit for Preaching in LGBTQ+ Affirming Contexts

Public Deposited

MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Gilbert, Bodie. Discovering the Comic Spirit for Preaching In Lgbtq+ Affirming Contexts. ctschicago.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/381e4414-0f2b-4922-8009-1d363d0b0f50?locale=en.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

G. Bodie. Discovering the Comic Spirit for Preaching in LGBTQ+ Affirming Contexts. https://ctschicago.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/381e4414-0f2b-4922-8009-1d363d0b0f50?locale=en

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Gilbert, Bodie. Discovering the Comic Spirit for Preaching In Lgbtq+ Affirming Contexts. https://ctschicago.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/381e4414-0f2b-4922-8009-1d363d0b0f50?locale=en.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

Creator

Gilbert, Bodie

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Abstract

Traditional homiletical methods may fall short in addressing the needs of LGBTQ+ affirming congregations. Can the comic spirit enliven preaching in these contexts? This is not just a theoretical question but a practical and pastoral one. A praxis for preaching with the comic spirit may be characterized by the intentional use of humor, levity, wit, and comedy to reveal theological insights. Sermons in LGBTQ+ affirming congregations can be more effective by utilizing expressions of the comic spirit that are informed by the respective contexts, with special interest given to the intersectional identities and lived experiences of queer listeners. The author, an openly queer ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, engages this topic as a self-examination of praxis and centers his research primarily within three Houston congregations. Before presenting findings, literary reviews include a queering of cishet scholarship in comic homiletics and an examination of queer theologians as cognate to further inform the contextualized praxis. Where cishet homileticians have studied stand-up comedians, the author bridges the queer research gap by exploring drag performers as muse. A four-part research approach—including surveys, focus groups, field observations, and interviews—serves to inform the developing praxis and prove the thesis: the comic spirit can enliven and enhance preaching in LGBTQ+ affirming contexts. Three homiletical strategies for a queer-informed comic spirit emerge from the project: (1) disarming tension to engage the listener, (2) fostering congregational connection, and (3) balancing depth and levity. Each of these strategies serve to impact the listener through queer-affirming sermons that inspire theological insights.

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