Queer and Indecent: An Introduction to the Theology of Marcella Althaus Reid

by Thia Cooper

The work of Marcella Maria Althaus-Reid is both groundbreaking and notoriously difficult to read, as it blends theories from post-colonial studies, queer studies, gender and sexuality studies, and feminist and liberation theologies. 
Offering a much needed introduction to the work of the theologian, Queer and Indecent shows the development of Althaus-Reid’s core concepts - indigeneity, economic oppression, the body, indecency, heterosexuality, and sex, as well as setting her life in context with an overview of her stance on feminist teaching and activism, and her critique of Latin American liberation theology. 
Designed to introduce a new generation to her work, the book serves as both an indispensable guidebook and a launchpad for students to explore her extraordinary writing for themselves.

Genres: Theology

224 pages, Paperback

Published March 31, 2021

About the author

Thia Cooper is Professor of Religion at Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota.

Reviews

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s an excellent introduction. Non-critical, but that’s fine. 4/5 because It seemed to uncritically support all of MAR’s ideas, some of which I think are at best incoherent and at worst nearly heretical.

Glad I read the book though - and if someone asks me about MAR, this is a good place to get an orientation.

[Elin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A week ago I finally finished this book: “Queer and Indecent” Thia Cooper’s introduction to the queer theologian Marcell Altheus Reid

I adored it, I’ve studied theology a lot in my life but not this kind. I found Marcella Altheus Reid exactly what I needed. It’s challenging and queer.

Altheus Reid challenges the western perspective on Christian theology - which is patriarchal, colonial, anti-queer, capitalist and anti body. I love her passion for the marginalized, poor and outcast and that knowing them we can truly know God. God became human himself in Jesus Christ and therefore all theology must be about real bodies and real lives.

I’ve got a lot of thoughts from this book and I look forward to read more queer theologians, but I can’t write all about it here. Have anyone else read Altheus Reid? Please write in the comments, I’d love to discuss her work more with others.

Sad, though, as an asexual reader and theologian I can’t help but notice that asexuality is a word used in the meaning of benign anti queer and anti s**ual freedom. It’s saddening since this book was so aware of queer identities and labels otherwise. I’m beginning to become more used to it, though. I won’t ignore it since I do think it’s a huge problem that asexuality is interpreted this way and I find it important to address, but let’s just say we can clearly see the need of MORE queer perspectives in theology. Ace IS queer, too. But I guess even a brilliant queer theologian as Altheus Reid can’t know everything. There’s always need for more theology…. And more queer representation and perspectives.


#queertheology #queertheologians #christianandlgbtq #queerchristians #marcellaalthausreid #queerandindecent

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short and very readable introductory text, and highly recommended for undergraduates. As a postgrad I found the book to be quite repetitious, but this can be a virtue in an introduction of this kind. I wish there was a chapter about the reception of Althaus Reid's work. How has it been developed? How has it been critiqued? I also wish Cooper had put more of themselves in the text. What does it look like for another theologian to work with Althaus Reid's ideas?

[Jacob May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid overview of MAR. This will now be my recommendation for anyone interested in an intro to her work.

[Andrew Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid introduction to the work of a theologian who can be difficult to understand. Suitable for M. Div sorts or those pursuing a D. Min. This book helped me understand Queer Theology.