Journal of Bisexuality, 10:108–120, 2010
Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
ISSN: 1529-9716 print / 1529-9724 online
DOI: 10.1080/15299711003609740
Reading Althaus-Reid: As a Bi Feminist
Theo/Methodological Resource
MARGARET ROBINSON
Toronto School of Theology, University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto, Canada
This article examines the queer theology of Marcella Althaus-Reid
in light of the author’s recent qualitative research with bisexual
women in the Greater Toronto Area. Althaus-Reid identifies herself
as a “queer among queers,” and her work builds upon postcolonial
and liberation theology. Five themes in her work offer a framework
for constructing a bisexual feminist theology: (1) valuing queer
culture, (2) sexualizing theology, (3) reframing authority, (4) tak-
ing metaphor seriously, and (5) reclaiming the sacred. The author
notes the promise and problems in Althaus-Reid’s work on these
subjects and offers some directions for bisexual feminist theology.
KEYWORDS: bisexuality, Catholicism, community, erasure, femi-
nism, Goddess, justice, Latin America, liberation, Marcella Althaus-
Reid, Mariology, monogamy, polyamory, postcolonial, qualitative
study, Queer God, religion, social sin, theology
QUEER THEOLOGY AS METHODOLOGICAL RESOURCE
Bisexual women have a complex relationship with Christianity. A study by
Darren Sherkat (2002) found that we showed the lowest rate of Church at-
tendance and the second-lowest frequency of prayer. Yet compared with
lesbians and gay men, more bisexual women identified with the faith tradi-
tion in which we were raised (Sherkat). Why are bisexual women remaining
attached to traditions, even as our practice of that tradition dwindles? I believe
the answer lies in the lack of a well-developed bisexual feminist theology.
This article outlines a method for such a theology based on the work of
bisexual theologian Marcella Althaus-Reid. By theology I mean a rational and
Address correspondence to Margaret Robinson, PhD. E-mail: margaret.robinson@
utoronto.ca
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