From Indecent Theology to Asexual Theology: Another Move in Queer Theological Method

This paper brings asexuality studies to bear on Marcella Althaus-Reid’s indecent theology to consider: How can Althaus-Reid’s indecent theology aid us in theologizing asexuality? And how might asexuality studies speak back to and enrich Althaus-Reid’s indecent theology. Despite the hypersexuality and latent compulsory sexuality of indecent theology, Althaus-Reid’s work helpfully unveils and critiques the pervasive cisheteropatrichy latent in mainstream Western “Theology” (including many liberation theologies), and second, returns to the material conditions of the poor, including the sexual dimensions of their lives, as an alternative starting point for indecent theological reflection. Returning theology to lived experience can, and should, move us to engage experiences of asexuality.