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Marginality, Solidarity, and Democratic Belonging

Submitted to Program Units
1: Religion and Politics Unit

Ann Duncan, Goucher College, Presiding

Abstract for Online Program Book (maximum 150 words)

In a time of cultural divide and stark polarization, this panel highlights case study of religiously motivated solidarity with the marginalized and the implications of such solidarity for paradigms of citizenship and democratic beloning. The first urges us to look again at the Azusa Revial through the lens of queer theology to illuminate the anti-normative perspective on democratic citizenship preached within.  The second examins Jewish opinion magazines and how one in particular moved beyond its typical Jewish focus to embrace intersectional feminist activism. The third explores case studies of Christian solidarity with Palestine and the embodiment and risks of such action.

Papers

  • Kristyn Sessions, Villanova University

    Normativity, Citizenship, and Political Imagination: Keri Day’s Azusa Reimagined in Conversation with Queer Thought

    Abstract

    Violence and marginalization are woven through U.S. political life. One critical conversation in recent years centers on normativity in U.S. citizenship, a thread that theologian Keri Day picks up in her 2022 publication, Azusa Reimagined: A Radical Vision of Religious and Democratic Belonging. In Azusa Reimagined, Day explores the Azusa Revival in the context of U.S. racial capitalism and uses queer scholarship to examine Azusa’s anti-normative vision and practice of citizenship. While queer theory and queer theology serve as important resources for the book, I argue that Day’s constructive proposal for political moodiness and a project of radical inclusion, belonging, and intimacy risks shoring up rather than effectively resisting the normativity paradigm it seeks to contest. Ultimately, the project would benefit from deeper engagement with negative theology of queer theologian, Marcella Althaus-Reid, to reframe its conclusions and enrich ongoing discussions around normativity, violence, and U.S. citizenship. 

  • Olli Saukko, University of Helsinki

    Jewish opinion magazines, intersectionality, and the Obama era culture wars

    Abstract

    Intersectional feminism entered mainstream American social discourse at the end of Obama’s presidency. How did two Jewish opinion magazines from different ends of the ideological spectrum, namely the neoconservative Commentary and Tikkun on the liberal left, address this phenomenon? The presentation focuses on the discourse concerning the emergence of intersectionality, which was one of the key elements of the culture wars that took place – mostly online – during the mid-2010s. The presentation shows how the political outlooks of the magazines affected the ways in which intersectionality was embraced, rejected or questioned in their writings. Additionally it offers analysis on how the Jewish background and profile of both publications affected their approaches to the topic.

  • Destiny Magnett,
    Elom Tettey-Tamaklo, Harvard Divinity School

    Costly Solidarity: Case Studies in Global Christian Solidarity with Palestine

    Abstract

    This paper explores global movements of Christian solidarity with Palestine. Within the theoretical frames of decolonial theory and liberation theology, we delve into the practical application of these approaches within Christian movements supporting Gaza and broader Palestine since October 7th, 2023. Furthermore, we also argue  that confronting Christian Zionism and its roots in empire can act as community-centered decolonial practice in these spaces. Using two case studies, we examine the transformative power of these movements on theology, liturgy, and ritual. Our first case study examines a South African-led delegation of Christian leaders who traveled to Bethlehem to witness Rev. Munther Isaac's sermon "Christ in the Rubble" as a powerful act of solidarity. Our second case study focuses on global Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage during Lent. Together with our theoretical foundations, these examples reveal how Christian communities worldwide are engaging in embodied protest and ritualized solidarity across diverse geographic and cultural landscapes.

Audiovisual Requirements

Resources

LCD Projector and Screen

Full Papers Available

No
Program Unit Options

Session Length

90 Minutes
Schedule Info

Sunday, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Tags

American Judaism
culture wars
Intersectionality
#palestine
#Liberation Theology
#Decolonial theory
#global Christianity
#nonviolence

Session Identifier

A24-329