Religious Trauma, Queer Identities: Mapping the Complexities of Being LGBTQA+ in Evangelical Churches

Book info: Religious Trauma, Queer Identities: Mapping the Complexities of Being LGBTQA+ in Evangelical Churches (Hardcover, 252 pages) – Palgrave Macmillan, 2023. Language: English.

In a polarised milieu that too often posits “queer” and “Christian” as competing realms, this book explores the complexities of identity development, religious traumatisation, and the task of creating safe faith spaces in which LGBTQA+ people can find healing, particularly in the Evangelical context. First, Joel Hollier examines the historical path of Evangelicalism, providing context for the current terrain of the “culture war” we find ourselves in. He then parses out experiences of gender/sexuality and religious/spiritual identity development, grounding them in an evolving theoretical base. Finally, Hollier offers a rounded critique of Evangelical church structures and mechanisms of trauma that hinder the healing process, along with potential sources of healing. Central to this work are the voices of LGBTQA+ people whose stories weave together a deeper understanding of the harms the Church has perpetrated, and the path forward.

Joel Hollier is a social worker and academic with a background in theology and pastoral ministry. He is the author of A Place at His Table: A Biblical Exploration of Faith, Sexuality, and the Kingdom of God (2019), and is currently based at the University of Sydney, Australia.