“Religious Trauma, Queer Identities: Mapping the Complexities of Being LGBTQA+ in Evangelical Churches“
by Joel Hollier
Palgrave MacMillan, 2023

At A Glance: “Religious Trauma, Queer Identities” explores the historical and ongoing tensions between queer identities and Evangelical Christianity, highlighting both the traumas inflicted by church structures and potential paths to healing.

Overview: “Religious Trauma, Queer Identities: Mapping the Complexities of Being LGBTQA+ in Evangelical Churches” by Joel Hollier delves into the intricate relationship between queer identities and Christian faith within Evangelical contexts. Hollier begins by tracing the historical evolution of Evangelicalism to provide context for the ongoing “culture war” surrounding queer and Christian identities.

He examines the development of gender, sexuality, and religious identities, grounding his analysis in contemporary theoretical frameworks. The book critiques Evangelical church structures and the mechanisms of trauma they perpetuate, while also highlighting potential paths to healing.

Central to Hollier’s work are the personal stories of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, which offer profound insights into the harms inflicted by the Church and suggest ways forward for creating safe and inclusive faith spaces.

Also By This Author:
“A Place at His Table: A Biblical Exploration of Faith, Sexuality, and the Kingdom of God”

Thoughts from Readers: