Drag Queens are everywhere right now. Public libraries. Middle school assemblies. Neighborhood block parties. The question is, WHY is this happening? Dr. Neil Shenvi was here to help us make sense of Queer Theory, which is another branch of the Critical Social Theories.
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Interview with Dr. Neil Shenvi
Dr. Neil Shenvi is a husband and homeschooling father and he has a Ph.D. in Theoretical Chemistry from UC Berkeley. He became a Christian in graduate school and began studying Apologetics. His newly published book is entitled, "Why Believe?"
Dr. Shenvi has a wealth of knowledge and has read many primary sources within Critical Theory. Be sure to check out the plethora of book reviews on his website:
First off in our discussion, what is Queer Theory?
Unfortunately, it is hard to define! One author explains, "Queer is very much a category in the process of formation."
Dr. Shenvi's basic definition: Queer Theory's goal is to expose, to destabilize, and to trouble all traditional categories, norms, ways of thinking, and language about gender and sexuality.
How is Queer Theory related to Critical Race Theory, Feminist Theory, etc.?
At a basic level, Critical Theory is the umbrella term where society divides people into categories of "Oppressor" and "Oppressed", based on race, class, gender, sexuality, physical ability, etc. It tries to expose how oppression is embedded in ideas, such as language, symbols, norms, and values.
There are 4 major influences that produced Queer Theory today:
Critical Theory
Feminism
Gay liberation movement of the 1960s
Postmodernism
Definitions within Queer Theory:
Sex -- a biological category, male and female
Gender -- purely a social construct; language, symbols, meanings
Queer Theory seeks to trouble or dismantle the male/female binary so that the categories are indistinguishable and fluid. For example, a person with female anatomy (breasts) and a beard.
What are the implications of these theories, particularly regarding the concept of gender fluidity (as seen in the graphics of the Genderbread Person and the Unicorn)?
Sadly, it will result in a lot of broken people, which we are already seeing. For example, there is a growing community of de-transition stories. Pastors and churches need to be ready to come alongside people who have de-transitioned...be ready to help walk with them through healing and freedom in Christ.
Queer Theory is everywhere--from the most academic, heady institutions all the way to the Blue's Clues cartoon for preschoolers:
Resources
Check out Dr. Shenvi's website: https://shenviapologetics.com/
Pick up a copy of his brand new book: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Believe-Reasoned-Approach-Christianity/dp/1433579383
Check out our previous episodes with Dr. Shenvi where he breaks down the popular anti-racism/woke books being recommended in churches and in the culture at large:
Navigating the New Canon:
Navigating the New Canon, Part 2:
For more information on post-modernism and how we got here, check out a previous show we did with Dr. Aaron Preston, "Is There Such a Thing as 'My Truth'?":
Book recommendation: The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution by Carl Trueman
Also, check out the newly released "abridged version" of Carl Trueman's book (written more for the layperson) entitled, Strange New World.
To find out more about Queer Theory, Dr. Shenvi recommended this book, Queer Theory, Gender Theory by Riki Wilchins. **Note: This is NOT a Christian book; it's a primary source & pro-Queer Theory if you want to understand more.**
Dr. Shenvi also highly recommends these books:
Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters by Abigail Shrier. **Note: Not a Christian book, but very well written and NOT pro-Queer Theory**
Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions About Life and Sexuality by Nancy Pearcy.
**Note: Christian book**
God and the Transgender Debate by Andrew T. Walker. **Note: Christian book**
Connect with the Guest
Dr. Shenvi's website: https://shenviapologetics.com/
Twitter: @NeilShenvi
Teen Vogue Article
Parents (and teens!)--don't buy into this craziness!
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