Queer Theory, Biblical Studies and LGBT issues.

The debates concerning gay marriage, the ordination of gay clergy, or the general inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgendered individuals within religious contexts have been vociferous and controversial. The Bible and traditional theology have played a very significant role in these debates, often on the side of conservative viewpoints. However, queer theory, together with gender theory destabilizes the ground on which traditional theologies and biblical studies have been based, compelling scholars to rethink the foundations of these disciplines and reconsider the ways in which their exegetical and theological work has an inevitable impact for contemporary political debate. Now is an extremely fitting time to explore the ways in which the Bible is used within a range of discourses – political, religious, social – in order to assess how its texts are selected, interpreted and wielded to support, or not support the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered individuals. And to explore how queer theologies and queer biblical studies contributes to an alternative discourse that can have a transformatory effect upon these disciplines and, ultimately, upon contemporary debate.

To find out more about studying for a PhD at the University of Birmingham, including full details of the research undertaken in each school, the funding opportunities for each subject, and guidance on making your application, you can now order your copy of the new Doctoral Research Prospectus, at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/drp.aspx

CAL Doctoral Scholarships
Each year the College of Arts and Law offers a number of doctoral scholarships, to cover fees and maintenance, for study starting in October. These are available to both home/EU and overseas students; they cover tuition fees at UK/EU rates, plus a maintenance stipend (of around £13,590). The 2013/14 competition is now closed. The deadline for applications was 4pm, Monday 28 January 2013. Please check back later in the year for details of the 2014/15 competition. Applications should be made using the College Scholarship Application form; full details are available here: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/calgs/scholarships/drfunding.aspx