Abstract

In this dissertation I criticize the conflation of homosexuality with original sin. Instead of positing homosexuality as original sin, I argue that the human assertion of absolute, unequivocal truth---known as logocentrism---is original sin. Logocentrism sinfully funds ideologies like heterosexism with far reaching and damaging effects on bisexual, lesbian, and gay human beings. And yet the logic of logocentrism permeates the vast majority of twentieth and twenty first century theology as exemplified by the work of Karl Barth. Despite its oppressive effects, it is also found abundantly in the gay and lesbian liberationist projects. ;I begin by arguing that logocentrism is the hallmark of original sin. I argue that the uncompromising insistence upon timeless truth is what should be understood as original sin. Because original sin and deconstruction are not obviously related one to the other, I begin by explicating what I believe is their connection, which I find best elucidated through Derrida's critique of the metaphysics of presence and the semiotic relation of sign, signified, and signifier. I then turn a critical lens toward the works of Karl Barth. By exposing the logocentric assumptions in this vastly influential Christian thinker, I show how logocentric thought is prevalent in Christian discourse. I then argue that the preeminent gay and lesbian liberation theologians, although serving seemingly liberationist theological ends, in fact employ logocentric logic which will subsequently serve to occlude difference through epistemic self-privileging. Further, I argue that their respective logocentric articulations of gay and lesbian liberation stems from the lack of Derridean critique of the Logos. Finally, I construct an understanding of the Logos that attempts to evade and displace the Derridian charge of logocentrism---the Word made queer. Indebted to Rebecca Chopp and Mark C. Taylor, I will re-signify Word , underscoring a profound and integrated indebtedness to differance---that is, to an understanding of meaning which is relatively stable but deferred and differing from one context to another