Blessed Are the Binary Breakers
Religion & Spirituality
The spiritual landscape of nineteenth-century rural Russia blended native traditions and beliefs with Christianity; this is the world in which Black Book, an independent video game produced by Russian studio Morteshka, is set.
In this episode, Avery shares some of what Black Book taught them about this syncretism of belief (without spoiling the game, don't worry!). Then, they bring in Leslie Feinberg's 1996 text Transgender Warriors to discuss similar tensions between indigenous and Christian traditions in medieval Western Europe. What happened to other gods and spirits after the rise of Christianity? How did sorcerers like Black Book's young woman protagonist navigate this spiritual blend as they either helped or cursed the peasants who both revered and feared them for their knowledge? What's all this got to do with trans folk?
Read along with the episode transcript here.
_______
Talking Points:
(0:00 - 3:50) Introducing Black Book: playing as Vasilisa, a young sorceress in a world where people believe both in Christian and pagan teachings
(3:51 - 10:50) Gods become demons; old rituals take on Christian elements; icons & feast days blend Christian & pagan traditions
(10:51 - 13:16) Sorcerers and knowers — both revered and feared; tension between them and Christian priests
(13:17 - 21:01) Moving westward and back in time to Feudal Europe: similar tension between Christianity and native religions; transgender expression targeted
(21:02 - end) Wrapping up
_______
Blessed Are the Binary Breakers is part of the Rock Candy Podcast Network. Find more shows at www.rockcandyrecordings.com.
This show's theme song is "Aetherium" by Leah Horn.
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/binarybreakers/messageGoodness Embodied: An intersex, nonbinary first human and a disabled risen Christ
Combatting Antisemitism on Good Friday: An Alternative to the "Solemn Reproaches of the Cross"
Finding the Power in Our Queerness and Rebellion in Our Love: Neville studies and creates queer Catholic art
No end to transphobia without uprooting ableism: exploring embedded forms of oppression
Solaris Baldwin is Christian not out of fear, but out of love for a co-suffering God
Transgender Mental Health: with affirmation, community, and purpose, we thrive
How Shiva gave Rudra their name: the life of a disabled nonbinary Fijian-Canadian
Interfaith and Interracial Solidarity in the Georgia Elections
A Queer Nativity: God’s transition, Mary’s trans-gressive yes, and Joseph's trans-formation into an ally
“It’s good to have wings, but you have to have roots too”: Cultivating your own faith while embracing religious pluralism
"No one owns God" - readying yourself for respectful interfaith encounters
Halloween is a Queer Thing - from Celtic peasants to LGBT communities in the US
“Marginalized people should know not to marginalize people” - Andy’s research into bi and trans exclusion
"Helping each other be whole": trans insights into intersectionality and solidarity
"It's an honor to be trans" - Andy is a queer Quaker
Gender Diversity Pre-Patriarchy: what Genesis 24 reveals
Hagar and the Caravan - the Abrahamic God sides with the oppressed
As if their battle were my own - solidarity in current protests against police antiblackness
Mx Chris Paige is an OtherWise holy hybrid
How are trans people like Shiva, Joseph, and Joan of Arc?
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Hello Heaven Podcast
Devoted To Prayer
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Bible Recap
BardsFM