Monastic Desires - Derek Krueger

Monastic Desires: Homoeroticism, Homophobia, and the Love of God by Derek Krueger offers a groundbreaking exploration of Byzantine monasticism, medieval Orthodox Christianity, and the complex relationship between homoeroticism, homophobia, and spiritual devotion. Focusing on the influential Byzantine abbot Symeon the New Theologian (949–1022), Krueger examines how Symeon challenged the prevailing homophobic norms of medieval Orthodox society by expressing an intensely homoerotic longing for God and portraying divine union as a form of mystical marriage. The book explores the Orthodox doctrine of theosis, the deification of the whole person, while also addressing the tension between spiritual desire, bodily salvation, and monastic ideals of sexual renunciation. Drawing upon sermons, biblical commentaries, saints' lives, and Byzantine devotional practices, the author demonstrates how desire was transformed rather than erased within monastic life. By placing Eastern Christian monasticism within the broader history of sexuality, this scholarly work opens new avenues of research in religious studies, Byzantine history, gender studies, and cultural history, making it an essential resource for academics, researchers, and graduate students.

Key Topics

• Byzantine monasticism and medieval Orthodox Christianity
• Homoeroticism and homophobia in religious history
• Symeon the New Theologian and mystical theology
• Theosis and the spiritual transformation of desire
• Sexuality, devotion, and religious identity in Byzantium
• Saints, icons, and medieval Orthodox worship
• Gender, cultural history, and the history of Christianity

Reasons to Choose This Book by Derek Krueger

• Presents the first sustained study of homoeroticism and homophobia in medieval Orthodox Christianity
• Offers an innovative perspective on Byzantine monastic spirituality and the history of sexuality
• Written by leading Byzantine scholar Derek Krueger
• Combines theology, history, gender studies, and cultural analysis
• An essential academic resource for scholars and graduate students
• Published by Cambridge University Press, ensuring outstanding scholarly quality

Monastic Desires is a pioneering academic work that redefines the study of Byzantine Christianity, monastic spirituality, and the history of sexuality. Through meticulous historical research and innovative interpretation, Derek Krueger provides a compelling examination of desire, theology, and identity in medieval Constantinople, making this volume an indispensable reference for readers interested in religious history, theology, medieval studies, and gender studies.