Stephen and guest Ciarra Jones (the Gardening Theologian) discuss _Leviticus_ (2026), queerness in Christian communities, and why this hopeful but haunting ending is perfect. Ciarra brings a wealth of experience in DEI program management and Christian theology to the conversation, so don't miss this episode.

Chapter:

00:00 Queerness, church, and human sexuality

00:31 Introducing Ciarra and the film Leviticus

01:02 Finding common ground through film criticism

08:10 After the Bomb: choosing The Matrix

13:08 Deconstruction, curiosity, and transcending doom

16:37 Solarpunk, Scavengers Reign, and nature

22:51 From climate crisis to Leviticus

26:40 Repression, “invasive theology,” and queer horror

30:39 The church, fear, and outsourced violence

35:56 Demons, isolation, and Naim’s guilt

39:22 Religious shame and the fear of desire

48:16 Does the film separate faith from extremism?

52:34 The church’s hidden harm and displaced responsibility

61:34 What Leviticus actually says about queerness

69:56 Faith, reconstruction, and imagining a different God

75:30 A hopeful but realistic ending

79:10 Internalized fear, curiosity, and sexual identity

86:14 Mother Mary, Companion, and movie spoilers

89:01 Why horror deserves more awards recognition

90:36 Closing thoughts and Patreon plug

91:11 Credits