"När som en krigsman i hans här ..."
en queerläsning av tidig svensk pingströrelse
QueerPentecostalPerformativityInterpellationEvangelistsPingströrelsenPerformativitetEvangelisterGender studiesGenusvetenskapHistory of the Christian churchKristna kyrkans historiaSocial SciencesPhilosophy and Religion
The aim of this essay is to do a queer reading of the early Swedish pentecostal movement, with a special focus on the women within the movement. The main empirical material is Gustaf Emil Söderholms Den svenska pingstväckelsens historia part I and II, published 1927 and 1928, in addition to this a selection of articles from the Swedish pentecostal magazine Evangelii Härold has been used. The theoretical framework consists of Judith Butler's concepts of heterosexual matrix and performativity, as well as interpellation, and of Adrienne Rich's concept of a lesbian continuum. The analysis shows that the evangelist role, as well as the charismatic practices of the movement, made it possible for women to take the position as leader and teacher of congregations, and thereby take up a male subject position. The role as evangelist also made possible a life outside of the heterosexual norm, within the lesbian continuum.