The aim of this study is to explore whether activism can counteract and prevent exclusion in Christian tradition and practice. The analysis is helped by queer theologian Marcella Althaus-Reid as a primary theoretical standpoint. The study is based on Petra Carlsson's exploration of the queer nuns and activists: The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and the movement will be elucidated and interpreted through queer theology as expressed by Althaus-Reid. The method used is a textual analysis, where the study will compare Althaus-Reid’s queer theology and Carlsson’s radical material theology; with the aim to present, analyse and discuss activism.  First, Althaus-Reid’s queer theology is systematized thematically based on the studies analysis points: the body, symbols and activism. Secondly, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are presented and depicted through Carlsson’s interpretation of the movement. After this the queer nuns are compared to Althaus-Reid's queer theology, followed by a comparison of Althaus-Reid’s and Carlsson’s theologies. Lastly, with the help of Erik Gyll, the study discusses the situation for LGBT people in religious environments, such as church, and possible consequences of queer activism- and theology in Christian communities.  Althaus-Reid emphasises the need to do theology from different bodies/parts, especially those that have been excluded. She wants to liberate theological concepts from a heteronormative framework, which she believes limits people’s understanding of and access to God. Multiplicity is also prominent with Carlsson. She advocates for a performative viewpoint, that through adding expressions and expanding the imagery, it is also possible to create and change reality. The analysis indicates a need for theology which can embrace real life and experiences. The research shows that for those who create and engage in alternative expressions or activism, such participation enables access to symbols and spaces from which they were previously excluded. Therefore, it is also reasonable to conclude that it is a relevant and fruitful approach as long as people are still excluded from Christian communities, and the church is not a safe place for everyone.

This thesis explores how hope in relation to the threats to the earth’s biosphere can be formulated theologically. The starting-point is a questioning of hope raised by the French sociologist and anthropologist Bruno Latour. In Facing Gaia. Eight Lectures on the New Climatic Regime (2015) he asks why so little has happened to reduce the emissions of CO2. Parts of his answers relate to the view that hope is preventing action. Since hope is a central part of Christian doctrine, this study lets Latours scepticism meet some eco-theological litterature, mainly representing evangelical, orthodox and radical material theology, and religious naturalism. Since critic against eschatology is important in Latours explanatory model, this theme is discussed together with the possibilities of the church practices of liturgy and eucharistic celebration, especially in relation to the concept of time and space, the latter elaborated by the radical material theologian Petra Carlsson Redell. Although putting different emphasis on an ultimate eschatological hope, all authors stress the importance of acting now. The evangelical authors Daniel Brunner et al. present a strategy “living as if”, practicing restoration of the Earth here and now. In religious naturalism the hope lies in the common biological ground for all humanity and living things, also leading to a caring ethics. In general, relationality and materiality as well as including marginalized voices are important concepts when the authors are formulating environmental ethics and eco-theology.  The concept of hope is shown to be important to define, in order to sort out especially false hope from a possibly fruitful concept: resilient hope. A resilient hope is grounded in Christian discipleship, is adaptive and able to recover. It is in a reciprocal relation to action. To develop a resilient hope I argue that it is important to allow both desperation and hope, since the free moving between the two “poles” can act liberating and enable action. A resilient hope gives space for scepticism since it is grounded in a reality always on the move. It is open for emergence and construction. Christianity has resources to house the space between hope and despair both in central biblical narratives and in bodily practices as liturgy and eucharist. Resilient hope in this thesis is earthbound, withstands being lost, and arises again and again in search for new constructive possibilities.