About Dr. Luther

Dr. Luther is an artist, public theologian, and social justice advocate. He is an Assistant Professor of Religion and Society at Boston University School of Theology. Ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Dr. Luther is the Pastor of Worship and Spiritual Formation at Lighthouse Church of Chicago and past Council Moderator of the Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance (AllianceQ).

Luther earned his B.S. in Audio Engineering Technology from Belmont University, M.Div. from Vanderbilt University, and a M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology from The Ohio State University. Luther’s research examines the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and religion.

Much of Luther’s academic and community work seeks to address class inequalities, racial injustice, and systems of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and other disadvantaged groups. His recently published articles “To Condemn or Not to Condemn” (in Sociology of Religion) and “Ye Double-Minded” (in Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion) examine how homophobia in the Black Church is expressed and perceived by parishioners and suggest potential ways to address non-affirmation in these spaces.

 

Rev. Dr.  Luther Young featured in the
Chicago Reader People Issue 2025

The Justice-Championing Pastor

“The Black church is not a monolith. There’s a diversity of perspectives and that diversity can be surprising sometimes.”

READ MORE

 

Story by Devyn Marshall-Brown; Photos by Kirk Williamson

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22

February 2026

Sunday Morning Preacher
Lighthouse Church of Chicago

2335 N. Orchard St.
Chicago, IL 60614
11:30 a.m. CDT

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15

March 2026

Guest Worship Leader
LaSalle Street Church

1136 N La Salle Dr,
Chicago, IL 60610
10:00 a.m. CDT

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