In this episode we discuss whether our sexualities are something we're born with or whether our childhood development and cultural influences play a part on shaping our desires. We also talk about some of the damage that can be done if we follow all our innate desires, and discuss the doctrine of original sin and what that means for us.  And we point to the goodness of God in helping us understand what's best for us. Resources mentioned and related The Plausibility Problem Ed Shaw The Plausibility Problem: A Review Steve Ward Why Are Some People Same-sex Attracted? Ed Shaw Born This Way ..read more

We continue our exploration of Ed Shaw's book, The Plausibility Problem by looking at what family really means for a Christian. We look at how Jesus defines family and why that's good news for single, celibate people. We also talk about practical steps we can take to live as family and share our lives with one another in a meaningful way. Resources mentioned and related The Plausibility Problem Ed Shaw The Plausibility Problem: A Review Steve Ward What Does Jesus Teach About Nuclear Family? Andrew Bunt Singles Need Family Time Too Andrew Bunt Why I Need My Single Friends Alison Bolton On Scan ..read more

In this series, the team and guests take a tour of Ed Shaw's book, The Plausibility Problem, looking at the misstep he identifies in each chapter. This first episode explores the question of whether our identity is our sexuality. We discuss what part sexuality plays in shaping our identity, how we can find an identity rooted in Christ and how we can balance the reality of our struggles with sin with our status as children of God. Resources mentioned and related The Plausibility Problem Ed Shaw The Plausibility Problem: A Review Steve Ward Should I Call Myself Gay? (Questions No One Wants To A ..read more

This bonus compilation episode features 13 guests from our second Meet The Authors series answering a series of five questions. They talk about what they'd say to their younger selves, recommend some resources, discuss what churches have done to help them, share what's been good about being same-sex attracted and / or single, and give some top tips for deepening healthy intimacy in friendship. Resources mentioned Embodied Preston Sprinkle People To Be Loved Preston Sprinkle Single Gay Christian Greg Coles The Plausibility Problem Ed Shaw Why Does God Care Who I Sleep With? Sam Allberry Longin ..read more

Andy shares the biblical hope and truth that keeps him going as a same-sex attracted Christian. He also talks about his experience as a single pastor and how that's uniquely equipped him to support others. In the second half of the show, we explore Andy's writing about exorcism. He explains that the response to Satan’s normal attacks on the believer isn’t exorcism. We need to be alert to spiritual attack whilst being careful that we don't demonise those whose particular battle is gay temptation. We also discuss his blog series on good pastoral support for same-sex attracted Christians and the ..read more

Anne shares her story of growing up gay and coming to faith in Christ at university. She talks about what has been good and what has been hard about being a same-sex attracted Christian, and what it is about God that keeps her going. We discuss her writing about what it means to be a truly inclusive church, why it's important that straight allies listen to all LGBT voices and how we can fully support friends in the grief and pain of coming out of a gay relationship. Resources mentioned What's Good About Struggling With Same-sex Attraction? Anne Witton What Does it Mean to be a Truly Inclusiv ..read more

As a single, same-sex attracted man, Stuart shares how he finds his needs for intimacy are met in godly friendships and church community. We also talk about how we can honour God in celibacy and find it emotionally and spiritually satisfying, and we discover what everyone's favourite Christmas carols are. Resources mentioned and related True Friendship: A Review Stuart Ferguson A War of Loves: A Review Stuart Ferguson Securely Single course Journey UK ..read more

Andrew talks about the relevance of 1 Corinthians to our contemporary culture and the importance of grounding sexual ethics in the bigger picture of marriage, the gospel and God's creation plan for human flourishing. We also discuss how to engage with people who disagree with us on sexual ethics and how to teach well on sexuality as a church leader, with the need for it to be rooted in honouring singleness and church as family. Resources mentioned and related The True Sexual Revolution Andrew Wilson Sexuality and the Gospel Andrew Wilson This is About That Ed Shaw 1 Corinthians For You Andre ..read more

Community paediatrician Julie Maxwell shares her experience of working with youth and navigating the transgender conversation. She gives some helpful advice, practical tips and resources for parents, youth leaders and others who are trying to support young people questionning their gender identity. Resources mentioned Parenting a Child Questioning Their Gender Identity Lovewise Online The Cass Review (Independent review of gender identity services for children and young people) Irreversible Damage: Teenage Girls and the Transgender Craze Abigail Shrier Gender: A Wider Lens Podcast Bayswater ..read more

In this show we talk to Andrew Bunt about his new book, Finding Your Best Identity: A Short Christian Introduction to Identity, Sexuality and Gender. He shows how his own personal experience of wrestling with these questions has helped him understand what's at the heart of the struggle for identity. We discuss the ways that culture encourages us to form our sense of who we are and explore some practical ways that we can live out our true identity in Christ. Resources mentioned Finding Your Best Identity: A Short Christian Introduction to Identity, Sexuality and Gender Andrew Bunt Purposeful ..read more