Living Out Podcast

How should Christians who are attracted to the same sex describe themselves? In this episode, the team talk about the pros and cons of labelling ourselves as 'celibate gay Christians' or 'same-sex attracted Christians.'We talk about the importance of clarity in communication, how what we say about ourselves plays into our identity and give some words of wisdom for young people coming to terms with their own same-sex attraction.Resources mentioned and relatedThe Christian Debate Over Sexual Identity: Orientation And Labelling Sam AllberryIt’s Not My Identity, But It Is My Story Anne WittonIs My Sexuality Who I Am? Andrew BuntTake Your Time Ed ShawWhat's Good About Struggling With Same-sex Attraction? Anne WittonSingle Gay Christian Greg ColesIs God Anti-Gay? Sam AllberryThe Plausibility Problem Ed Shaw“Gay” Vs. “Same Sex Attraction:” A Dialogue Greg Coles and Rachel Gilson

A panel wrestles with how to define conversion therapy and where it happens. They discuss real-life examples and the theological drivers behind attempts to change sexuality. The conversation covers harms people face and distinctions between coercion, counselling and pastoral care. They debate the risks of poorly drafted bans and what legislation should consider.

A trailer for the third series of the Living Out podcast where we'll be discussing questions that no one wants to answer.

In the final podcast of this series, Ed, Andy and Andrew discuss whether holding to a traditional biblical sexual ethic puts us on the crazy end of the spectrum of historic and global Christianity.They also explore why people in secular society might think that Living Out's view on sexuality is crazy.Resources mentionedLiving Out storiesThe Gospel in a Pluralist Society Lesslie Newbigin

Andrew, Andy and Anne talk about how they've each come to feel more at ease with their sexuality and how they've been able to develop good friendships in spite of the pitfalls.The show also explores pathways out of shame for the Christian and the importance of having an identity that is rooted in Christ.Resources mentionedHow Can I Find Freedom from the Weight of Sexual Sin? Dan ReidHow Do You Cope With Ongoing Same-sex Attraction? Ed ShawHow Can I Find Freedom from Shame? Rob WoodWhat's Good About Struggling With Same-sex Attraction? Anne Witton

In today's show, Anne, Ed and Andy discuss whether sexuality is really a big deal. Why are Christians obsessed with sex when there seem to be so many other pressing issues? Do Christians need to fall out over sexual ethics or is it something we can just agree to disagree on? How can we respond when churches and denominations change their stance?Resources mentionedWhy Can't Christians Agree to Differ? Sam AllberryWhat Is Sexuality for? Ed ShawWhy Should the Church Be Debating Homosexuality? Ed ShawHow Can We Have Good Discussions With Christians Who Disagree With Us on Sexuality? Andrew GoddardI Will Follow Jon Guerra

For many people, same-sex attraction can feel very isolating. Ed, Andy and Anne discuss how, over time, they felt less alone and were able to get support from friends and church. We also share some advice for those just becoming aware of their sexualities and wanting support and we look at helpful things churches can do. And we also learn about Ed's imaginary wife.Resources mentionedWashed and Waiting Wesley HillTrue Freedom TrustLiving Out storiesShould A Church Start a Group for Same-Sex Attracted Members? Charlie SkrineWhat Does Good Pastoral Support Look Like? (Part 1) Andy RobinsonWhat Does Good Pastoral Support Look Like? (Part 2) Andy RobinsonWhat Does Good Pastoral Support Look Like? (Part 3) Andy RobinsonLiving Out Church Audit

Today we're discussing whether God is unfair when he says that sex should only be within a marriage between one man and one woman. Ed, Andy and Anne recount their personal experiences of wrestling with this question and share some favourite biblical encouragements.We talk about the good things about being single, the importance of trusting in the character of our good Father and not making sexuality the biggest thing in our lives. We'll also find out what Ed likes to read on a beach holiday.Resources mentioned and relatedIsn't God Being Unfair?Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices Thomas BrooksWhat's Good About Struggling With Same-sex Attraction? Anne WittonHow Can You Live Life Without Sex? Ed ShawThe True Sexual Revolution Andrew WilsonVaughan Roberts on Singleness Vaughan RobertsWhat is the Gift of Singleness? Andrew Bunt7 Myths About Singleness Sam AllberryIs It Ever Responsible for People With Same-same Attraction to Get Married? Sean DohertyMarriage As A Trailer

Andrew, Andy and Anne dive into the practicalities of living as same-sex attracted Christians seeking to be faithful to biblical teaching on sexuality. Each shares the difficulties, what has helped and the surprising blessings that have come from experiening this particular struggle.We also look at how the church can help make discipleship for same-sex attracted Christians more doable with plenty of encouragement and signposts to further resources. We also find out why Andy's job makes Andrew feel hungry.Resources mentionedLiving Out storiesWhat's Good About Struggling With Same-sex Attraction? Anne WittonThe Living Out Church AuditThe Plausibility Problem Ed ShawHow Can I Find Freedom from the Weight of Sexual Sin? Dan Reid

In the first half of the show we explore ways in which Christians / churches have sadly harmed people in the areas of sex and sexuality. We talk about how silence has made it hard for people to feel safe and understood; how churches have sometimes created cultures of shame; and we discuss the damaging legacy of conversion therapy.In the second half, we push back on the claim that the pattern for sexuality laid out in the Bible is harmful, and we share our own experiences of the Christian sexual ethic as life-giving. Oh, and you can find out what we've all been enjoying on TV recently.Resources mentionedIsn’t the Christian Sexual Ethic Harmful and Repressive? Andrew BuntDoes Living Out Support ‘Gay Cure’ or ‘Reparative Therapy’? Ed ShawWashed and Waiting Wesley HillWhat Should We Do With Gender Stereotypes? Andrew BuntHow Biblically Inclusive Is Your Church? The Living Out Church Audit Still Time To Care Greg JohnsonLGBT and Mental Health: What’s the Link? Andrew BuntLGBTQ+ Suicide Andrew BuntHow Can You Live Life Without Sex? Ed Shaw