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Monday, May 7, 2012

Spiritual Friendship

My internet (and sometimes real life!) friends Ron Belgau and Wesley Hill have started a new blog under the title of Spiritual Friendship.  Ron and Wesley are both doctoral students, Ron in philosophy and Wesley in Biblical studies, and both men are also celibate, gay Christians, committed to the traditional Christian sexual ethic. 

Here is how they describe their new blog. 
We embrace the traditional understanding that God created us male and female, and that His plan for sexual intimacy is only properly fulfilled in the union of husband and wife in marriage. However, this blog was born out of frustration with the prevailing narratives about homosexuality from those who embrace this traditionally Christian sexual ethic: an excessive focus on political issues, and the ubiquity of reparative therapy in one form or another.
We want to see more discussion of celibacy, friendship, the value of the single life, and similar topics.
I have gained a lot from the work both these guys are doing, and I think their project is very important for the whole Church, not just those who have homosexual desires.  Recovering a robust theology of friendship and of celibacy is an important part of responding to many of the problems our culture has with understanding love and sex. 
They are also providing a valuable service to the Church by pointing out the genuine homophobia that exists in so many Christian responses to gay people.
I also highly recommend Wesley Hill's book, Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulnes and Homosexuality.  I think this may be the best book out there on the topic right now.

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