This week, I am talking with Joe Miner, a celibate gay Christian in his 20's, who lives in the state of New York. Joe has developed multiple deep relationships in his life which form a major part of his community. He, as many Side B Christians, identify these relationships as committed friendships, platonic relationships which are characterized by a deeper committed and intimacy than our modern Western concept of friendship. Joe and I discuss celibacy, committed friendship, the benefits of these friendships for Christians and specifically queer people, and much more. Plus listen through the end to hear a new segment launched in this episode called "Side B or Not Side B."

Check out his blog at joeminerblog.wordpress.com. You can follow Joe on Twitter at @joeminer_ and on Instagram at @joetheminer

 

Episode Outline:

2:00 - Introductions 

5:00 - Joe shares a bit about how he has come to reconcile his faith and sexuality as a celibate gay Christian. 

16:50 - Joe and I talk about celibacy and the reality of what it looks like to pursue celibacy.

27:30 - We discuss the issue of suffering  and difficulty in the Christian's life related to being married or celibate.

35:35 - Joe shares about the concept of committed friendship and some of the committed friendships that have developed in his life.

52:30 - We discuss the concept of having anniversaries for our friendships.

55:13 - Joe shares about how his committed friendships help point him to Jesus.

59:36 - We launch a new fun segment called "Side B or Not Side B" where we discuss different culture pieces like movies and music and how well the exemplify Queer culture and specifically Side B culture.

1:08:08 - Joe shares thoughts how people interested in committed friendships can find them in their lives and communities.

 

Books Mentioned:

Wilson-Hartgrove, Reconstructing the Gospel: Finding Freedom from Slaveholder Religion. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2018.

(12:51) Hill, Wesley. Spiritual Friendships: Finding Love in the Church as a Celibate Gay Christian. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2015.

 

Music:

1. Theme Song - Driven to Success by Scott Holmes

2. Interim Music - (35:00) Come Ye Sinners (Instrumental) by Murphy, D.X. and (52:00) Hopeful Journey by Scott Holmes