Can you be GAY and CHRISTIAN?

The words "gay" and "Christian" are not often used in the same sentence. If they are, it’s not usually in a positive light. References in the Bible have suggested that homosexuality is a sin and there are some die-hard Christians who won’t let anyone forget this. We’ve seen them chanting homophobic slurs and holding up offensive placards at Mardi Gras parades, town halls, even at funerals and weddings, all with the intention to discriminate and shame those who give in to their ‘temptations’!

Hateful speech disguised under the language of salvation has reined church services that are entirely dedicated to condemn homosexuality. Yet isn’t this intolerant behavior a sin itself, more so than whom a person loves? Does it not defy the essence of God, who is an all-mighty being of unconditional love and acceptance?

Perhaps those references in the Bible has been misinterpreted and taken out of context. Besides, are we really supposed to literally take in everything the Bible says to heart? After all, the Bible was not actually written by God, but rather by his followers and their interpretation of his word.

Of course there are varying degrees of acceptance amongst Christian groups. There are some that completely accept homosexuality while there are others that have placed idealized conditions upon it. For example, Dr. Michael Brown, president of the FIRE School of Ministry and director of the Coalition of Conscience, believes that it’s possible to have same sex attractions but it mustn’t be acted upon if you want to be considered a true Christian. However if you do practice homosexual acts, then it’s impossible to follow Jesus and therefore you are not a true Christian.

The basic notion is that being gay is not a choice, but RESPONDING to gay feelings is.

This ideology is reflected in TLC’s upcoming TV series ‘My Husband’s Not Gay’ which follows married Mormon men who are attracted to men. Each of them is in a committed and monogamous relationship with a woman. Although they do have same sex attractions, they insist that they are not gay and can overcome these feelings with their faith in God.

The show has been met with controversy by LGBT groups who claim the narrative of "gay but not gay" is an irresponsible and dangerous practice because it promotes denying one’s sexuality in favor of glorified, outdated doctrines. Christian groups have also raised their concerns by suggesting these men are completely immoral and therefore not deserving of God’s love and will be going straight to hell.

Ultimately these views serve to highlight the oversimplification of sexuality as either gay or straight, when reality tells us it is much more fluid than that. Perhaps these men are not gay, but bisexual? Surely if one is to believe that Jesus walked on water, than one can at least entertain the idea of somebody desiring both a man and woman?

You only need to take a stroll through any major city in the world to understand that we cannot compartmentalize people as either gay or straight. There are people who identify as bisexual, asexual, transsexual, transgender or queer, which are terms that extend beyond the normal binaries of orientation. Are they all destined for abomination? Is God punishing them? Or are they being punished by a society with prehistoric ideas of individualism and spiritualty?

Still the question remains - can you be Christian and gay? Is it possible for two identities at seemingly opposing ends of the spectrum to thrive harmoniously?

We must remember that before we start clinging and conditioning ourselves to any identity through gender, race, religion or social status, we are ALL human beings first. As human beings, the core of our existence is dependent on values that are also modeled in the Christian faith. These values include tolerance, love and acceptance.

So the answer is yes - you can be Christian and gay! You needn’t separate your faith from your being for they both make up whom you are.

Many may argue that thousands of years of Biblical principles cannot be wrong. But come on! Anybody can take a passage from the Bible and misconstrue it to validate any argument. Besides, the Bible reflected the culture of that time and during that time levirate marriages (where a man can take his dead brother’s wife and produce children) and polygamy were also the conventional norm. In today’s mainstream culture, even within the realm of Christianity, these lifestyles aren’t perpetuated, let alone accepted. Why? Because it’s not relevant to us! Times have changed!

If we were to obey and accept every Biblical reading as moral guidance, than we’d still have slavery, our children would be sacrificed, men would have short hair and not shave, women would be silent and the world would still be considered flat.

Now we all know the world is round! We also know the world is much bigger than we once thought and it’s full of things that we are still struggling to understand despite humanity’s spiritual and scientific maturity. Gay people exist and so do Christians – it shouldn’t be about accepting or ‘choosing’ one lifestyle over the other. When we start outlawing and restricting people we are only going backwards. True believers will love their fellow Christians no matter what and encourage their faith so that we can move forward to create a world that’s peaceful and loving, which is ultimately God’s wish for us.

Gay christians

Welcome to gay Christians, an Internet network of affirmative and supportive chat channels. Our "membership" draws support from a great variety of faith traditions, and our strength lies in such diversity. We affirm God's acceptance and love of all people, regardless of their sexual or affectional orientation.

GAY..... What does it mean to be gay?

What does being gay mean to you? What is your reaction to each of the following statements?

1. Being gay is having the capability to love a member of the same sex to a much greater depth than a member of the opposite sex.

2. Being gay is a matter of love, not a matter of sex.

3. Being gay is who you are, not what you do.

4. Being gay is part of you, not a separate entity.

5. Being gay is OK -- the sin is living a lie.

6. Being gay is not chosen, if it were, there would be no gays.

7. Being gay is to be ridiculed about something you can do nothing about.

8. Being gay is not changeable -- but it is liveable.

9. Being gay is accepting yourself when others are not accepting of you.

10. Being gay is being who you are -- even though you don't understand it.

11. Being gay is gentleness, warmth and sensitivity, when you are not at war with the outside world.

12. Being gay is different, and the definition of different is not "bad."

13. Being gay is reaching the autumn of your years and wondering why you have spent most of your life trying to get acceptance from people who don't know you and who don't understand you.

14. Being gay is YOU -- and nothing in this world is more important than that.

Women seeking women is not taboo in this day and age. Online dating sites like Girlfriends Meet accept you regardless of your sexual orientation or spiritual beliefs.

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• Episode 100 | From The Broken Place: Bianca Olthoff
  

  Does God form us in all circumstances?

  Many of us who have experienced painful challenges know that God can find us in any place and any moment of our lives. Bianca Olthoff knows the depth of this truth firsthand. Working and worshipping with incarcerated women, Bianca speaks about creating church in prison and witnessing the power of God to forgive and bring new life.

• Episode 099 | Understanding Our Cultural Moment: Greg Thompson
  

  Understanding our current cultural climate may feel like an impossible quest. Yet as Christians, we are called to be the ones who understand the times and know how to lead and offer hope. How can we make sense of the confusion and think soundly about the chaos? Greg Thompson, with a Ph.D in Theology, Ethics and Culture and as director of Thriving Cities, helps us find clarity and perspective so we are equipped to help others make sense of our unique cultural moment.

• Episode 098 | Mapping Environmental Injustice: Rusty Pritchard
  

  Maps show how the poor disproportionately live in some of the worst environmental places. Resource economist and Tearfund advisor Rusty Pritchard helps us focus our understanding of place and space toward an awareness of the geography in which we live. He helps us understand how past decisions have created unjust environments for under-resourced people groups, and our opportunity to change this reality. 

  What responsibilities do we have to ensure safe, healthy environments?

• Episode 097 | Patient Pluralism: David Coleman
  

  How do we navigate ideological diversity?

  Existing in an ideologically-diverse culture can be challenging, and often leads to individuals retreating behind their battle lines. David Coleman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The College Board, believes that institutional diversity, civil disagreement, and patience with others whose beliefs differ from yours creates the best learning environments.

• Episode 096 | Healing Cities: Chris Seay & Rob Peabody
  

  We?ve seen over the last year the devastation inflicted on cities by natural disasters such as hurricanes and flooding. We?ll hear from two voices ? a Houston pastor who helped mobilize resources in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, and a founder of a technology company helping people volunteer to meet the needs of their city. Rob and Chris will share their story of responding to local need.

• Episode 095 | Finding God In Unexpected Places: Krish Kandiah
  

  What is possible when we risk in relationship? Krish Kandiah is the author of God is Stranger and the founding director of Home for Good, a charity seeking to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children. Believing we meet God when we welcome the stranger, Krish shares how an unscripted life helps us experience and trust God more fully. 

• Episode 094 | Calling Versus Narcissism: Jo Saxton
  

  The way we think about our life's work has the potential to advance good or to become self-referential. If we focus on understanding God's purposes and where we can join His work in the world, the results will be very different from self-focused individualism. Jo Saxton looks at the thin line between calling and narcissism offering Christians a way of viewing calling through the eyes of God.

• Episode 093 | The Courage To Lead: Lisa Bevere
  

  How can the church be bold, yet beautiful?

  On the heels of the #metoo movement came #churchtoo ? exposing the abuse, harassment, and misogyny taking place in churches, places where people should experience mutual support, leadership, and empowerment. Lisa Bevere shares how the New Testament shows people of different genders working together for the good of all.

• Episode 092 | Disappointing Relationships: Lysa Terkeurst
  

  We live in a world of broken relationships. From parent to child, employee to boss, neighbor to co-worker and husband to wife, we long for harmony but often it escapes us. New York Times bestselling author Lysa Terkeurst, wonders if the relationship disappointments we experience are opportunities for something more. Could God be at work in the unmet expectations, the misunderstood words and the long distances that creep in between life long friends?

• Episode 091 | Gentrification of Christianity: Sho Baraka
  

  Theologian Stanley Hauerwas says that "the heart of the gospel is that you don't know Jesus without the witness of the Church." As church membership declines, will this witness be dampened? Writer and hip-hop artist, Sho Baraka, explores the history of the Christian faith, why its growth has slowed in western societies, and how the Church can reclaim our role as witnesses of Christ.

• Episode 090 | What Should We Be Talking About?: Sho Baraka
  

  As a special episode release, Sho Baraka and Gabe Lyons discuss the vision and mission behind the upcoming Q Conference, April 11-13 in Nashville. Listen in on a challenging conversation that sets up many of the important conversations we should be having as we thoughtfully navigate our changing culture. Q 2018 will prepare you to explore what renewal and faithfulness might look like in society.

• Episode 089 | Pornography: Jeff Bethke & Audrey Assad
  

  Research suggests that pornography is a "new narcotic" with equally powerful effects on the brain as addictive drugs. In a globalized world, how can we overcome the temptations and tragedies of technology? Jefferson Bethke believes the answer lies within the problem. The voice of the viral YouTube video "Why I Love Jesus but Hate Religion," Jeff uses the internet as a positive means of confession and expression. His challenging talk will address a serious issue in today's society.

  One-third of people viewing porn are women, but this demographic is largely unaddressed when pornography addictions are discussed. Audrey Assad, a singer/songwriter and worship leader, is seeking to change that by transparently sharing her journey to overcome porn addiction. Audrey gives voice to an issue too often kept quiet, and bears witness to the power of freedom from addiction, even amidst a culture that condones porn and exploitation.

• Episode 088 | Cultivating Virtue: David Brooks
  

  A journalist for The New York Times and author of The Road to Character, David Brooks is an expert in communicating the role of character in our society and how it brings about positive change. In a culture that worships the celebrity yet is decreasing in any religious commitment (32% of millennials claim no religious affiliation according to Barna), Brooks provides relevant commentary on how virtue is a key entry point to larger spiritual conversations that ultimately contribute to society?s flourishing.

• Episode 087 | Islam: Shadi Hamid & Paul Marshall
  

  Contrary to popular understanding, Islam's populations and influence reaches far beyond the Middle East. Muslims make up a majority of the population in 49 countries around the world, and is the fastest growing religion according to the Pew Research Center. As Islam integrates into Western Societies, is peace and pluralism really possible? Listen in as Paul Marshall suggests a way forward that addresses this very question and Shadi Hamid, a New York Times bestselling author and expert on Islamist movements explains what Christians could learn from Islam.

• Episode 086 | Creating & Flourishing: Dana Tanamachi
  

  Renown artist, Dana Tanamachi, is a self-defined, "Texas-bred, Seattle-based graphic designer who enjoys living a quiet life and working with her hands." In this interview, Dana shares her story and insights into what compels her to create, with a focus on the creative process of her most recent commissioned work in partnership with Crossway, designing an illuminated Bible for the modern eye.
  
  See more about the Illuminated Bible, Art Lettering Edition from Dana Tanamachi at illuminatedbible.org

• Episode 085 | Called to Create: Jordan Raynor
  

  Listen in as Jordan Raynor provides a framework for how to embrace entrepreneurship and creativity as a means of glorifying God, loving others, and making disciples of Jesus Christ.

• Episode 084 | The Death Penalty: Shane Claiborne
  

  By many metrics, incarceration rates are growing in America with valid concerns about a "cradle-to-prison" pipeline in certain regions. With thirty-one states currently supporting the death penalty backed by a moral, "an eye for an eye," position, how should Christians engage? Author and activist, Shane Claiborne, believes the Church must be pro-life no matter who is under threat. As an advocate for the abolition of the death penalty, he explains how prison reform is the natural outflow of every Christian's call to value and protect life.

• Episode 083 | The Arc of Storytelling: Bobette Buster
  

  In our culture, he who tells the best story wins. Creating great narratives that produce epiphanies involves a particular talent that applies far beyond film and changes the way you write books, marketing copy, funding proposals, research reports, sermons, and so much more. Bobette Buster has built and sustained a long, respected career in the film industry by being the best at finding and developing epiphanies in some of the greatest movies we've all enjoyed.

• Episode 082 | The Power of Food: Danielle Walker
  

  The majority eat only one meal together as a family during regular work week due to conflicting schedules, and many are waking up to the harm our bodies experience from fast, manufactured food. Danielle Walker, New York Times bestselling author of the Against All Grain series of recipe books, gives perspective on how food brings people together to connect, build relationships, and nourish our bodies and spirits.

• Episode 081 | My Journey with Gay Parents: Caleb Kaltenbach
  

  Growing up with parents who were gay, Caleb Kaltenbach was part of the gay rights movement from an early age. But when he became a Christian, his parents were furious, having seen so much hatred aimed at them from the Christian community. Caleb - who eventually became a pastor - shares his story of how he journeyed through this disagreement with his parents and gained empathy for those who think differently.

• Episode 080 | The Power of a Volunteer Movement: Rob Peabody
  

  VOMO is powering today's movement of volunteers to change the world. Listen in as Rob Peabody, CEO of VOMO, and Gabe Lyons discuss the importance of volunteering in community and ways you, and your networks can better engage your city for good.

  VOMO makes volunteering easy and effortless. Join the movement for good at https://www.vomo.org

  Powering today?s movement of volunteers to change the world.

  VOMO is powering a global volunteer movement by providing people and organizations with the technology needed to initiate projects, connect to community causes, and to measure and amplify the impact of community volunteering.

• Episode 079 | Divided States: Colin Woodard
  

  America was a divided nation since her founding. How can we understand the differences and appreciate their origins? Bestselling author, Colin Woodard suggests that America is an amalgamation of 11 different regions. While many still wonder what led to a Trump election, Colin saw the writing on the wall through his research and understanding of how America works. Hear his unique perspective on overcoming our differences by understanding where we come from and where we?re going. 

• Episode 078 | The State of Women: Noel Yeatts
  

  What are the rights all women should possess and live out? Noel Yeatts of World Help shares the state of women across the world today and the opportunity that can come from focusing on the true global issues facing women. What are you doing with your freedom of choice?

• Episode 077 | What Technology Wants: Kevin Kelly
  

  We live in an age of innovation, and a debate is raging about whether technology is improving our lives or making them worse. But Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired Magazine, says we?re not asking the right questions. He believes we need to find out what technology is really after. Can technology be a force for the greater good, and if so, how do we thoughtfully engage new inventions? Kevin will attempt to construct a radically fresh answer to one of culture?s nagging questions.

• Episode 076 | Audience of One: Rebekah Lyons
  

  When have you felt moments of freedom in your life? Most of us glimpse this freedom less and less as we pursue other endeavors: achievement, career, family, or success. Author Rebekah Lyons reminds us that God has created us ? at the core of who we are ? to be someone unique and beautiful, and free. Through sharing her own story and search for freedom, Rebekah will encourage us to uncover who we already are: free in Christ and deeply loved.

• Episode 075 | How Can The Gospel Inform Our Everyday Lives?: Paul Williams & Terry Timm
  

  Our lives are increasingly complex and so is our modern world. As a result, Christians often struggle to connect what they believe with what they do day by day. Paul Williams and Terry Timm share their vision for how ReFrame provides a Biblical foundation for how God is renewing all of creation. How does our story and day to day life fit into God's story? Learn how Christians can better connect faith with all of life.

• Episode 074 | Does Religion Contribute to Society?: Dr. Brian Grim & Byron Johnson
  

  Forty-six percent of Americans believe religion is part of the problem in our society. Yet faith is the motivation for many of the critical social services and programs that benefit the most vulnerable populations. Congregations, faith-based businesses, and charities lift people up in times of need in ways that few other institutions or government programs can. In this conversation, you will see the important role faith-based organizations play in renewing civil society.

• Episode 073 | The Heart of Man: Jason Pamer
  

  Listen in as Gabe Lyons shares a conversation with Jason Pamer, filmmaker, producer and writer of the upcoming film, The Heart of Man, releasing in theaters for a one-night only special event on September 14.

  The Heart of Man is a story inviting the sons and daughters of God to leave behind our broken, moralistic and religious way of thinking and relating to God and to others. Once we begin to know who God is (and as a result who we are), we have something to invite the world into. Freedom from performance. Freedom from managing our behavior so we appear acceptable to God. Freedom from our addictions, compulsive behaviors, secrecy and double lives. This film tears the veil of confusion over the church's current identity crisis and enables it to invite the rest of the world to the banquet God is throwing all of us.

• Episode 072 | Why Design Matters: Danae Dougherty
  

  A study by The Design Council found that companies who emphasize design in their business dealings perform 200 percent better on the Stock Exchange than those who don't. Design isn't just about graphics and colors; it's in the aesthetics of a space. Danae Dougherty speaks from her background in designing spaces that create environments for real connection. She reflects on why beauty and design matter, and why it is so important to use design to foster relationships.

• Episode 071 | Restoring the Justice System: Bryan Stevenson
  

  Much of what's happening in the American justice system remains overlooked. America boasts the highest rate of incarceration in the world, but even more alarming are the system?s endemic injustices. Minority communities are far more afflicted by the justice system, a reality that affects the psyches of the children who grow up in them. Additionally, our system treats you much better if you?re rich and guilty than if you are poor and innocent. Bryan Stevenson believes these realities are fundamentally changing our world, and he?s devoted his life?s work to finding solutions.

• Episode 070 | Prophetic Witness: Jackie Hill-Perry
  

  Jackie Hill-Perry knows that a life well lived speaks volumes in a world of contradiction. As individualism becomes common and pursuing your deepest feelings and desires is perceived as heroic, denying one's self is revolutionary. Her story of denying sexual desires to pursue true flourishing gives witness to a better way. A spoken word artist, Jackie will help us think through how self-denial can be what it was always meant to be inside our churches.

• Episode 069 | Managing Technology: Andy Crouch
  

  Over half of children think their parents check their phone too often, with a quarter of parents agreeing they want to look at their devices less. Yet it's difficult to pry ourselves away from technology, so social media is in large part making us less social. Andy Crouch reflects on these issues in his forthcoming book, The Techwise Family, and will help us think through utilizing tech in a way that contributes to relationships instead of taking away from them.

• Episode 068 | East Africa Hunger Crisis: Rich Stearns
  

  Drought. Food shortages. Conflict. These are deadly forces that children throughout East Africa are facing. Areas in South Sudan and Somalia are on the brink of catastrophe. Kenya and Ethiopia face severe drought. Tens of thousands of children could starve to death because of food and water shortages.

  But this crisis isn't hitting the news as it should. 25.5 million people, our brothers and sisters, are at risk of starvation. This hunger crisis is likely to be the most devastating since we were kids and witnessed Ethiopia's famine.

  Rich Stearns (President, World Vision US) and Gabe Lyons share a heartfelt conversation on the details and scope of this hunger crisis and what you can directly do about it today and the days to come.

  Want to learn more about the hunger crisis and what you can do?

  FAMINE & HUNGER IN AFRICA: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  MAKE AN IMPACT THROUGH GIVING & SHARING

• Episode 067 | The Future of Discipleship: Ed Stetzer
  

  The very last words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew are summed up in The Great Commission, a call for the Church to make disciples. Yet the Church has approached this process in different ways throughout history. How are today?s Christians carrying out the Great Commission, and what are the unique challenges to disciple-making in the 21st Century? Ed Stetzer presents new research on this topic as he paints a portrait of the future of discipleship. 

• Episode 066 | Love Anyway: Jeremy Courtney
  

  Gabe Lyons had a conversation with Jeremy Courtney about how the idea of loving anyway is changing lives in Iraq and Syria. Jeremy is the founder and president of Preemptive Love, an organization serving the refugee, the oppressed and the most vulnerable. 

• Episode 065 | Our Shadow Side: Ian Cron
  

  For thousands of years, mystics and Church fathers have understood the havoc the seven deadly sins reap in the human heart. But in a culture disinterested in a vocabulary of sin, these shadow sides can fester. Author and Enneagram expert, Ian Cron, suggests we each have blind spots?areas of temptation we?re uniquely prone to?that keep us from being who God has made us to be. 

• Episode 064 | Becoming Human Again: Mark Sayers
  

  We are increasingly losing touch with what it means to be human: how we treat one another, where meaning is derived from, and what purpose we are here to serve. Mark Sayers sees this not as a reason to despair, but as an opportunity for the church to meet the needs of this moment through discipleship. As the culture fails to meaningfully address what it means to be human, what opportunities might that create? 

• Episode 063 | Intersectional: Propaganda
  

  Forty percent of Americans believe that those with opposing political views pose a threat to the nation. In many ways, we are more divided than ever before: from race, to women?s rights, to conservative and liberal policies. But when we focus on differences it?s impossible to move toward creating community. Hip-hop artist, Propaganda, reminds us that the solution is to be intersectional. As a prophetic voice for reconciliation, he encourages us to find common ground.

• Episode 062 | Unsettled Questions: Dave Bazan + David Dark
  

  In a wide-ranging conversation interspersed with song, author of The Sacredness of Questioning Everything David Dark and musician Dave Bazan (formerly, of Pedro the Lion) will discuss the struggles of a questioning faith. They?ll wrestle with the joys and tensions of attempting to sustain a creative and neighborly livelihood without lying or going crazy.

• Episode 061 | Refugee Children: Rich Stearns & Khalil Sleiman
  

  There are 1.9 billion children in the world, 400 million of which live in extreme poverty. With so many suffering the consequences of war, displacement, and circumstances outside of their control, how can we inject life, hope and promise for a future they can hardly imagine? Rich Stearns, President of World Vision, and Khalil Sleiman, who grew up as a Syrian refugee, will remind us how we take care of the world?s most vulnerable matters?not only for this moment, but for generations to come.

• Episode 060 | Exploring The Galaxy: Louie Giglio + Jennifer Wiseman
  

  From the Psalmist to the astronomers, people for centuries have suggested that the natural world is a portal to the transcendent (Ps. 19:1). But it has always been difficult for the average earth dweller to grasp the breadth of such assertions - that is, until world-class telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope started showing us a universe we never dreamed of. Astronomer Jennifer Wiseman shares the latest astronomical images and discoveries and talks with Louie Giglio about how galaxies, stars, and planets form, what they can teach us about God, and how good science strengthens our faith.

• Episode 059 | Unscripted: Ernie Johnson Jr.
  

  How do you live out your faith in the public eye? Gabe Lyons has a conversation with Ernie Johnson, Jr. as they discuss what Ernie has learned from over 28 years of sports commentating with some of the most well-known figures in the NBA. 

• Episode 058 | The Lucky Few: Heather Avis
  

  In this week's episode, Gabe had a conversation with Heather Avis, author of 'The Lucky Few.' She shares her story of adoption and finding out that our plans are not like God's plans. Listen in as she talks about advocating for the vulnerable, cheering on one another and loving those with special needs. 

• Episode 057 | A Selfish Plan To Change The World: Justin Dillon
  

  While we enjoy products from around the world, someone else is paying the price. How can we make a difference in the world when we aren't always sure what is helping the issues of the world. Justin Dillon talks to Gabe Lyons about his new project, "A Selfish Plan to Change The World."

• Episode 056 | God Has A Name: John Mark Comer
  

  In this episode, Gabe Lyons interviews John Mark Comer, the author of 'God Has A Name' as they discuss the importance of thinking well about who God is. What does it mean to know God and to know Him in truth and with understanding? 

• Episode 055 | Disruption: Mark DeYmaz
  

  Today, the typical local church is not disruptive; rather, it has been disrupted. In what should otherwise be the church?s finest hour, our collective witness has been undermined by a lack of thoughtful, proactive, and holistic engagement on matters of race, class, culture, and community. Gabe Lyons sat down with author of "Disruption" Mark DeYmaz to discuss this important moment. 

• Episode 054 | The Church: Greg Thompson
  

  In an earlier series, we talked about the Six Practices over a number of weeks. Now, we've got the entire talk by Greg Thompson available in one podcast. How can the Church respond to this cultural moment? What does it mean to live out our faith in the public arena? 

• Episode 053 | Marijuana: Heather Jackson & Christian Thurstone
  

  What are the implications for the community when we consider the legalization of marijuana? What are the ways it could potentially contribute in positive ways and other ways that it might fall short? Gabe Lyons introduces some compelling conversations from a few people with different backgrounds surrounding the subject. 

• Episode 052 | Success: Brian Fikkert
  

  What is success? And is our definition of success making us poor? In his talk at Q Nashville in 2014, economist Brian Fikkert says that it's our flawed understanding of success that's making us sick, tired, and mentally ill. The solution, he says, is to better understand what God says human flourishing looks like. It starts from understanding what it means to be made in the image of God. Listen in as we discuss what this looks like in our real lives. 

• Episode 051 | Humility: David Brooks
  

  Over the past half century, America has moved from a culture of self-effacement to a culture of self-expression: think Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, etc. A TIME magazine cover once called out the "Me, Me, Me Generation" and the ways today's culture and technologies feed a present narcissism. But even with this apparent rise of self-love, there's also an institutional bent in Millennials that wasn't there in Gen X. So is it "me" or "we"? No matter the answer, it's time to rediscover the power of humility.

• Episode 050 | Singleness: Annie F. Downs
  

  What does it mean to think well about singleness? It's easy for the church to make marriage into an idol, but our single friends have much to offer and are a vital part of the conversation. Listen in as Annie F. Downs shares about her experience and how she's striving for fulfillment in singleness, whatever the outcome. 

• Episode 049 | Ideas For The Common Good: Praxis Entrepreneurship
  

  Each year at Q, we partner with Praxis Labs to hear from some of the best up-and-comping visionaries. These people want to present their big idea to the room and our hope is that they will change the world with their incredible ideas. Listen in as Gabe Lyons introduces a few Praxis talks from Q Conferences past and consider joining us this year at #Q2017 by visiting www.qideas.org2017

• Episode 048 | You Are What You Love: James K.A. Smith
  

  Q Founder and President Gabe Lyons sits down for a conversation with James K.A. Smith about his upcoming book, "You Are What You Love." What does it mean to view our world holistically and how can Christians reclaim some lost practices? 

• Episode 047 | What My Mother Taught Me: Shauna Niequist
  

  What if you found your life's work when you were middle-aged? In this episode, we get the chance to listen to a compelling talk by Shauna Niequest as she explores her mother's journey into calling.

• Episode 046 | Cities: Wayne Gordon & Chris Horst
  

  What does it mean to really invest in a city? How can we be better influences in our communities? This week, we're listening to a talk by Wayne Gordon in Chicago and another by Chris Horst in Denver as they explain how they see God moving in their cities. 

• Episode 045 | Free To Be Called: Rebekah Lyons
  

  Join us as we sit down with Rebekah Lyons, Q Co-Founder and author of "You Are Free: Be Who You Already Are." She talk about calling and how her life has been shaped by paying attention to where her "burden and talents collide." 

• Episode 044 | Pluralism: Miroslav Volf
  

  What does it mean to live in a pluralistic society? How can we engage with those who do not believe the same things we do? The religious climate of the world we live in diverse, so we sat down with Miroslav Volf to hear about what it means to live alongside others well. 

• Episode 043 | Activism: Tyler Wigg-Stevenson
  

  A generation passionate about authentic faith has given rise to a new golden age of Christian optimism and social activism. But as a dizzying number of organizations call for our attention and engagement, Christians are beginning to see the pitfalls that dot this landscape: slacktivism, cause faddishness, empathy fatigue, burnout and cynicism. Tyler Wigg-Stevenson argues to do activism well means carrying with us the awareness that our activism cannot fix everything?it cannot erase a broken past, even as it imagines a better future.

• Episode 042 | Technology + Relationships: Kara Powell
  

  We are in danger of losing a new generation to the numbing agents of electronics. Dr. Kara Powell, executive director of Fuller Youth Institute, wonders what it means to raise children in a digital age. She argues that stewardship of technology doesn't start with kids; it starts with parents. If parents are addicted to technology and are not fully present as a result, that's the posture children will mimic.

• Episode 041 | The Prophetic Minority: Russell Moore
  

  In a nation in which the church was once a dominant and unifying mainstay in America life, what does it look like to be the minority?

• Episode 040 | Faith + Politics: Michael Wear
  

  How Christians think of politics, how we relate the machinations of politics to the promises of God and reality of the gospel, will determine how we respond to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Listen in as Michael Wear discusses his new book, "Reclaiming Hope" and what it means to think well about politics as a person of Faith. 

• Episode 039 | The Transgender Conversation
  

  How can Christians approach conversations about transgender identity? Q President Gabe Lyons sits down with Melinda Selmys, who lives with gender dysphoria, and Dr. Mark Yarhouse, a professor of psychology at Regent University to answer questions about this important topic.

• Episode 038 | Responding to Aleppo: Richard Stearns + Jeremy Courtney
  

  We're in the middle of the largest refugee crisis since World War II, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed by what is happening all over the world. As we consider how we can respond both in action and in awareness, we hope you're encouraged by these two conversations with Richard Stearns of World Vision and Jeremy Courtney of Preemptive Love Coalition. 

• Episode 037 | Life Without Pediatrics: Dr. Una Mulale
  

  How do childhood experiences shape our calling? Dr. Una Mulale is the first Pediatric Critical Care Specialist from Botswana. Her goal is to implement tertiary healthcare structures in low-resource countries in Africa and around the world. This is her story. 

• Episode 036 |Why Culture Matters: Tim Keller
  

  People of faith differ on how much concern we should pay to the culture at hand, questioning what good can we really do engaging in a broken world. Can we really make a significant difference? Does God share these concerns? Every generation must answer these questions in the same way creatives, artisans, industry and civic leaders have done for two millennia. Tim Keller, New York Times Bestselling Author and Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City provides a fundamental perspective on why culture matters to God and therefore must matter to us.

• Episode 035 | A Conversation on Race and America: Greg Thompson, Michelle Higgins & David Bailey
  

  How can we work toward racial reconciliation in America? We live in a nation that at times feels more divided than ever. In this conversation, we'll explore the history of racism in America, how to better engage with our community and what blindspots we have when it comes to racial bias. To work for unity means taking time to listen well and take steps toward healing. 

• Episode 034 | Six Practices of the Church: Vocation
  

  We are all involved in some sort of vocation. No matter where or what it is, we know that God calls us to be faithful in those places. From home to office and beyond, we have the opportunity to practice vocation well in a way that makes the world a better place. 

• Episode 033 | Six Practices of the Church: Hospitality
  

  What does it mean to be part of a community? Is it different to invest in the Church or in the places you live and work? In this Episode, we talk about the importance of community, what it is and what it means to be a people of hospitality.

• Episode 032 | Six Practices of the Church: Formation
  

  The way that we build character depends on how we approach even the littlest habits and moments of our days. When we form habits that are good, they build up in our lives in positive ways, and when we foster habits that are not good, they can slowly destroy us. As we look at the practice of formation, we're asking about how what we believe influences how we live. What does it mean to live out our faith in the daily habits?

• Episode 031 | Six Practices of the Church: Identity
  

  The core of who we are is our identity. In the 4th episode of "Six Practices of the Church," Greg Thompson speaks to the importance of knowing who we are. When we lose sight of identity, we stray away from our God-given purpose. What does that identity entail? Who does God say we are? And how does our identity inform our culture?

• Episode 030 | Six Practices of the Church: Confession
  

  The origins of the Church are thousands of years old. Through generations that span cultures and millennia, we see that though history has changed the face of the broader world, the Church has always clung to core beliefs. In this time of turmoil, how can can the Church lead by example?  How can we become reacquainted with what Christians have always believed? 

• Episode 029 | Six Practices of the Church: Context
  

  This week, we discuss the importance of Context in the Six Practices of the Church. How do we love our neighbors well in this cultural moment?

• Episode 028 | Six Practices of the Church: The Way Forward
  

  The Christian church in the West is struggling to embody faithfulness in a culture that is rapidly changing. Many church leaders labor under a nagging sense that they need help?both in the work of understanding their culture and in the work of teaching their people to live faithfully within it. The goal of this series is to help leaders understand the character of our secular age, identify some specific challenges and highlight the opportunities that exist for the Church to bring hope wherever she exists. This seven-part series unveils the six practices of the church that have always brought hope to the faithful and love to their surrounding community.

  This Q series, hosted by Gabe Lyons, features an exclusive, commissioned Q Talk delivered by Dr. Greg Thompson and divided into segments for easy consumption. Each segment builds on the last and helps establish how the church can lead with love even in the midst of dramatic change within society.

• Episode 027 | Deborah Lipstadt: Denial
  

  One of the nation's foremost experts on Holocaust denial and modern anti-Semitism, Lipstadt's 2005 book, "History on Trial: My Day in Court with David Irving," is the story of her libel trial in London against Irving, who sued her for calling him a Holocaust denier and right wing extremist.The now-famous libel trial occurred when Irving sued Lipstadt over her 1993 book, "Denying the Holocaust: The Growing Assault on Truth and Memory," the first full-length study of the history of those who attempt to deny the Holocaust. The case grew into a six-year legal battle in which Lipstadt prevailed.

   
• Episode 026 | Pete Richardson: On Calling, Ambition & Surrender
  

  Many of us struggle to discern our role in God?s bigger plan for the world; some of us even struggle to see God?s plan at all. We?re unsure of our purpose, or uncertain of how we can use that purpose to bring renewal to our communities. Pete Richardson helps executive, church, and cultural leaders hone in on their life purpose and perspective. He reveals some of the questions we need to ask ourselves, and the results we can expect when we respond to God?s very personal assignment for each of us.

• Episode 025 | Spiritual Guidance for Artificial Intelligences: Kevin Kelly
  

  Culture, creatives, and the marketplace are becoming more interested in the development of Artificial Intelligence. In 2014, AI startups saw a 302 percent increase in funding. The potential to better our lives, solve global problems, and innovate completely new fields of study is exciting and humbling. But how should we think about these trends through the lens of spiritually? Kevin Kelly of WIRED magazine helps us understand what AI means for how our culture can and will change, and challenge us to consider the implications for religion, spirituality, and faith. 

• Episode 024 | Six Months to Live: Kimberly Kuo
  

  One-hundred-five people leveraged Oregon's "Death with Dignity" law last year. Some argue that compassion requires support of assisted suicide, that avoiding pain is a worthy pursuit. How should people of faith consider death and dying? Kimberly Kuo, writer and advocate, personally understands the agony of this choice and will help us explore whether it's more courageous to die as we please or trust God with our final days. 

• Episode 023 | Legitimacy: Malcolm Gladwell
  

  Who or what deems an idea legitimate? Many people of faith think because their ideas are true, everyone should listen, pay attention, and do as they suggest. Malcolm Gladwell helps us understand how the process by which ideas are debated, opinions are formed, and a process is communicated can have more to do with whether the idea is embraced as truthful. But Gladwell also helps us understand why the truthfulness of an idea isn't always as important as the legitimacy of it. 

• Episode 022 | Red States, Blue Cities: Governor Haslam & Mayor Dean
  

  As the electorate in America evolves and red states and blue states compete for control, one critical observation remains: cities overwhelmingly vote Democratic while rural, less populous counties vote Republican. The gap between urban and rural sensibilities is widening, leaving many questioning how unified can America really be? In an increasingly divisive political and partisan environment, lies a breakthrough story of leaders from different political ideologies working together to serve the people in their care. Tennessee Governor, Bill Haslam and Nashville's Mayor, Karl Dean, discuss the tensions and successes of working together, giving our country a model of how leaders can get along, despite their differences. 

• Episode 021 | Cease Fire: Gangs & Redemption: Dr. Paul David Smith
  

  Public safety coordinator for the city of Chattanooga, Paul David Smith, discusses Chattanooga's response to gang-related issues, community safety and mentoring. Smith is the former principal of Howard High School in downtown Chattanooga and the proud father of two children.

• Episode 020 | A Story of Faith and Persecution: Nik + Ruth Ripken
  

  This week we talked with Nik and Ruth Ripken, an ordinary couple with an extraordinary story. After the death of their son, they journeyed into the depths of the persecuted church around the world asking the question - Is Jesus Worth It? The film based off their true story of faith and persecution, "The Insanity of God," releases Tuesday, August 30th. Find out more and buy tickets at insanityofgodmovie.com.

• Episode 019 | Cosmopolitan Evangelism: Jon Tyson
  

  In a culture where religious pluralism has become widely accepted, there is a tendency to back away from evangelism?after all, it?s kind of aggressive and could be seen as intolerant. How do we communicate our faith in a way that resonates and does not offend?especially for those who might have built-in anti-Christian attitudes? Jon Tyson, founding pastor of Trinity Grace Church in New York City, offers insights into what it means to do evangelism in an urban, pluralistic, often hostile context. He says it takes recognizing a long-term view?that evangelism isn't the work of a moment and it cannot be about counting "how many" were saved today or this month or this year.

• Episode 018 | The Religion Of The Academy: Paul Lim
  

  Since the Enlightenment, Europe has observed the slow divorce of the church from the university. The same phenomenon has taken place in the United States, which we witness today in the religious ambivalence of schools like Harvard, Princeton, and Yale, all originally founded as Christian institutions. What does it look like to be an educated Christian in an age in which the intellectual elite have written off faith as bad scholarship? Paul Lim talks from experience and gives insight into faithfulness amongst academia's elite. 

• Episode 017 | A Day In The Life Of A Nun: Sister Joan of Arc
  

  From plays like the Sound of Music and movies like Sister Act, we have seen a wide array of interpretations of a nun's typical lifestyle. Sister Joan of Arc from the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, will explain how their convent located in Nashville creates a monastic framework for a daily life that stimulates growth of the interior life and directs minds to the things of God. Her story will grant the Q audience insight on a schedule filled with prayer and work, silence and students, laughter and quiet acts of community kindness. 

• Episode 016 | Educating The Media: Michael Cromartie
  

  Often Christians complain about being misrepresented by mainstream media, but could that change with intentional efforts? Michael Cromartie, Vice President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, has created opportunities for members of the national media to meet with evangelical leaders in hopes of getting the stories right. Filling a gap between faith, politics, and journalism, Michael promotes mutual understanding around the toughest, and many times misunderstood, issues of our time. 

• Episode 015 | The Irrelevance of Faith: David Kinnaman
  

  Christians face an unprecedented landscape at the intersection of faith and public life. Over 46% of our neighbors believe religion and people of faith are part of the problem in our communities, not the solution. As a growing list of contentious issues present themselves on the cultural front?such as racism, gender, euthanasia, sexuality, religious freedom and more?the Church finds itself on the margins of the mainstream conversation perplexed about how to engage. Public opinion suggests our views and beliefs are irrelevant and extreme, so how should Christians respond? David Kinnaman will equip you to confidently engage the most difficult conversations in the days ahead with courage, conviction and compassion. 

• Episode 014 | The Evolution of the Swimsuit: Jessica Rey
  

  Fashion matters. It influences the imagination and drives the way people uniquely represent themselves. The evolution of the women?s swimsuit is one place where there has been a visible shift away from modesty. In the current world of swimwear, small is often beautiful and less is considered more desirable. But designer and actress Jessica Rey asks, ?Who says it has to be itsy bitsy?? Rey argues that within the construct of modesty, there is a freedom?that modesty isn't about covering up what's bad, but about revealing dignity. 

• Episode 013 | Artists & Poets: Lecrae
  

  With a Cinderella story of drug-dealer-turned-Jesus-lover, Lecrae is the only artist to ever debut an album that simultaneously topped the Billboard 200 and Gospel charts. For any musician, such an accomplishment is simply an Anomaly, the very title of the album that got him there. Lecrae inspires us all to see the magic inside a personal story put to poetry and a poem put to song.

• Episode 012 | Our Refugee Crisis: Noel Yeatts & Jeremy Courtney
  

  The world is facing the worst refugee crisis since WWII. Over 11 million Syrians have been displaced, and while some try to seek safe harbor in Europe, the vast majority will never leave the region. In the face of human depravity and under an enormous threat of violence, some are leading the way. How is the Church responding? What are the ways we can continue to help and ensure Christian love is experienced even in the worst of conditions?

• Episode 011 | Foster Care & Adoption: Brian & Julie Mavis
  

  As adopted children of God, how can we reflect that relationship to the world we serve? Action must be taken to provide care for children in the foster system who?ve never experienced the love of a family to call their own. Adopt Colorado Kids executive, Julie Mavis, shares the results being achieved as communities respond to foster, adopt, and care for kids. She and her husband, Brian, are transforming foster care in Colorado and providing a vision on how every state can offer a turnaround story to children who need it.

• Episode 010 | Snowboards and Calling: Kelly Clark
  

  What if following your passion leads to worldly success, to weatlh, fame, and power? What does service look like from here? Can you balance the pressures of success while seeking to make disciples? Snowboarder/Olympic Gold medalist Kelly Clark has wrestled with these questions while blazing a trail of calling as an athlete. In this episode, hear how her Christian faith pushes her toward excellence, as well as how she fosters a servant?s heart.

• Episode 009 | Our Secular Age: James K.A. Smith
  

  The term ?secular? is perhaps overused when referring to government, schools, business and western culture in general. But is the secular something ?out there?? Or are we all ?secular? now? What?s changed? And is secularism the last word? In this episode of the Q Podcast, Philosopher and theologian James K.A. Smith gives us context for this shift and how Christians can effectively engage it. 

• Episode 008 | Unlikely Allies: Ted Trimpa & Jim Daly
  

  We?ve been drawing religious lines in the sand for hundreds of years, using varying standards to determine who?s ?in? and who?s ?out.? How can Christians work for peace within culture if we can?t get it right amongst ourselves? Ted Trimpa, gay rights activist, and Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family, provide a model for peace-making, as two very different people working together to advance good. They recently worked on anti-human trafficking laws in Colorado, and in this episode, they?ll share wisdom on working with people that differ greatly from us.

• Episode 007 Q Denver | What's Happening April 21-23?
  

  This week, Preston Sprinkle is back interviewing Gabe Lyons on the vision and mission behind the upcoming Q Conference, April 21-23 in Denver. Did you know that 42% of Americans believe people of faith are part of the problem in our world? Q Denver will prepare you to engage this new reality and a changing culture, we will explore what renewal and faithfulness might look like in society today?for both you and those you love.

• Episode 006 The Gay Conversation | Q+A With Our Listeners
  

  In this episode we respond to several questions from you, our listeners. While this series invokes many passionate responses, we offer our opinions on a few of the questions that keep rising to the top. New York Times Bestselling Author, Preston Sprinkle, author of People To Be Loved joins Gabe Lyons, Founder of Q and author of Good Faith to discuss.

• Episode 005 The Gay Conversation | Public Square: Politics and Baking Cakes
  

  How should Christians faithfully engage our political system when the government is at odds with historic Christian belief? Is our role to win legal decisions or simply to bear witness to God?s kingdom through the way we live and love? In the wake of the Supreme Court's Obergefell ruling, questions remain about the role of Christians institutions in our changing public square. Russell Moore, President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptists joins us to discuss the legislative landscape around religious freedom, LGBT rights, pluralism and the future of Christian institutions in America.

  Key Contributors: Claude Alexander, Os Guinness, Russell Moore, Rod Dreher, Stanley Carlson-Thies, Dee Allsop.

• Episode 004 The Gay Conversation | Ministry: How Should The Church Move Forward?
  

  Many people who identify as gay have had a poor experience in their local church. In this episode we discuss the term ?gay Christian?, the science behind the ?born this way? theory and practical ways the church can be a more welcoming place in general. In addition, we will hear personal reflections from Christians who experience same-sex attractions yet choose to live a celibate life. We?ll also learn hear how the Church can fulfill relational longings that go beyond sexual expression.

  Key Contributors: Tim Keller, Justin Lee, Eve Tushnet, Mark Yarhouse, Christopher Yuan, Ann Voskamp, Annie Downs.

• Episode 003 The Gay Conversation | Relationships: How Do I Love and Support My Gay Friends?
  

  Most people today have a personal friend who identifies as gay. For some Christians, this can create unique tensions and dilemmas about how to best support and love friends, family members and co-workers well, even while holding to the historic Christian position. In this episode we hear practical wisdom on handling invitations to gay weddings, how to respond if your child?or parent?comes out, the limits of theology and what it means to truly display Christian love to someone with whom you may disagree. 

  Key Contributors: Jefferson Bethke, Russell Moore, Caleb Kaltenbach, Tim Keller.

• Episode 002 The Gay Conversation | Theology: Not What the Bible Says, But What it Means
  

  One?s theology will determine everything about how they engage the gay conversation. In this episode, the Christian view of identity, sexual ethics and historic belief about human flourishing comes under the microscope. We define terms and consider how historic Christian arguments interact with the newer, gay-affirming points of view. From Leviticus to Paul, we address Jesus? words around this topic and explore the Christian perspective on sexual design, gender difference and marriage.

  Key contributors: David Gushee, Wesley Hill, Tim Keller, Scot McKnight, Preston Sprinkle

• Episode 001 The Gay Conversation | Context: Owning Our History
  

  As our culture?s affirmation of gay sexuality grows, what does this mean for Christians and the Church? In this episode, we address why we created this series and the tensions that exist around the Church?s posture towards this conversation. David Kinnaman, President of the Barna Group and co-author of the forthcoming book, Good Faith, is one of several contributors giving insight on the latest research on Christians and extremism.

  Key Contributors: Debra Hirsch, David Kinnaman, Caleb Kaltenbach, Tim Keller, Julie Rodgers

• Episode 000 The Race Conversation | Race, Reconciliation and The Gospel
  

  "Implicit Racial Bias" refers to subconscious preferences for members of our own group. This silent and subtle tendency to "otherize" has loud and lasting effects, from perpetuating racial prejudices inside society to reinforcing personal hidden biases.