24 - Queering the Queer with David Bennett

In this episode William speaks with Professor Ian Bradley about the updated release of his book God is Green. They discuss the anthropocentrism which is often present in many discussions around climate, the original greenness present within Christianity, how the narrative of the fall plays in to the topic of climate action and the implications of the concept of the cosmic Christ and a panentheistic approach to Christian theology. You can purchase God is Green here: https://www.dartonlongmantodd.co.uk/titles/2285-9780232534702-god-is-green

In this bonus episode William has a conversation with Melanie from Holy Heretics and Katherine from Uncertain Podcast to discuss why swear words, smoking and tattoos were considered to be sinful within evangelicalism despite the severe lack of condemnation found in the pages of scripture.  They discuss the cultural influences and power differentials that made swearing, smoking and having tattoos clear indicators of where an individual was in their walk with God.  They also discuss how all this relates to class and gender and how the Church often takes more of a steer from culture than it likes to admit when it comes to morality.   Follow Holy Heretics on Instagram @holyhereticspodcast : https://www.instagram.com/holyhereticspodcast/?hl=en Follow Uncertain Podcast on Instagram @uncertainpodcast : https://www.instagram.com/uncertainpodcast/?hl=en

In this episode William talks with David Bennett.  David is a DPhil candidate at Oxford University originally from Sydney Australia. William talks to David about his conversion to Christianity, how he ended up in academia and specifically studying theology and his thesis for his doctorate, "Queering the Queer".  Additionally they also discuss what it means to be a celibate gay Christian, what the Church of England terminology of side A and side B means, how the Church has failed those who feel called to celibacy and often turned relationships and marriage into an idol. You can connect with David here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dacbennett/?hl=en Book (A War of Loves): https://www.zondervan.com/9780310538103/a-war-of-loves/

In this episode William speaks with the author of The Gospel for the Privileged Nehemiah Olson.  They discuss the concept of privilege when it comes to economic status, race and sexuality, how the Church either dismisses or fails to acknowledge when they have these types of privilege and what the gospel is and what it has to say to both the privileged and the oppressed.  You can find the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Privileged-Nehemiah-Olson-ebook/dp/B09449KN3Q You can connect with Nehemiah on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/gospelfortheprivileged/

In this episode William talks with Staci Frenes.  Staci is a songwriter, author and speaker and she joined us here on the podcast to discuss her new book "Love Makes Room: And Other Things I Learned When My Daughter Came Out". In this episode we talk about Staci's experience in conservative evangelical Churches when her daughter came out to her as a lesbian.  We discuss the ways in which theology detached from practice and experience can harm people, especially the LGBTQ+ community, the ways in which the Church can get better at talking about LGBTQ+ issues, the role of scripture and stories in how Staci came to an affirming viewpoint and more.   You can connect with Staci here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacifrenes/?hl=en Website: https://www.stacifrenes.com

In this episode William speaks with Ross Greer.  Ross is a Member of Scottish Parliament for the Scottish Green Party. In this episode William and Ross discuss the role of faith in politics, what Christianity has to say when tackling the climate crisis, the differences between white American religious nationalism and Scottish nationalism, combatting reactionary right wing politics and how Ross' Christian faith leads him to be a socialist and helps to energise his political action.   Here is where you can connect with Ross: Twitter: @Ross_Greer https://twitter.com/Ross_Greer Instagram: @rossgreer https://www.instagram.com/rossgreer/?hl=en Here is where you can find out more and connect with the Scottish Green Party: Twitter: @scottishgreens https://twitter.com/scottishgreens Instagram: @scottishgreenparty https://www.instagram.com/scottishgreenparty/?hl=en Website: https://greens.scot

In this episode William speaks with Troy from Religion Shouldn’t Hurt. They discuss why the statement religion shouldn’t hurt should be uncontroversial and be a unifying belief no matter our background, faith or belief. They discuss the recent campaign that Troy organised to spread this message to help amplify the stories of victims of religious and spiritual abuse. They also discuss how religious and non religious people can work together based on common compassion rather than common belief. You can find Troy on Instagram @religion.shouldnt.hurt https://instagram.com/religion.shouldnt.hurt?utm_medium=copy_link

In this episode Katy and William share about their experience on the island of Iona spending a week with the Iona community for the reopening of the Abbey on what some would call a spiritual retreat. They discuss their expectations before going, experience while they were there and why they are part of the Iona community. They also share some prayers and short meditations throughout. You can find out more about the Iona Community here: iona.org.uk

In this episode William speaks with Allison Tash Montgomery.  Allison is a coach specialising in the intersection of gender, sexuality and spirituality.  In this episode William and Allison discussed how we define gender, sexuality and spirituality, spiritual practices which help enable a more embodied and confident sexuality, purity culture, how sexuality and spirituality are connected and how to be an ally if you are not LGBTQ+.   You can connect with Allison here:  Website - https://www.montasherycoaching.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/allisontashmontgomery/?hl=en-gb Allyship in Action course: https://www.montasherycoaching.com/allyship-course

In this episode William speaks with Phil Drysdale.  Phil researches the deconstruction movement and helps those who are experiencing significant changes of their core values and religious beliefs.  We discussed what deconstruction is, who is most likely to deconstruct, the current data surrounding deconstruction and whether reconstruction is a separate phenomena from deconstruction. You can connect with Phil and his work here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phildrysdale/ Website: https://www.phildrysdale.com The Deconstruction Network: https://thedeconstructionnetwork.com