Contemporary American culture—very much including Christian culture—finds it hard to understand celibacy as anything other than a deprivation. And lots of us also experience celibacy as mostly deprivation, rather than an arena for love. In this workshop, I’ll look at Christian history, theology, and art, in order to suggest ways in which celibacy offers unique forms of openness to love, intimacy with God, and witness to Heaven. I’ll also share my own story of discovering beauty in celibacy even though I never wanted it—if celibacy is a “gift,” I’ve finally stopped looking for the returns counter.
Eve Tushnet is a lesbian Catholic author, blogger, and speaker. In addition to publishing a book, she has a blog and has written for The American Spectator, Commonweal, National Catholic Register, National Review, and The Washington Blade. As of 2010, she lives in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC.
In 2 Cor. 5:20, Paul says “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” What does it mean to be ambassadors to the LGBT+ community in 2019 and beyond? What does it mean for those of us who experience same-se...
God created human beings in his image and commanded them to fill the earth, subdue it, and rule, thereby creating culture (Genesis 1:26-29). At the end of time, diverse worshippers from around the globe and throughout time will bring “the honor and glory of the nations”, and their cultures, into ...
How can straight Christians who hold a historic biblical view of sexual ethics provide much-needed support and encouragement for sexual minorities in our churches and communities? In this workshop, we’ll share stories of giving and receiving this type of “allyship.” Together, we’ll reflect on wha...
