[EXTENDED CUT] Why the Church Needs Singles (feat. David Bennett)

Dr. David Bennett is from Sydney, Australia. He recently completed his doctorate (DPhil) in theology at Oxford University where he now works as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Theology and Religion Faculty. He specialises in the relationship between the Trinity, Christian ethics, patristics, queer theology, discipleship and contemporary Anglican theology, especially the role of desire in knowing God

David is an author, speaker, and theologian scholar who speaks and writes on a wide range of topics including theology, desire, beauty, gender, theodicy, suffering, ethics, and sexuality. He is frequently asked to appear and speak internationally in a variety of settings including churches, academic conferences, national radio and TV including VICE Australia, and on BBC platforms such as the BBC One Documentary, Young, Gay, Christian. As a gay celibate Christian, he is seeking to be a fresh voice on the topics of love, holiness, desire and sexuality to show how people can live and flourish through Christ’s cross-shaped teaching. He is passionate about equipping the Church to better love the LGBTQI+ and other minority communities, and the art of showing solidarity to those who are different or other to us. His other interests include French, Latin, church history, writing, travel, cooking, reading books, and living in Christian community. 

In today's episode, David and I cover a LOT of ground. You'll hear us discuss: 

• the patterns of toxicity every ideology is prone to
• why we need the passionate side of love
• why singles (esp. gay celibates) get so much push back
• why church leaders need to come to terms with the social and cultural privilege they have because of marriage
• and literally so much more. 

You can follow David on Instagram and Twitter @davidacbennett. Check out more of his work at davidacbennett.com. His Book, A War of Loves, is available wherever books are sold.