Made for People Podcast with Justin Whitmel Earley When Friends Become Family with Wes Hill
Mar 4, 2025
Wes Hill, a New Testament scholar and author of "Spiritual Friendship," dives into the transformative role of friendship in faith. He explores how the New Testament blurs lines between friends and family, advocating for covenant friendships as essential to spiritual life. Hill discusses the geographical importance of relationships, emphasizing their need over career moves, and highlights the power of forgiveness in maintaining deep connections. This conversation redefines our understanding of salvation as intertwined with our friendships.
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Wes Hill's Story
- Wes Hill's journey to writing Spiritual Friendship stemmed from personal questions about his place as a celibate gay Christian.
- He wondered about meaningful relationships outside of marriage, leading him to explore the history and practice of friendship.
Defining Spiritual Friendship
- Spiritual friendship, inspired by a 13th-century abbot, contrasts with "counterfeit" friendships based on shared vices or worldly ambition.
- It focuses on mutual encouragement in loving God and others, making friendship a Christian practice.
Living in Intentional Community
- Wes Hill sought community after grad school and lived with a couple and their kids for ten years.
- They marked this commitment with a prayer and ceremony, highlighting its spiritual significance beyond convenience.
