Same Sex Attraction, Singleness, Youth Culture, and the Worthiness of Jesus: Ashleigh Hull
Nov 7, 2024
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Ashleigh Hull is the Emerging Generations Associate at Living Out Ministries, specializing in helping youth navigate faith and sexuality. She shares her personal journey of reconciling same-sex attraction with her faith. The conversation highlights the significance of open dialogue in the church about sexuality and identity. Ashleigh also emphasizes the value of both singleness and community, advocating for support among church members to address loneliness. Lastly, she introduces Living Out's resource, Kaleidoscope, aimed at empowering young people.
Ashleigh Hull shares her transformative journey from a traditional Christian upbringing to a deeply personal relationship with God, impacting her faith and sexuality.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of community support for individuals navigating same-sex attraction, contrasting positive experiences with common narratives of rejection.
Hull advocates for valuing singleness within faith communities, highlighting its potential for deep relational connections outside of traditional marriage structures.
Deep dives
Faith Journey and Upbringing
The speaker outlines a gradual journey of faith that began in a traditional Christian upbringing but initially lacked a personal relationship with God. Growing up, there was a strong awareness of biblical stories and church teachings, but this knowledge did not translate into a deep understanding or commitment. It wasn't until the late teens and early twenties that the speaker started to grasp the significance of a personal relationship with Jesus, moving beyond mere intellectual assent. This transformation led to a more profound pursuit of faith, where the speaker actively sought to align life choices with their understanding of God.
Understanding Sexuality Within Faith
The conversation highlights the intersection of faith and sexuality, particularly in the context of same-sex attraction. The speaker shares their experience of awakening to same-sex attraction during their teenage years, noting it was a complex and nuanced process without significant trauma or crisis. It led to deep questions about faith, identity, and the implications of biblical teachings on sexuality. The individual emphasizes the desire to understand how to live a Christian life that aligns with their beliefs while navigating personal feelings and attractions.
Navigating Community and Acceptance
The speaker reflects on the experience of coming out to family and church, describing a generally positive reception from both. They recount how the initial conversations were met with love and support, showcasing an encouraging take on what can often be difficult discussions. This experience contrasts with many individuals who face rejection upon sharing their truths, emphasizing the importance of having a supportive community. Additionally, the speaker notes their commitment to being open about their sexuality in church settings to foster honest discussions among young people grappling with their identities.
The Nature of Singleness and Relationships
The discussion delves into the cultural perception of singleness and its value in faith communities, highlighting that singleness can offer significant relational depth. The speaker argues against viewing marriage as the ultimate fulfillment in life, asserting that both marriage and singleness have unique gifts and challenges. They suggest that intimacy and community can be rich and fulfilling even outside traditional family structures. By emphasizing the value of friendships and community, the speaker reframes the narrative around living single in a faith context, advocating for vibrant and interconnected community life.
Engaging with Youth Culture
The conversation shifts focus to the current state of youth culture regarding faith and sexuality, indicating a willingness among young people to engage authentically in these discussions. The speaker observes that while there may be fears around addressing these topics, many youth value real conversations over superficial ones. They highlight the confusion that often prevails among young people concerning biblical teachings on sexuality, noting that many are unaware of what the Bible says. By fostering open dialogues, the speaker aims to nurture understanding and compassion in an increasingly polarized landscape.
Ashleigh Hull is the Emerging Generations Associate at Living Out ministries. She has been involved in youth work for more than 10 years. She now has the joy of helping young people (and those who serve them) grapple with faith and sexuality through the work of Living Out. Her other passions include good coffee, long fantasy novels, and deep dives into the Old Testament. In this convesation, I talk with Ashleigh about her story, how she came to grips with her faith and sexuality, and the work she now does with GenZ, including Living Out's awesome new resource: Kaleidoscope. Check it out HERE.
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