Today's episode is a very raw conversation about Sex and Theology with Josh Ryan Butler, Dr. Sandy Richter, and Brenna Blain. Josh Ryan Butler is pastor of Redemption Tempe in Arizona, the author of Beautiful Union (and a few other books). Dr. Sandy Richter is currently the The Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont college and the author of many books including one of my favorite books on the Old Testament, The Epic of Eden. Sandy has an MDiv from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary and a PhD from Harvard University.  When looking at Brenna Blain you might not guess that she works in ministry, with a body adorned in tattoos and piercings she doesnt fit the evangelical look many have grown up with, but that's just Brenna. Her ministry focus is on providing resources for churches, ministries and individuals who are seeking to find God in the midst of difficult topics and hard conversations. Whether she's teaching at conferences, producing podcasts or writing, you will find Brenna inviting you to pursue Biblical truth with compassion and conviction. Brenna obtained her BA in Theology and Biblical Studies from Multnomah University in Portland, Oregon and has lived in the PNW her entire life. Her greatest joys are her two sons and her husband Austin. While she speaks on many topics, Brenna is especially passionate about God’s involvement in our pain and personal struggles including mental illness, same sex attraction and abuse. In this podcast conversation, Brenna shares her story about her journey with abuse, mental health challenges, questions around her sexuality, and how her hope in Christ has remained constant in the midst of many challenges. If you've enjoyed this content, please subscribe to my channel!  Support Theology in the Raw through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theologyintheraw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brenna Blain is a speaker, writer, and mother, known for her book "Can I Say That?" She dives into her personal battles with bipolar disorder, discussing how it intersects with faith and sexuality. Brenna candidly shares her experiences with mental health stigma in religious contexts and emphasizes the importance of open conversations. She explores finding grace amid struggles and the need for compassion in faith communities, advocating for supportive dialogues around difficult issues like same-sex attraction.

Contemporary theologian Brenna Blain shares her journey of faith and suffering, discussing depression, mental health crises, and the power of presence. The conversation revolves around personal struggles, encounters with God, and finding comfort in difficult times.