For all other podcast platforms: The Naked Gospel podcast

Episode Summary

Ned Bustard is an accomplished artist and author, and his most recent work is a children’s book about Saint Valentine. Ned joins us for a conversation about intimacy and what it looks like to have affectionate friendship. And we also get to hear the history of Saint Valentine! 

As Christians, we often regard Christian friendship in the church as more of a myth than an actual possibility. Some of us are afraid of abuse, and rightly so, afraid that lines will inevitably be crossed. While others believe that spiritual and familial relationships are all that we need. Yet, there are far more single people in the church and in the broader culture who are longing for intimacy, and they are only being taught to find it sexually. So, what is the place of affection and intimacy within Christian friendship? And is there a difference between same-sex Christian friendship and opposite-sex Christian friendship? 

Check out Ned’s book, Saint Valentine the Kindhearted.

Episode Questions:

Who is Saint Valentine?

How do you use the 4 loves to teach children about romantic love and non-romantic forms of love?

What does non-erotic intimacy look like? Or is it even possible?

What is the place of friendship for Christians in same-sex and opposite-sex friendships?

How do we go about rebuilding a sexual ethic in the church? 

About Ned: 

Ned Bustard is a graphic designer, a children’s book illustrator, an author, and a printmaker. As the creative director for Square Halo Books, Inc. and curator of the Square Halo Gallery, Ned has lectured at colleges, schools, churches, and conferences. His work is found in numerous titles including Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver, The O in Hope, Revealed: A Storybook Bible for Grown-Ups, and Every Moment Holy. He lives with his family in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nedbustard