#34 Social media touches nearly every part of our daily lives—but is it helping us love better, or hurting our ability to connect meaningfully?

In this thought-provoking solo episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden explores the power, pitfalls, and potential of social platforms through a biblical lens. From endless scrolling to the search for validation, Paul challenges listeners to evaluate their digital habits in light of Jesus’ command to love our neighbors—online and off.

Join us as we explore: The addictive nature of social media—and why we touch our phones 2,600 times a day How social media can be both a relational gift and a cultural curse What Jesus’ Golden Rule looks like in a digital world (Matthew 7:12) Practical reflections on how to scroll with purpose, not passivity

Reflections on How to Know a Person by David Brooks Key insights from Jonathan Haidt’s research on teen mental health and tech use

Whether you’re an influencer or a casual scroller, this episode will challenge you to think more deeply about the role of social media in your life— and consider what it might mean to live your faith out loud, even in the comment section.

#33 What if your deepest sense of identity doesn’t fit within the traditional framework of the church—but your love for Jesus still burns bright?

In this honest and moving episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden sits down with author and speaker Greg Coles for a vulnerable conversation about faith, identity, and what it means to live as a single, gay Christian committed to the authority of Scripture.

Together, they explore: Greg’s personal story of discovering his same-sex attraction and reconciling it with his Christian faith The tension between authenticity and orthodoxy in today’s church How the church can better welcome LGBTQ believers without compromising biblical convictions The beauty of chosen singleness and the calling to faithful community

As Greg says in the episode, “My identity in Christ doesn’t erase my sexuality, but it gives me a lens to live it out in love, truth, and hope.”

Whether you’re wrestling with your own identity or seeking to love those who are, this episode is a masterclass in nuance, empathy, and theological faithfulness.

Dive deeper with Greg’s resources: • Single, Gay, Christian – Amazon | GregoryColes.com • No Longer Strangers – Learn More • The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender – CenterforFaith.com

Follow Greg on Instagram, Twitter/X, or visit GregoryColes.com

Tune in now and join a conversation that’s changing the way the church loves and leads.

#32 Same-sex attraction is one of the most emotionally charged and spiritually complex conversations in the modern church. What does it mean to hold fast to biblical convictions while extending the radical love of Jesus?

In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden invites listeners into a grace-and-truth-filled conversation about LGBTQ+ identity, specifically same-sex attraction. Rather than choosing between condemnation or full affirmation, Paul explores a third way—rooted in Scripture, compassion, and the image of God in every person.

Join us as we explore: Why same-sex attraction is not inherently sinful What it means to be a single, gay Christian pursuing Jesus How the church can walk with LGBTQ+ believers in love and honesty Why “love your neighbor” (Matthew 22:39) must guide this dialogue

Resources Mentioned in This Episode: • Preston Trail’s belief statement on same-sex attraction: prestontrail.org/finalthought • Single, Gay, Christian by Gregory Coles: Amazon | Author’s Website

Can you be gay and still faithfully follow Jesus? Let’s talk about it—with courage, clarity, and compassion.

Listen now and join the conversation.