Beauty is not the first word that comes to mind for many of us when we think about sex

because some of our experiences have really left deep tragic marks in our lives.

And what I've found in this conversation, though, is that part of my hope is that pressing

into God's vision actually becomes a source of healing.

Hey friend, I'm Julie Slattery and this is Javua Julie. This podcast is a

listener supported outreach of authentic intimacy and ministry dedicated to reclaiming God's

design for sexuality. Well, the voice you just heard belongs to my guest today, Joshua Butler.

Josh has been a pastor for two decades and he is the author of a few books, The Pursuing God,

The Skeletons, and God's Closet, and most recently a book called Beautiful Union.

And this book is all about how God has created sex as a window into greater realities that

help us know more of him. Now, if you've engaged much with my teaching or writing, you know that I

really care about how we think about our sexuality. And that's why I'm excited to share my

conversation with Josh about his new book with you. Now, it's a deep conversation, but it's one

that I think will really bless and encourage you as you journey to understand more of God's heart

for your sexuality. Now, just a note, this is part one of a two-part interview and this part was

recorded on February 16th of this year. Now, a lot has transpired in Josh's life since then,

which we will address in a bonus episode coming up later this week. But for now,

listen to my conversation with Josh Butler about his new book Beautiful Union.

What Josh, it is an absolute pleasure to connect with somebody who is like-minded.

So, you and I connected through a mutual friend, Preston's Wrinkle, and he said,

you guys have to meet God's giving you a similar message.

Yeah, I'm so glad. He introduced us. I've been reading your books lately. I just

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