Hey, I'm Jon Carl
I am a queer, Black, Christian, Contemplative advocate for individual and communal human flourishing by exploring the beautiful, complex intersections of sexuality, spirituality, and joyful justice-making.
My own journey through religious wounding, identity integration, and theological exploration is the motivation behind everything I do. I walk alongside other men and progressive communities because I know what it is like to navigate those unique experiences.
Whether I am speaking from a stage or sitting with you in a one-on-one spiritual advising session, my goal is to offer a warmhearted presence that gives you permission to be whole.
Defining Features
Integration of the Erotic and Sacred: I challenge the traditional religious separation of spirituality and sexuality, arguing that the "erotic self" is a vital piece of the spiritual journey.
Liberative Theology: I draw from womanist, disability, and indigenous theological projects to move away from singular, authoritative "moralities" toward contextual, human-flourishing ethics.
Spiritual Direction: As a trained spiritual director, I focus on "holding space" for individuals—particularly spiritual leaders and LGBTQ+ folk—to process religious wounding and shame.
"Radically Promiscuous Love": I use this provocative phrasing to describe Christ’s love, emphasizing a grace that is inclusive and expansive.
My Story
A Generation Searching for Wholeness.
My journey into this work was not born in a classroom; it was forged in survival and a search for belonging. I came out in 1987-1988, at the height of the AIDS epidemic. It was a time when so many in our community were deeply wounded and traumatized by the loss of their friends. We desperately wanted community and mentorship. Instead, we faced a double-edged sword: the devastation of HIV and the simultaneous rise of purity culture, which soured the idea of sexuality as an inherently good, God-given thing. Purity culture uniquely isolated queer people—teaching that sex was only valid inside marriage, a right we were legally and religiously denied.
Intersectionality
In the midst of that cultural fragmentation, I had to figure out how to integrate my fragmented pieces. Drawing deeply from the Black church tradition, I encountered God not as a judge of my body, but as a liberating force. I began to fiercely explore my identity and questions of belonging as a gay man, as a Black man, and as a Christian embracing those two identities simultaneously. Today, my passion is for community. I believe that liberative theology, contemplative spirituality, and a healthy approach to men's sexuality are the foundations we need to move from fear into flourishing.
Education and Experience
In order to hold space for others, I have dedicated my life to deep theological and spiritual study.
- Theological Education: Candidate for the Master of Divinity at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary (focusing on gender and sexuality). I have also studied theology, scripture, discernment, and ethics at Princeton Theological Seminary, Harvard Divinity School, and General Theological Seminary.
- Spiritual Direction: Certified by Spiritual Directors International and hold a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Oasis Ministries (May 2021).
- Lived Experience: I have been actively engaged in men’s spiritual work since 1990, and have lived in a loving relationship with my husband, Steve, since 1995.
Partner Presentations
- Reconciling Ministries Network https://rmnetwork.org/uncharted/unchartedworkshops/
- Queer Christian Fellowship https://www.qchristian.org/blog/erotic-self-care-for-spiritual-wholeness
- Wild Goose Festival
https://wildgoosefestival.org/whos-coming-to-wild-goose-part-11-where-spirit-and-story-get-personal/