FAQ – Jonathan's Circle

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jonathan’s Circle a Christian group?

No. We welcome men of all faiths and men of none. Read here to see our outlook on what “spiritual life” involves. We respect all religious and spiritual traditions. Jonathan’s Circle assumes that every man is both body and spirit and thus has a spiritual as well as a physical life.

Do you actually get into sex?

That, of course, is what everyone wants to know—but, to tell the truth, it is not the most frequently asked question. Jonathan’s Circle is definitely not a sex party. But one of the key dimensions of Jonathan’s Circle is that we expand the boundaries of what “sex” means. Sex involves the whole person, including body, mind, and emotions, not just the genitals. Depending on the needs and covenant of a circle, touching, embracing, exploring erotic movement, examining the spiritual quality of pleasure, sharing fantasies and stories—any of these—are germane to the process of connecting spiritual life and sexual expression. All activities, including physical activities, are carefully planned, moderated, and for the purpose of deepening our understanding of who we are as whole men with both spiritual and sexual practices.

Is there a charge for participating in Jonathan’s Circle?

There are registration fees for retreats, meetups, and online events, including brotherhood circles. It is the intention of Jonathan’s Circle not to be prohibitively expensive for anyone. Hence, fees are kept as low as reason will allow.

I don’t have a “spiritual” life so what’s in this for me?

Probably the possibility of learning that what you mean by “spiritual” is not what we mean by it. Secondly, you might be surprised to find out that you do have an interior life related to, but distinct from, your body.

I’m straight. Will I be out of place in Jonathan’s Circle?

We can’t say that you will or won’t feel out of place, as that is something quite subjective for each person. But straight guys, like all others, are welcome in Jonathan’s Circle. Openness to other men’s experience and a willingness to be yourself are the main things that will determine how much at home you feel. One thing we can promise you: you will be respected. Read our guidelines and norms to see what we mean.

Are guys in Jonathan’s Circle more interested in sexual experiences than spiritual issues?

We can’t guarantee who is more or less interested in what. We do know that the purpose of Jonathan’s Circle is to create safe spaces where men can explore the connection of spiritual life and sexual experience, not to focus on one at the exclusion, or even at the diminishment, of the other.

I am transgender. Will I feel out-of-place?

How you feel is something we can neither predict nor control. But we can assure you that if you consider yourself a man, you will be on the same footing as every other man. Jonathan’s Circle includes both cisgender and transgender men.

Am I too old to participate in Jonathan’s Circle?

No. We have guys at our events who are as young as 18 and as old as 80. Even if you’re older than 80, you’ll be as welcome as if you were 30.