Where Do We Go From Here? Consent as a Holy Starting Point: Rethinking Christian Sexual Ethics
After years of believing that premarital sex was a sin without exception, Jessica invites us into a vulnerable, thought-provoking solo episode to explore a different kind of Christian sexual ethic — one rooted not in rules, but in love, consent, agency, and mutual care.
She reflects on her own journey out of purity culture, dives into the historical and biblical context of sexual norms, and challenges the idea that “no sex before marriage” is a core tenet of the faith. Instead, she suggests we build an ethic that teaches emotional maturity, boundaries, and enthusiastic consent — one that honors human dignity in the way Jesus called us to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Whether you agree, disagree, or are still figuring it out, this episode invites honest reflection, open conversation, and courageous rethinking of how we talk about sex in church communities today.
In this episode:
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Jessica’s personal journey from purity culture to a consent-based sexual ethic
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Why biblical sexual norms were rooted in property, patriarchy, and survival — not romance
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What “sexual immorality” (porneia) meant in its ancient context
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Why the Bible never explicitly calls all premarital sex a sin
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How consent, agency, and safety might be more holy than virginity
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Moving from fear-based compliance to love-based discernment in our faith