A God We Could Believe In

Content warning: This series covers issues of sexual relationships, abuse, gender and identity, so listener discretion is advised. Please look after yourselves.We’re picking up your questions on marriage since Biblical times and tying up loose ends from our last few episodes. We explore Jesus’s teaching on divorce and how we should read that today. We’ll be unpicking ideas like ‘soul ties’ and ‘becoming one flesh’ - the implication that sex between two people creates an eternal spiritual bond.Charlotte and Simon also get chance to share their thoughts on our episode with Lauren Jackson - Talking with young people about sex. They reflect on some important ideas Lauren raised, including ‘should’ stories and ‘emotionally safe’ sex.Coming upEpisode 5 – We need to talk about patriarchy – is released on Monday 22 December. Patriarchy is the invisible thread that has run through all of our conversations so far. Can our relationships ever be truly equitable under a patriarchal system?About A God We Could Believe In:A frank and honest look at Christianity as we find it today. We’re examining the things the church says and does that are embarrassing, confusing or even downright offensive. In other religious contexts, your questions might be forbidden but not here. So whether you’re a lifelong churchgoer with the scars to prove it, or you’ve never entered a church and are just interested in the debate, this is a safe space for you.New episodes are released every other Monday.Support the project by sharing it widely and join our Substack community for bonus episodes and reflections at agodwecouldbelievein.substack.comStay in touchEmail: agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/agodwecouldbelieveinInstagram: www.instagram.com/agodwecouldbelievein This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com/subscribe

If not the Bible, where do our ideas about marriage come from? We take a jog through 2,000 years of church history, charting the evolution of Christian marriage to the institution we know today.Content warning: This series covers issues of sexual relationships, abuse, gender and identity, so listener discretion is advised. Please look after yourselves.Has the Church always cared about marriage? When did marrying for love become the norm and how does commonlaw marriage fit into the picture? How has marriage been used as a tool in religious power struggles?Simon explains all, along with a few important ideas from the past few millenia that have shaped our view of relationships.Coming upOur next Q&A episode is on Monday 8th December, so if you’d like to ask a question on anything you’ve heard from the podcast so far, then make sure you get your question to us by Friday 28 November to feature. Contact us via email, social media or our Substack page.Episode 5 – We need to talk about patriarchy – is released on Monday 22 December. Patriarchy is the invisible thread that has run through all of our conversations so far. Can our relationships ever be truly equitable under a patriarchal system?About A God We Could Believe In:A frank and honest look at Christianity as we find it today. We’re examining the things the church says and does that are embarrassing, confusing or even downright offensive. In other religious contexts, your questions might be forbidden but not here. So whether you’re a lifelong churchgoer with the scars to prove it, or you’ve never entered a church and are just interested in the debate, this is a safe space for you.New episodes are released every other Monday.Support the project by sharing it widely and join our Substack community for bonus episodes and reflections at agodwecouldbelievein.substack.comStay in touchEmail: agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/agodwecouldbelieveinInstagram: www.instagram.com/agodwecouldbelievein This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com/subscribe

Lauren Jackson, an accredited sex and relationships educator, shares her journey into sex education, emphasizing the curiosity and shame teens experience around the topic. She highlights the importance of external educators in schools to foster open conversations and discusses the impact of pornography on teens' expectations. Lauren also addresses crucial issues like online safety, the emotional aspects of sex education, and how parents can engage their kids in conversations about these topics. Her insights aim to create a more positive and supportive environment for young people.

The hosts tackle complex themes surrounding Biblical marriage. They discuss polyamory, monogamy's evolution, and the implications of Jesus' teachings on divorce. The conversation questions traditional interpretations of Genesis and critiques the idolization of marriage in modern Christianity. They raise concerns about the neglect of singles over 45 in church communities. Tune in for insights on how broader biblical ethics can guide personal choices and a sneak peek at an upcoming discussion on sex education for youth.

Dr. Charlotte Naylor-Davis, a biblical scholar, dives into the complexities of marriage in the Bible. She challenges the idea of a singular, ideal marriage model, presenting varied examples, from the polygamy of Abraham to the pragmatic bond of Ruth and Boaz. She scrutinizes the influence of Paul's teachings amidst a patriarchal context, emphasizing the dangers of misinterpreting submission in marriage. The conversation also highlights the erotic perspective of the Song of Songs, urging listeners to rethink historical views of marriage.

In this conversation, the hosts tackle the complexities of sex, relationships, and the Church's teachings. They reflect on audience feedback and the importance of sharing personal stories in theology. The discussion takes a turn to critique traditional views on desire and sin within a Christian context. They also delve into Bishop Sarah Mullally's new role in the Church of England, exploring its potential impact on patriarchal structures. Lastly, practical sex advice from the Church is shared, maintaining a balance between open dialogue and scriptural integrity.

The podcast dives deep into the church's teachings on sex, challenging the notion that it's only for marriage. Hosts dissect cultural shame and the role of power in sex education. They explore how different denominations influence restrictive sexual norms and the mixed messages surrounding desire. Conversations range from the drawbacks of purity culture to the impact of porn. A whimsical discussion even touches on the divine aspect of pleasure, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to sexuality.

The hosts delve into the impact of church teachings on sex, exploring memories of purity culture and the shame that often accompanied it. They discuss the gendered expectations surrounding male and female sexuality, highlighting the lack of consent discussions. Each host shares their unique experiences, from navigating bisexuality to facing sexual violence, and the struggle for bodily autonomy. The conversation evolves, advocating for open dialogue, improved support systems, and a shift from rigid moral rules to a more nuanced understanding of sexuality.

The hosts dive into Christianity's contemporary issues, with a focus on sex and relationships. They share their personal journeys and the impact of shame from church teachings. From discussions about COVID's effects to exploring diverse gender experiences, each host brings unique perspectives. The team aims to create an open dialogue, setting the stage for meaningful conversations ahead. Sensitive topics are approached with care, ensuring listeners feel supported and informed.