Where Do We Go From Here?

In this month’s Thoughts and Prayers episode of Where Do We Go From Here?, Jessica and EDJ reflect on some of the biggest conversations we’ve had together: 🎬 Shiny Happy People: Season 2 — what it reveals about evangelicalism, Christian nationalism, and the power of survivors speaking out. 📖 Danielle Taminio Henson on Speaking of Rape — redefining rape, broadening the conversation around consent, and why “agency” may be a better word than “autonomy.” ✝️ A New Christian Sexual Ethic — moving away from “premarital sex is a sin” toward a consent-centred ethic for Christians today. 💍 Submission and Gender Roles — do Christians still believe in wives submitting to husbands? How purity culture and complementarianism shaped this teaching. We close with an Anglican-inspired Prayers of the People, offering space for listeners to process grief, shame, hope, and healing together. 📌 Mentioned in this episode: Wild Goose Festival (Harmony, North Carolina) where EDJ will be speaking on purity culture and sexual ethics. Patreon – Where Do We Go From Here for extended conversations, early releases, and community debriefs. Shiny Happy People on Prime Video Danielle Taminio Henson’s book Speaking of Rape Instagram - @wheredowegopod Whether you’re deconstructing purity culture, questioning old beliefs, or seeking a faith anchored in consent and equality, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of No Hard Feelings, Jessica, Emily, and Kristen tackle the loaded word submission in Christian culture. What did Paul really mean in Ephesians 5? How has the concept been shaped by history, purity culture, and translation choices? And is submission a word worth redeeming—or should we let it go? We explore: The Greek word kephalē (head, source, origin) and how translation choices influence theology. Historical context: Roman household codes, women’s legal status, and why Paul’s words may have been countercultural. Women in the early church: Phoebe (Romans 16:1–2), Priscilla (Acts 18:26), and Lydia (Acts 16:14–15) as leaders and patrons. Industrial Revolution & Victorian ideals: how cultural shifts reinforced gendered hierarchies. Modern reframing: mutual submission as respect, humility, and partnership rather than hierarchy. Contemporary concerns: #MeToo, Doug Wilson’s public comments, and the church’s ongoing debates about women’s leadership. References & Links Margaret Mowczko on Ephesians 5 and mutual submission: https://margmowczko.com/pauls-main-point-in-eph-5_22-33/ Christianity Today on Genesis 3:16 translation debates: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/02/esv-update-genesis-316-gender-submission-desire-contrary-what-women-want/ John Townsend & Henry Cloud, Boundaries

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: Jessica’s personal journey from purity culture to a consent-based sexual ethic Why biblical sexual norms were rooted in property, patriarchy, and survival — not romance What “sexual immorality” (porneia) meant in its ancient context Why the Bible never explicitly calls all premarital sex a sin How consent, agency, and safety might be more holy than virginity Moving from fear-based compliance to love-based discernment in our faith

Content Warnings: This episode discusses rape, sexual assault, purity culture, childhood sexual harm, and childbirth trauma. Listener discretion is advised. In this deeply moving and thought-provoking conversation, EDJ is joined by theologian and author Danielle Tumminio Hansen to explore how our language, theology, and justice systems often fail survivors of sexual harm. Drawing from her groundbreaking book Speaking of Rape, Danielle discusses the need to reframe how we talk about rape, the myths of the "perfect victim" and the "obvious perpetrator," and the damaging intersections between purity culture and rape culture. This episode also tackles the importance of sex education, why impact matters more than intent, how restorative justice offers an alternative to punishment-based systems, and what it means to raise children with justice and empathy in mind. Danielle shares from her own story with remarkable vulnerability, offering theological, psychological, and cultural insight that’s both challenging and deeply hopeful. Topics Discussed: Why our words around sexual harm often fall short The myths of the "perfect victim" and "clear perpetrator" How purity culture contributes to victim-blaming Redefining rape through agency, power, and desire The role of sex education in prevention Restorative justice vs. retributive justice Why survivors' stories reshape culture Teaching justice through parenting Autonomy, agency, and interdependence Understanding impact over intent Resources Mentioned: Speaking of Rape by Danielle Tumminio Hansen South of Forgiveness by Thordis Elva & Tom Stranger Know My Name by Chanel Miller Works by theologian Sally McFague and philosopher Linda Alcoff Research on contact theory and restorative justice   🇦🇺 Australia 1800RESPECT Australia’s national sexual assault, domestic, and family violence helpline. 📞 Call: 1800 737 732 💬 Online chat: 1800RESPECT.org.au 🕒 Hours: 24/7 🧑‍⚕️ Services: Counselling, information, and referrals Full Stop AustraliaFindaHelpline+351800RESPECT+35White Ribbon+35Health and Ageing Department+31800RESPECT+31800RESPECT+3NASASV State-Based Services Victoria: Sexual Assault Crisis Line – 1800 806 292 (5 pm–9 am weekdays; 24/7 on weekends) Queensland: Sexual Assault Helpline – 1800 010 120 (7:30 am–11:30 pm daily) Western Australia: Sexual Assault Resource Centre – 1800 199 888 (24/7) South Australia: Yarrow Place – 1800 817 421 Tasmania: Sexual Assault Support Service – 1800 697 877 Northern Territory: Sexual Assault Referral Centres – 08 8922 6472 (Darwin) Australian Capital Territory: Canberra Rape Crisis Centre – 02 6247 2525 New South Wales: Full Stop Australia – 1800 FULL STOPOCRCC+2au.reachout.com+2Healthdirect+2Healthdirect+1au.reachout.com+1Full Stop Australia 🇺🇸 United States RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) Operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline. 📞 Call: 800-656-HOPE (4673) 💬 Online chat: RAINN.org 🕒 Hours: 24/7 🧑‍⚕️ Services: Confidential support, referrals, and information OCRCC+5RAINN+5FindaHelpline+5CSA Centre+12Verywell Mind+12Glamour+12The Guardian+9The Hotline+9Verywell Mind+9 Other National Helplines Love Is Respect: For teens and young adults experiencing dating violence. 📞 Call: 1-866-331-9474 💬 Text: Text "LOVEIS" to 22522 💬 Online chat: loveisrespect.org National Domestic Violence Hotline: For domestic violence support. 📞 Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) 💬 Text: Text "START" to 88788 💬 Online chat: thehotline.org Crisis Text Line: For general crisis support. 💬 Text: Text "HOME" to 741741 🇬🇧 United Kingdom Rape Crisis England & Wales Provides the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line. 📞 Call: 0808 500 2222 💬 Online chat: rapecrisis.org.uk 🕒 Hours: 24/7 🧑‍⚕️ Services: Emotional support, information, and referrals NASASV+1Full Stop Australia+1endingviolencecanada.org+2Verywell Mind+2TAASA+2survivorsnetwork.org.uk+10Rape Crisis England & Wales+10Sexual Abuse Support+10Verywell Mind+1324/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line+13Rape Crisis England & Wales+13 Other Support Lines Samaritans: Emotional support for anyone in distress. 📞 Call: 116 123 💬 Online chat: samaritans.org Childline: For individuals under 19. 📞 Call: 0800 1111 💬 Online chat: childline.org.uk The Survivors Trust: For survivors of sexual violence. 📞 Call: 0808 801 0818 💬 Text: 07860 022 956 💬 Online chat: thesurvivorstrust.org 🇨🇦 Canada Sexual Violence Helpline (Canada) Provides confidential support and referrals. 📞 Call: 1-888-933-9007 💬 Online chat: sexualviolencehelpline.ca 🕒 Hours: 24/7 🧑‍⚕️ Services: Support for survivors and their supportersassaultservicesknowledge.org+5thesurvivorstrust.org+5endingviolencecanada.org+5Verywell Mind+4Info-aide violence sexuelle+4Info-aide violence sexuelle+4CIUSSS Centre-Sud+1Info-aide violence sexuelle+1 Other Support Lines Kids Help Phone: For individuals aged 5–29. 📞 Call: 1-800-668-6868 💬 Text: Text "CONNECT" to 686868 💬 Online chat: kidshelpphone.ca Trans Lifeline: For transgender and gender-diverse individuals. 📞 Call: 1-877-330-6366 💬 Online chat: translifeline.org Victim Connect: For general victim support. 📞 Call: 1-855-484-2846 💬 Online chat: victimconnect.org

Originally released as episode 52. This episode is part therapy, part masterclass. Dr. Tina Shermer Sellers joins us to talk about parenting and re-parenting in a world where many of us never got real sex education. If you’re a parent wondering how to raise kids free of shame—or an adult figuring out how to parent your younger self—this episode is a warm hug and a roadmap.

Dive into the troubling world of Teen Mania and its Honor Academy, where emotional manipulation shaped countless youth. Reflect on how evangelicalism forged a 'teenage holy war,' harnessing fear and purity culture to radicalize young minds. Discover personal stories of disillusionment and the struggle to reclaim one's identity after leaving these high-control environments. The conversation also highlights the challenges of navigating life beyond the confines of such strict belief systems and the healing journey through therapy and support.

In this episode of Thoughts and Prayers, Jessica and EDJ reflect on three key conversations from the past month — with queer theologian Brandon Robertson and Catholic academic Donna Freitas — while taking a deep dive into the question: Is it time to reimagine Christian sexual ethics? Join them for a vulnerable, theologically rich, and sometimes hilarious discussion on queerness, purity culture, hookup culture, parenting, masturbation, and what Jesus might really have meant when he talked about lust. We finish the episode with heartfelt prayers for those navigating deconstruction and for peace in the wider world. In This Episode: What does it mean to be queer affirming? Evangelicals vs. Catholics on sex: who talks more and says less? Deconstructing lust, sin, and abomination Parenting kids with new sexual ethics Why Jesus might’ve been talking about rape not just lust A buffet of sexual options: beyond purity and hookup culture The grief and grace in letting go of black-and-white certainty   Mentions: Brandon Robertson interview Donna Freitas interview EDJ’s upcoming book Reconstructing Sexual Ethics (Coming soon via Sacrosage Press) Support us at Patreon.com/WhereDoWeGoPod

Author, scholar, and survivor Donna Freitas joins us for a raw and deeply thoughtful conversation on the ways purity culture, religious silence, and institutional failures around sexuality have left lasting wounds — and where healing might actually begin. In this episode, we talk about: 📚 Donna’s personal story of church trauma and spiritual silence ✝️ The impact of purity culture on desire, consent, and autonomy 🧠 Why Christian spaces still struggle to talk about sex without shame 💔 How writing became Donna’s way back to something like prayer 🔍 The difference between sexual ethics and sexual rules 🧎‍♀️ What healing can look like when religion has been the source of harm 👀 The things that don’t get said in evangelical and Catholic conversations around sex — and why they matter This one is for anyone who's been handed shame in the name of God — and is still trying to sort through what’s true, what’s trauma, and what’s worth keeping.   Donna Freitas is an author, researcher, professor, and leading voice in conversations around sex, consent, spirituality, and young adult faith. Website: www.donnafreitas.com Substack: @donnafreitas Instagram: @donnafreitas.writer   Where Do We Go From Here is a podcast by Jessica Vanderwyngaard For more content and to partner with the show: https://www.patreon.com/wheredowegopod Today's Host was EDJ - https://evangelicaldeconstructionjourney.com/  

Is it time to reimagine a Christian sexual ethic? That’s the big question Jessica, Kristen, and Emily take on in this bold, honest, and expansive No Hard Feelings conversation. Together, we dive deep into the history of Christian sexual ethics—from the Garden of Eden and ancient Israelite practices to purity culture and the modern church. This isn’t just a theology class. We’re asking: What was the biblical sexual ethic really? How has marriage changed over the centuries? What role did empire, patriarchy, and purity culture play? What do we owe to queer theologians in rethinking Christian sexuality? How can we build a framework that values consent, agency, dignity, and inclusion? Whether you’ve left purity culture behind, are raising kids, are single in the church, or just want to better understand how we got here—this episode is for you. 🔑 Plus, Jessica shares a deeply personal vision for a new Christian sexual ethic—available exclusively on Patreon. Join us for this no-holds-barred conversation. Because when it comes to faith and sex, there are no hard feelings—just open hearts and honest questions. 🔗 Links & Resources Jessica’s solo episode: A New Christian Sexual Ethic? → Patreon Exclusive Episode with Brandon Robertson on queer theology → Listen now Follow us on Instagram: @wheredowegopod

Originally released as Episode 49.  This episode is all about one word: agency. Jessica and Devi revisit their conversation with Sheila Gregoire about what it really means for women to experience pleasure, make choices, and have autonomy in their sexual relationships. From obligation sex to pleasure gaps in marriage, we dissect the ways purity culture erased agency—and what reclaiming it can look like.