Embracing Sexuality In Religious Culture

Today, we're chatting about the complexities of navigating sex within the context of our religious upbringing, particularly within the Church. If you haven't, we do encourage you to listen to our previous episode on shame and trauma related to sex, where we talk about the profound impact of religious teachings on our perception of sex while growing up. We discuss the challenges of transitioning from being taught that sex is forbidden to suddenly being expected to engage in it frequently after marriage. We share our personal experiences, including Amanda getting pregnant before marriage and the immense shame that followed. We explore the lingering shame and guilt surrounding our sexual experiences, confession to church authorities, and the pressure to follow church doctrine. We also address the importance of consent in the context of a culture that often suppresses discussions around sexual desires. We highlight the importance of open communication with our partner about our sexual needs and desires. We're talking all about the uncomfy things here! At least the things that have been uncomfy for most of us all of our lives. Self-exploration and understanding our own desires and preferences is one thing we touch on and share about. Ultimately, our discussion sheds light on the impact of religious conditioning on our sexual attitudes and the importance of breaking free from it to build healthier, more fulfilling sexual relationships.   Find Amanda Here:  https://www.instagram.com/amandaclarkstudios/     https://www.amandaclark.biz     Free Breathwork Session: https://TheBreathworkMethod.as.me/free-integrative  Find Ashley here: Website: https://www.ashleybucknerlmft.com/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ashleybucknerlmft/   Recommended Books: Slammed by Colleen Hoover: https://amzn.to/3PidRQM (also a good one for Teens) Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover: https://amzn.to/3RrvZuk Court of Thorns & Roses by Sarah J Mass: https://amzn.to/3F4roXA  4th Wing by Rebeccas Yarros: https://amzn.to/3rz9hpN