Property, Purity, and Patriarchy: How Religion Controls Women’s Bodies episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 15, 2025 · 8 MIN

Property, Purity, and Patriarchy: How Religion Controls Women’s Bodies

from Atheistville with Mike Smithgall · host Atheistville Media

In this episode, we unpack the centuries-old religious systems that police women’s sexuality while excusing men. From the way conservative Christians condemn women in porn but ignore male participation, to purity culture traditions like veils and “giving away the bride,” we explore the deep roots of patriarchal control.We also discuss the link between modesty rules, property laws, and the ongoing expectation that women bear the moral burden in sexual matters. Along the way, we address sex-positivity, boundaries, and the troubling patterns that connect violence against women to broader cultural beliefs.💬 Viewer QuestionWhy do you think religious communities so often excuse men’s sexual behavior while condemning women’s?📑 Relevant Topics or Chapter HeadingsSexual Double Standards in ReligionWomen as “Moral Corrupters” in Faith TraditionsPurity Culture and Property LawsWedding Customs and Ownership EchoesSex Positivity vs. Harmful Porn TrendsViolence, Strangulation, and Real-World Risks📚 Suggested Reading ListThe Purity Myth by Jessica Valenti — https://amzn.to/45QtfNKExplores how the obsession with female virginity shapes women’s lives, politics, and self-worth.Sex and God by Darrel Ray — https://amzn.to/3JdatYhExamines how religion controls sexuality and perpetuates harmful myths.The Creation of Patriarchy by Gerda Lerner — https://amzn.to/3JcUp8ZA deep dive into the historical development of patriarchal systems, including religious influence.Visit us at www.Atheistville.com  for more content from Mike Smithgall and the Atheistville team 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@atheistville 💬 Want to be a guest or submit a question? Drop us a note at CONTACTCheck us out at: https://atheistville.buzzsprout.com  🔥 New episodes weekly from Atheistville — Mike Drop with Mike Smithgall, Ask an Atheist, and The Unholy Roundtable, Breakfast With a Heathen © 2025-2026 Atheistville Media 

In this episode, we unpack the centuries-old religious systems that police women’s sexuality while excusing men. From the way conservative Christians condemn women in porn but ignore male participation, to purity culture traditions like veils and “giving away the bride,” we explore the deep roots of patriarchal control. We also discuss the link between modesty rules, property laws, and the ongoing expectation that women bear the moral burden in sexual matters. Along the way, we address sex-po...

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Property, Purity, and Patriarchy: How Religion Controls Women’s Bodies

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This episode was published on August 15, 2025.

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In this episode, we unpack the centuries-old religious systems that police women’s sexuality while excusing men. From the way conservative Christians condemn women in porn but ignore male participation, to purity culture traditions like veils and...

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