Purity Culture Broke Us—Sex, Shame, and Self-Worth (Mattie Jo Cowsert)

Send Jeromy a Message or VoicemailPurity culture didn’t just teach rules about sex — it reshaped how we see ourselves.In this episode of Slutty Grace, we explore the lasting impact of evangelical purity culture — from sexual shame and fear-based teaching to the deeper loss of self-trust and identity.Jeromy sits down with Mattie Jo Cowsert for an honest, unfiltered conversation about what purity culture took: self-worth, agency, and the ability to trust your own body. Together, they unpack how teachings around “purity” shaped relationships, distorted desire, and left many feeling disconnected from themselves long after leaving the system.This isn’t just about sex.It’s about shame, identity, and the long process of healing.If you’ve ever felt like your worth was tied to your behavior…or struggled to trust yourself after deconstructing your faith…this conversation will likely hit close to home.Topics include:purity culture and evangelical sexual teachingsex, shame, and self-worthlosing and rebuilding self-trustdeconstruction and healing after toxic religionrelationships shaped by religious conditioningIf this episode resonates, you might also connect with:The Death of Pastor Dave — on shame, addiction, and identityYou Don’t Deserve Love—the lie that shaped me and the God who never agreed.Did I Fail as a Youth Pastor? — deconstructing inherited beliefsMattie Jo Cowsert's WebsiteBuy Mattie Jo’s Book, Sex, God, and Rich People Support the show_______________________________________________________Grace doesn’t hold back. She breaks the rules, softens hearts, and loves without apology. The open, universal, unapologetic love of God. Together we’re building a braver, more honest space. Thanks for your support and for listening. Got a story, question, guest suggestions, or topic idea? Email me.  Please share if you believe this show and its message of grace is important in our time—keep it spreading!Be sure to follow on whichever podcast platform you use.  Slutty Grace Facebook GroupEpisode written, hosted, edited and produced by Jeromy Johnson.  Once grace is tamed, it ceases to be grace. Grace doesn’t hold back. She breaks the rules, softens hearts, and loves without apology. The open, universal, unapologetic love of God. Together we’re building a braver, more honest space. Thanks for your support and for listening. Got a story, question, guest suggestions, or topic idea? Email me.Please share if you believe this show and its message of grace is important in our time—keep it spreading!Be sure to follow on whichever podcast platform you use.Untamed Grace Facebook GroupEpisode partnered with QuoirCast, and written, hosted, edited and produced by Jeromy Johnson.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.