Where Do We Go From Here?

From Virgin vs Vixen to Grace and Consent


Listen Later

This episode marks the final chapter of Where Do We Go From Here? hosted by Jess, and it's centred on a deeply personal, wide-ranging conversation with long-time co-host and author Eady Jay.

At the heart of the episode is an interview about Eady's latest book, Reconstructing Sexual Ethics, a part-memoir, part-theological work that traces her journey from growing up in Australian evangelical purity culture to reimagining a Christian sexual ethic shaped by grace, consent, dignity, and justice.

The conversation moves fluidly between personal story and theological reflection, including:

  • Eady's early public commitment to abstinence and the "virgin vs vixen" binary she was placed into as a teenager

  • How purity culture shaped desire, shame, mental health, and expectations around marriage

  • Why deconstruction alone isn't enough, and what reconstruction actually requires

  • The vulnerability and risk of speaking about sex personally, not just abstractly

  • Reframing Christian sexual ethics around consent, love, and lived experience

  • Navigating progressive and conservative tensions without collapsing into certainty

The episode also includes the regular Thoughts & Prayers segments:

  • Unsolicited Advice for Christians on Reddit, including a candid discussion about "body count," virginity, and the long shadow of purity culture

  • A closing Prayer of the People, holding space for grief, justice, transition, and hope

This episode is both a farewell and a handover, honouring what this space has held while opening the door to what comes next.

Get the Bundles:

The Jess and Devi Show Bundle - $30USD (++ on iOS)

The Jess and Friends Show Bundle - $10USD (++ on iOS)

If you're looking for discounts as a previous Patreon member, send a request via email to: [email protected]

Links Mentioned / Relevant Resources
  • Eady Jay's website and bio: https://evangelicaldeconstructionjourney.com

  • Reconstructing Sexual Ethics (book): https://evangelicaldeconstructionjourney.com

  • Patreon archive bundles: https://www.patreon.com/wheredowegopod/collections

  • Making Biblical Womanhood by Beth Allison Barr (mentioned in discussion)

  • Sheila Wray Gregoire's work on consent and arousal non-concordance (referenced)

If you're looking for support after sexual assault (USA)

If this episode brings things up for you, you're not alone, and help is available. Healing support does not require certainty, a clear memory, or a particular story. You deserve care simply because something hurt you. Immediate and confidential support:

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) Chat online at rainn.org Available 24/7. Free, confidential, and anonymous.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Where Do We Go From Here?By Jessica Van Der Wyngaard

  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7

4.7

190 ratings


More shows like Where Do We Go From Here?

View all
The Holy Post by Phil Vischer

The Holy Post

4,452 Listeners

Theology in the Raw by Theology in the Raw

Theology in the Raw

1,483 Listeners

The Bible For Normal People by Peter Enns and Jared Byas

The Bible For Normal People

3,258 Listeners

For The Love With Jen Hatmaker Podcast by Jen Hatmaker

For The Love With Jen Hatmaker Podcast

6,429 Listeners

The Next Right Thing by with Emily P. Freeman

The Next Right Thing

5,383 Listeners

Everything Happens with Kate Bowler by Everything Happens Studios

Everything Happens with Kate Bowler

5,106 Listeners

Faith Adjacent by The Popcast Media Group

Faith Adjacent

5,176 Listeners

Ask NT Wright Anything by Premier Unbelievable

Ask NT Wright Anything

2,070 Listeners

Bare Marriage by Sheila Gregoire

Bare Marriage

1,260 Listeners

The Bulletin by Christianity Today

The Bulletin

577 Listeners

The SkyePod by Skye Jethani

The SkyePod

132 Listeners

The Esau McCaulley Podcast by Esau McCaulley

The Esau McCaulley Podcast

870 Listeners

Sons of Patriarchy by Peter Bell & Sarah Bader

Sons of Patriarchy

633 Listeners

Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Christianity Today

Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

921 Listeners

The Tim & April Show by The New Evangelicals

The Tim & April Show

1,098 Listeners