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

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Purity 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 teaching
• sex, shame, and self-worth
• losing and rebuilding self-trust
• deconstruction and healing after toxic religion
• relationships shaped by religious conditioning

If this episode resonates, you might also connect with:

• The Death of Pastor Dave — on shame, addiction, and identity
• You Don’t Deserve Love—the lie that shaped me and the God who never agreed.
• Did I Fail as a Youth Pastor? — deconstructing inherited beliefs

Mattie Jo Cowsert's Website

Buy Mattie Jo’s Book, Sex, God, and Rich People

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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.

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Episode written, hosted, edited and produced by Jeromy Johnson.