Talking Back to Purity Culture

Rediscovering Faithful Christian Sexuality

By: Rachel Joy Welcher, Scott Sauls - foreword

Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman

Length: 6 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's Summary

It's time to talk back.

The generation born into evangelical purity culture has grown up, and many have started families of their own. But as time goes on, it's becoming more evident that many still struggle with purity culture's complicated legacy - its idolization of virginity, its mixed messages about modesty and lust, and its promise of a healthy marriage and great sex for those who follow the rules. In Talking Back to Purity Culture, Rachel Joy Welcher reviews the movement carefully, examining its teachings through the lens of Scripture. Compassionate, faithful, and wise, she charts a path forward for evangelicals in the ongoing debates about sexuality - one that rejects legalism and license alike, steering us back instead to the good news of Jesus. It's time to talk back to purity culture - and this book is ready to jump-start the conversation.

©2020 Rachel Joy Welcher (P)2020 eChristian

Not Talking Back Enough

I'm someone who has legitimate purity culture trauma triggers. They color pretty much every aspect of my life. I'm simultaneously trying to break free from the damage purity culture did to my sexual agency, self esteem, and spiritual health- while also maintaining my deep faith in Jesus. This book doesn't do enough to address the traumatic effects purity culture has on victims. The end of the book even seems to justify many of the purity culture myths and common misconceptions. I found this book to be highly offensive and misguided. It isn't trauma informed. If you're looking for a true resource on how to help people who have been harmed by purity culture, or how to have a truly loving viewpoint on this issue, I would not consider this book to be the best resource. It was really disappointing. Maybe I was naive to expect an evangelical to have a holistic view on this issue. I want to emphasize that I'm a believer and I have big faith. It's a huge part of who I am. But I'm not an idiot. And I see now that I have value beyond what purity culture imparts. I deserve better than what the purity culture mindset taught me. The body of believers as a whole should be doing better too. Wish the author had gone further than she did to address this issue. She's half in and half out- acknowledging there are some problems while also affirming many purity culture foundational beliefs. It's not enough.

Needed, God honoring resource

I am a youth pastors wife raised on many books referenced in this book, and am so grateful for the humility, boldness, love, Truth, kindness, and redemption that I heard in this author’s words. It has challenged my thoughts and my outlooks, especially since I judged the book by its title and almost didn’t pick it up due to what it could say. So glad I did. May God be glorified as this reaches more minds and hearts!

Much needed book

So much packed into this book that many are wrestling with today-purity, gender, marriage, singleness, abuse, pornography, Christ, the church. Honest and open conversations that need to take place. I love the discussion questions at the end of each chapter. I also love how she stays tied to the word. She is not shaming in what she says and how she says it. She is open to critique and says it’s ok to change your mind about something. So much of what I have seen in the church is a doubling down and an unwillingness to listen to another point of view. Such a great book!

An honest look at purity culture and Christian sexual ethic

Rachel does an incredible job of tackling a sometimes taboo and potentially awkward topic with grace and humility. She touches on so many issues that are relevant in the conversation around sexuality and encourages the reader to think for themselves and have conversations with others to further digest and respond to the topics discussed. This is a “must read” for people of all ages and religious views!

Promotes a Healthy Christian Sexual Ethic

This book is challenging yet edifying from the very beginning. I so appreciated the nuanced way the author critiques Purity Culture’s teachings that are harmful to Christians without blaming the religion itself or other believers.

If you are looking to honestly examine your own sexual ethic as a Christian or even just a person harmed by unhealthy teachings, this book is for you.

life changing

I loved this book! Great teacher on a really really important topic! next to the Bible this was the second most impactful book in my life personally that I read in 2022.

Much needed message for the church

Biblical and compelling. This is an important book for any church member to ponder in regard to the unhealthy teaching so much of purity culture represented.

Extremely Insightful and Edifying

It was extremely edifying to learn more about the Purity Culture movement and I was blown away by the insight Welcher provided throughout. You will come away with a brand new (and much healthier) perspective on Christian sexuality! It's time for the American Church to kiss Purity Culture goodbye.

The book I wish I'd had growing up

Such an important book for EVERYONE to read! So challenging and encouraging. Highly recommend it!