Buckle up—this conversation might just change how you read your Bible forever.

Monica Almaguer sits down with Bible scholar and sex educator Dr. Kevin Jenson, author of Sacred Not Sinful: A New Christian Sexual Ethic, for a raw, eye-opening deep dive into topics most churches won't touch: premarital sex, lust, masturbation, pornography, dead bedrooms, and the true meaning of biblical sexual ethics.

What if many of the "rules" you grew up with aren't actually in the Bible? Dr. Jenson unpacks the original Greek and Hebrew words that have been mistranslated or misunderstood for centuries:

Lust (epithumeia) — It's not just sexual desire; it's an overpowering, life-orienting desire to possess someone. Jesus wasn't banning arousal—He was warning against letting desire rule you.

Adultery — In biblical context, this was largely about property law and violating another man's "possession," not a blanket ban on all sex outside marriage.

Porneia (often translated "fornication" or "sexual immorality") — Far from meaning "premarital sex," its root is tied to "selling out" one's faithfulness—often to idols, money, or systems—instead of God. The modern idea of "sex outside marriage = sin" evolved much later through church tradition, not the original texts.

Together they explore:

Why purity culture creates impossible double standards, especially for young men flooded with testosterone.

How repressing sexual desire for decades doesn't flip a switch on your wedding night.

Why women often struggle more to embrace sexuality after years of "sex is bad until marriage" messaging.

Masturbation, pornography, and dead bedrooms: When might self-pleasure actually be the more loving, ethical choice?

The radical progression in Scripture toward mutual authority in marriage (1 Corinthians 7) and elevating women's status.

How shame, control, and lack of education turn God's gift of sexuality into a source of pain.

This isn't about liberal vs. conservative—it's about returning to what the Bible actually says, in its historical and linguistic context, and asking: How can sexuality become sacred, not sinful?

If you've ever felt shame, confusion, or frustration about faith and sexuality, this episode is for you.

Resources mentioned:

Get Dr. Kevin Jenson's book Sacred Not Sinful: A New Christian Sexual Ethic → https://sacrednotsinful.com/book (print, ebook, audiobook available; pay-what-you-can option)

Follow Dr. Jenson's YouTube channel for in-depth Bible studies (including the One Flesh series on lust, adultery, porneia & more) → https://www.youtube.com/@drkevinjenson

Website: https://sacrednotsinful.com / https://www.drkevinjenson.com

Drop your biggest takeaway or question in the comments—let's keep the conversation going!

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