In recent years, several T.V. shows have pulled back the curtain on a particular part of the evangelical church, a movement known as “Quiver Full”. This movement to have as many children as possible, to raise an army of culture warriors, was first encountered by many of us through the series 19 Kids and Counting. This series followed the Duggar family and shared their approach to family, marriage, and their faith. More recently, the series Shiny Happy People on Amazon has examined the larger theological movement the Duggars are part of, founded by Bill Gothard. If you have ever encountered this movement, watched the shows, or have questions about how rigid patriarchal theological systems impact sexual ethics, have I got a conversation for you!
I was so thankful to engage in this conversation with writer and scholar Rachel Darnall, who has researched and written extensively about the cultural, philosophical, and theological origins of this culture. We dive into her own background and experience, a theology of modesty (if you ever heard “modest is hottest’ this is your podcast), and gender divisions. How does this system impact sexual ethics? How can this particular Christian subgroup give us a helpful lens for thinking about sexual ethics and gender roles? What is the Biblical concept of modesty really talking about? Beyond the podcast, you can encounter Rachel’s work through her wonderful Substack, new podcast called These Troubled Times, and through the Anastasis Center. We talk in detail about the Anastasis Center’s new course, It’s a Mans’s World: The Genesis 3:16 Effect. I was part of a pilot group for this course and highly recommend it. If you want to join in this new study, there are groups forming right now!
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