Cruciform Conversations

In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with my dear friend Dr. Kelcie Vercel, searching for sociological insights into the lived sexual experiences of young adults. Connecting the methodology of sociology to the work of contextual theology, we dig into the research about the lived sexual experiences of young adult, how they are being educated, the social scripts they are learning, and how this insight can shape a redemptive ethic.
Kelcie helps us explore the cultural and social influences shaping sexual ethics, behaviors, and perceptions in contemporary society. Our conversation delves into topics like pornography, unwanted sex, and the impact of cultural narratives on individual and collective sexual experiences, offering valuable perspectives for faith communities and educators.
As always, it’s a great help if you share the podcast with friends, and I would love to hear your feedback and insights!


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A Cruciform Sexual Ethic must reflect the teachings and life of Jesus!
It is a simple truth, but vital for our work in examining our own sexual ethics and understanding what is shaping us.
In this conversation, I chat with my friend Dr. Ryan Huber to explore the complexities of sexual ethics through a cruciform lens, emphasizing the self-giving love of Christ. We discuss Jesus' creative interpretation of scripture regarding marriage and sexuality, the cultural shifts in understanding these concepts, and the importance of community in strengthening relationships. The dialogue also touches on the eschatological vision of relationships, suggesting that while marriage is significant, it is not the ultimate fulfillment of human connection. Instead, the focus should be on the transformative power of love and friendship within the body of Christ, leading to a deeper understanding of what it means to live out a cruciform ethic in today's world.I found the conversation to be a helpful test case for the Cruciform framework, and insightful when considering the dominant evangelical teachings on marriage and family. Too often, marriage and family have been treated as the promised end of our life in Christ, rather than life in Christ itself. I would offer cruciformity as a helpful corrective to this misalignment.
Connect with Ryan:
Ryan’s books
Formation Time Substack
Bohoeffer On Substack
New Canaan Society



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drgregarthur.substack.com

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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“Paul also uses the term ‘be fruitful and increase’ in Colossians 1:6. He’s talking to Gentiles, how they are included in the covenants of grace. And he says, hey, “This is it, you guys, the gospel is bearing fruit and increasing’. So he’s including them in covenant. And part of that is sexual health and safety.
- Glen Maiden
In this episode of the podcast, I am joined by the remarkable Dr. Glen Maiden. Diving into Glen’s remarkable biblical insight and his experience helping people find healing from trauma, we explore Genesis as a helpful text for sexual health and flourishing, and follow the thread of language throughout both the Old and New Testaments that addresses sexual ethics in a world of human trafficking.
Rev. Dr. Glen Maiden is a 40-year ordained pastor, a licensed counselor, and a coach. He holds board certification in sex therapy, using the Bible as a foundational theory in treatment. He earned a PhD in Clinical Sexology, which focuses on the Book of Genesis as a sexual health primer for families. In addition, he holds a Doctor of Ministry in the treatment of addiction, trauma, and anxiety. His certifications include sex addiction/multi addiction therapy and traumatic stress treatment. He also has training in geriatric counseling and Forest Therapy.

Connect with Glen:
Glen’s website



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drgregarthur.substack.com

(To stay up to date on the podcast, you can subscribe here on Substack or find us over on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube. Please subscribe and leave a review!)
In this episode of the podcast, I am joined by Christian ethicist Dr. Hank Spaulding for a conversation about the biggest questions we are asking about Christian Sexual Ethics in this cultural moment. Turns out, we were asking a lot of the same questions!
* How is A.I., especially the introduction of bots as a replacement for relationships, impacting human flourishing and sexuality?
* How is A.I. impacting spiritual and character formation?
* What is a healthy sexual ethic when so much of our sexuality is being commodified and turned into a transaction?
These are some of the big questions that we dig into as part of this pursuit of a Cruciform Sexuality. We would love to hear your feedback, questions, push-back, and whatever else this conversation stirs up.
Make sure to check out Hank’s book Iconclastic Sex



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drgregarthur.substack.com