What is marriage actually for? What is sex for?

The way we answer these questions reveal the stories we tell ourselves and each other. So then: what is the story we see unfolding in the Bible? And what would it look like for the Christian story to be our primary narrative?

In this episode, Tyler Parker takes us through the first part of the Biblical story. God’s kingdom on earth, how human marriage plays a role, what makes marriage a unique relationship, good stuff. And then we touch on the Christian story’s implications for same-sex marriage, serial monogamy, hookup relationships, and other expressions of sexuality.

And then we realized this was a big topic and saved a few questions to Part 2. Stay tuned for that!

[Part 2 link will appear here when it’s published.]

Finally: We note the need for a Catholic voice to join this conversation, so—if you have a recommendation, please get in touch!

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Note: This episode uses the terms “Side A” and “Side B” (and X, Y) as shorthand. If you’re new to the conversation, you might find it helpful to check out episode #3, where we talk through the four “sides”: ⁠#3 - A-B-Y-X | 4 Sides on SSA/Gay Sexuality⁠

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★ Timestamps

(00:00) #68 - The Christian Story of Sex and Marriage with Tyler Parker (Part 1)

(03:58) Why we start with narrative

(08:08) The Bible's creation myth: a God who makes order from chaos

(12:56) The dimorphic expression of God's image

(20:14) God rested: He made a home for himself, with humans

(26:00) "Ezer": a helper who does what you cannot

(30:16) "Kenegdo": marriage isn't just union, it's REunion.

(41:47) A symbol of fruitfulness--but what is a symbol? We note the need for a Catholic voice.

(54:18) What about the church and other communities? Does marriage "colonize" all the good things about human unions?

(01:03:11) "Porneia": what is NOT good, in God's narrative

(01:17:23) In which we decide we'll need a Part 2

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★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, and support!

Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship | Patreon: @newkinship

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★ Credits

Co-Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza, Tyler Parker | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson, carlswensonmusic.com | Podcast Manager: Elena F. | Graphic Designer: Gavin Popken, gavinpopkenart.com ★