In the conclusion of this two-part series, Andrew and Laura reunite with therapists Julia Postema and Jeremiah Gibson to reveal how purity culture reaches far beyond the bedroom. The conversation pulls back the curtain on the "Internal Panopticon," exploring how religious conditioning manifests as perfectionism, decision-making paralysis, and the compulsive emotional caretaking often found in high-control environments.

The guests discuss how these evangelical patterns are frequently replicated in progressive spaces and social media "call-out" cultures, where rigid performance often replaces human nuance. By shifting from a fixed mindset of "right vs. wrong" to one of growth and authenticity, Julia and Jeremiah provide a practical framework for naming needs and building relationships without the weight of inherited shame.

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Guest Info:

www.sexvangelicals.com

Substack (Relationship 101): https://sexvangelicals.substack.com/

IG: @sexvangelicals

Resources discussed in this episode:

The Great Sex Rescue by Sheila Gregorie

Matthew Bodie book

This podcast is brought to you by the Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery: an online trauma coaching company whose practitioners are trauma informed and trauma trained to work with individuals, couples and families who have experienced high control religion, cults, and religious trauma. For more information on the support that CTRR provides, for resources–including courses, workshops, and more–head to traumaresolutionandrecovery.com or follow us on Instagram: @traumaresolutionandrecovery

The views and opinions expressed by Sunday School Dropouts are those of the hosts and not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery. Any of the content provided by our guests, sponsors, authors, or bloggers are their own ideas and opinions.

The Sunday School Dropouts podcast is not anti-religion but it is anti -harm, -power and control, -oppression and, -abuse and will speak to the harmful practices and messaging of fundamentalist groups.

Follow Andrew on Instagram @andrew_kerbs

Follow Andrew’s post-SDA account @lifeafteradventism

Follow Andrew’s account on neurodivergence and high control religion @divergent.faith

Join Andrew’s Substack (Kerb Your Enthusiasm) www.andrewkerbs.substack.com

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Join Laura’s Substack (Therapy in the Headlines) www.drlauraeanderson.substack.com

To work with Laura as a coach, therapist, consultant, or to inquire about other services, you can do so here

Hosts:

Laura Anderson and Andrew Kerbs

Music by Benjamin Faye Music @heytherebenji

Purity Test, Perfectionism, and Power in Relationships