Welcome to Java with Julie. My name is Becca and I live in Washington, D.C.

I listen to every single Java that comes out and I've been doing so for the last three years.

Before learning about this podcast, I had no idea how connected our sexuality and spirituality really are.

I followed to learn the gospel. So grab your Java.

It's time for Java with Julie.

Hey friend, welcome to Java with Julie. I'm Julie Sletary. Thanks for joining me. And special shout out to Becca for introducing the show. So I'm going to ask you, what's your story? Why do you listen to this podcast? I've met some of you guys out there. I know there are a lot of men listening to this podcast as well. And we want to hear from you. Why do you listen? Look for the link in our show notes and tell us how you take

your Java. It just take you a few minutes and I'd so appreciate it. This listener's supported

podcast is an outreach of the ministry authentic intimacy. Today I'm talking with Darby Strickland,

a professional counselor, author, and speaker who has focused much of her career on domestic abuse.

And today, Darby and I are going to tackle a difficult topic. We're going to talk about

sexual abuse of women in marriage. You know, in the church, sexual abuse in marriage can

sometimes seem like an oxymoron. How can you be sexually abused within your marriage?

Well, today you're going to hear how Christians have misapplied the verses from 1st Corinthians 7

that talk about how in marriage our bodies belong to one another. You'll also hear Darby explain

why marriage doesn't automatically equal consent and what exactly sexual abuse in marriage might look

like. Now, although we're primarily talking about sexual abuse of women in marriage today,

it's not to say that men can't be sexually abused in marriage. That does happen,

although not nearly as often. And the foundational biblical principles that you're

going to hear today will apply in both situations. Look for a link to Darby Strickland's website

where you'll find more helpful resources from her in regards to sexual abuse and marriage,

including her book, Is It Abuse? We'll also link to a past Java episode that I did with Hannah Nitz. Number 319 is

Good Sex, A Right, and Marriage. So you'll find those in our show notes and at Authenticanimacy.com.

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