Episode #104- Glen Scrivener On Why Consent Is A Christian Invention
In this episode of The Union Podcast, we’re joined by Glen Scrivener—author, evangelist, and CEO of SpeakLife—for a rich and thought-provoking conversation on how the gospel has shaped the way we understand sex, consent, and human dignity.
Glen is well known for his work with SpeakLife, a UK-based ministry that uses creative storytelling, media, and digital content to engage hearts and minds with the truth and beauty of Jesus. Whether it’s through spoken word films, interviews, or cultural commentary, Glen and his team are passionate about helping people see how the gospel speaks into every area of life—including some of the most difficult and sensitive topics in our world today.
In this episode, we dive into his book The Air We Breathe, exploring the surprising ways Christianity has influenced the moral foundations of Western culture. Focusing especially on the concept of consent, we look at how the Greco-Roman world understood sexuality—often marked by power, dominance, and inequality—and how the early church introduced a radically different ethic, one rooted in the worth and dignity of every person.
We talk about what made the Christian view of sex so distinct in that cultural moment, how the gospel reframed relationships not just with rules but with reverence, and why this matters deeply in our modern conversations around consent and human value. Glen also shares how the early church's faithfulness to the teachings of Jesus told a better story—one that brought hope and healing then, and still has the power to do the same today.
If you've ever wondered whether the gospel has anything meaningful to say about sex, relationships, and the deep wounds so many carry—this episode is for you.