There is a better vision for sexuality that transcends the exploitation of women’s bodies on one hand or the denial of their existence on the other. That alternative was recently on display in a surprising place. Christian pro-life activist Lila Rose appeared on the dating talk podcast Whatever, which boasts over 4 million subscribers on YouTube. She was joined by a colorful assortment of guests, including a self-proclaimed pickup artist and several women who have made careers selling pictures of their bodies online.

Typically, the format of the podcast involves the men shaming the women for their promiscuous behavior, which, of course, the men also engage in. Lila threw both sides for a loop by describing a Christian view of the sexes in which men and women have “equal dignity” and in which sexual relationships are not only about pleasure but also about “procreation and the ability to bring life into the world.” All of this, she added, is designed to occur “within marriage,” “a lifelong, public commitment” to one’s spouse, a commitment which, as she rightly pointed out, social science demonstrates to be the most fulfilling and stable type of sexual relationship.

The other guests on the podcast seemed mystified.

[I’m not surprised; Lila is one of the best advocates for a true Christian approach to family life, and I’m not surprised that her advocacy for it flummoxed the others. Pope Paul VI warned of the corrosion of a “contraception culture” in Humanae Vitae over 50 years ago, and the alienation of dignity since has proven him prophetic. In my discussion with Peachy Keenan earlier today, we touched on how all of us have been brainwashed to respond to sexual impulses rather than embracing true dignity. — Ed]