E3: Lust – The Sin That Built an Industry Part 1

Welcome to The Sanctuary of Sin Podcast, where we dive headfirst into the juicy, the taboo, and the scandalously sinful. In this deep dive, we’re exploring perhaps the most infamous—and, let’s be honest, most fun—of the Seven Deadly Sins: Lust.

In Part 1, we’re setting the scene with an exploration of lust as more than just a desire for sex. Lust is a primal force—fueling love, rebellion, shame, art, kink, and control. It’s a craving that drives connection and creation… and, depending on who you ask, possibly the downfall of civilization.

We crack open the ancient scrolls and modern myths to trace how this most human urge became demonized. From Saint Augustine’s iconic teenage erection (yes, really), to the weaponization of shame in patriarchal religion, we unpack how a single mortifying moment at the Roman baths helped build the foundation for centuries of sexual repression. We’re talking original sin, boner guilt, and the birth of the idea that your genitals must be mastered. Spoiler: he blamed his dick for literally everything.

We then track how lust was politicised and policed throughout history—from ancient matriarchal fertility worship to the rise of the patriarchy, where women’s bodies became currency and sex became a site of control. With quotes from scripture, scandalous kings, and rebellious academics, we unravel how sexuality—especially women’s—was tamed to fit systems of power, inheritance, and religious doctrine.

But it’s not all fire and brimstone. We’ll also touch on how lust found liberation in the 20th century: the sexual revolution, the pill, the rise of free love, and how we’re still riding the wave of sex positivity today. From slut-shaming to sacred kink, from Genesis to Grindr—lust has come a long way, baby.

So grab your flogger and your favorite beverage—this is one sin you’ll be glad you didn’t resist.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses religion, sexual shame, reproductive rights, and systemic oppression. Take care of yourselves and listen with awareness. 

Check out our blog article for links to all of our research: https://thesanctuaryofsin.com/blogs/the-sanctuary-of-sin-podcast/e3-lust-the-sin-that-built-an-industry-part-1

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Stay curious. Stay kinky. Stay sinful.