Sex, Gender and Christianity: A 3,000 Year History, with Diarmaid MacCulloch and Mary Beard (Part One) - intelligence-squared-u-s-debates Recap

Podcast: intelligence-squared-u-s-debates

Published: 2026-03-16

Duration: 35 min

Guests: Diarmaid MacCulloch, Mary Beard

Summary

The episode examines the complex history of Christianity's views on sex, gender, and family, highlighting the diversity and evolution of perspectives over 3,000 years.

What Happened

Mary Beard and Diarmaid MacCulloch explore the historical context of Christianity's views on sex and gender, emphasizing that these perspectives have evolved significantly over thousands of years. MacCulloch highlights how early Christianity was influenced by Jewish and Greco-Roman traditions, which shaped its initial views on sex and marriage. He points out that early Christians did not marry in churches, as church weddings only became common in the 12th century. This historical context is crucial in understanding modern debates on marriage and sexuality within the church.

MacCulloch argues that there is no singular Christian view on sex, as perspectives have differed greatly across time and cultures. This diversity is often overlooked in contemporary discussions about the church's stance on marriage and sexuality. He stresses that Christianity's relationship with sex has often been negative, contrasting with other religions like Islam and Hinduism, which have more positive views on sexual activity. This negativity has shaped Christian doctrines and practices throughout history.

Mary Beard and Diarmaid MacCulloch discuss Jesus' teachings on marriage, noting that Jesus was against divorce and advocated for monogamy, which was countercultural at the time. These teachings have been interpreted in various ways, leading to different Christian practices regarding marriage and divorce. MacCulloch emphasizes that Jesus said nothing about homosexuality, a topic that has become a major point of contention in modern Christianity.

The episode also explores the emergence of celibacy and monasticism within Christianity, noting that these practices were not originally part of Jewish or early Christian traditions. MacCulloch suggests that monasticism may have been influenced by Eastern religions like Buddhism and Hinduism, which had established monastic traditions. This adaptation highlights Christianity's ability to incorporate diverse cultural influences.

MacCulloch's book, 'Lower Than the Angels,' delves deeper into these topics, examining the complex and often contradictory history of Christianity's views on sex and gender. The book aims to provide readers with a nuanced understanding of how these views have shaped and been shaped by broader cultural and historical forces. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of historical context in engaging with contemporary debates on sex and gender within Christianity.

Throughout the conversation, both Beard and MacCulloch emphasize the need for church leaders to engage more deeply with the historical complexities of Christianity's teachings on sex and gender. They argue that understanding this history is crucial for meaningful discussions about the church's role in modern society. The episode highlights the ongoing relevance of these historical debates and the ways they continue to inform contemporary discussions on sex, gender, and religion.

Key Insights