Diarmaid MacCulloch on Christianity, Sex, and Unsettling Settled Facts - Conversations with Tyler Recap
Podcast: Conversations with Tyler
Published: 2026-01-21
Duration: 1 hr 0 min
Summary
Diarmaid MacCulloch explores the historical relationship between Christianity, monotheism, and monogamy, emphasizing how these elements have evolved over time. He argues that while Christianity introduced some egalitarian ideas, much of its history reflects a return to patriarchal norms.
What Happened
In this episode, Tyler engages with historian Diarmaid MacCulloch about his latest book, 'Lower Than the Angels: A History of Sex and Christianity.' They delve into the intricate connections between monotheistic religions and monogamy, highlighting that this correlation is not universal, particularly in the context of Judaism, which traditionally allowed polygyny. MacCulloch notes that the shift towards monogamy in Christianity was influenced by the unique cultural landscapes of ancient Greece and Rome, despite their polytheistic beliefs.
MacCulloch identifies a significant change in the 12th century regarding marriage and sex within Christianity, which was influenced by evolving ideas about the Eucharist. He explains that the emphasis on celibacy for clergy during this period created a dichotomy between celibate clergy and the laity, leading to new norms around marriage. Interestingly, he points out that throughout much of Christian history, marriage was often viewed as a contract between families rather than a union based on mutual consent, underscoring the patriarchal nature of these institutions. However, MacCulloch also highlights early Christian texts that suggest an egalitarian view of marriage, particularly in the writings of Paul, which reversed traditional notions of spousal ownership.
The conversation concludes with a reflection on how these historical perspectives are shifting in contemporary society, particularly since the 19th century, as ideas surrounding gender and equality continue to evolve.
Key Insights
- The correlation between monotheistic religions and monogamy is not always consistent, as seen in Judaism's historical acceptance of polygyny.
- Christianity introduced baptism as a form of initiation, which allowed both men and women to participate equally, contrasting with the male-centric practice of circumcision in Judaism.
- The 12th century marked a pivotal shift in Christian views on marriage and sex, emphasizing celibacy for clergy and altering the dynamics of marital relationships.
- Despite early texts promoting equality in marriage, much of Christian history has reverted to patriarchal norms, often viewing marriage as a contract between families rather than individuals.