
In Conversation | Mediaeval sex and bishop brothels - with Diarmaid MacCulloch
This is History: A Dynasty to Die For
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The Church's Moral Evolution on Sexuality
This chapter examines the historical development of church doctrines regarding sex and sexuality, highlighting the shift from early ambiguous views towards a structured emphasis on clerical celibacy and procreation among laity. It discusses the church's significant influence on marriage as a spiritual and societal obligation, enforcing strict definitions of sexual relations and harsh penalties for same-sex activities. Additionally, it explores the complexities of the church’s role in moral policing during the Middle Ages and the tensions between religious condemnation and societal practices.
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