Unbelievable? Is Patriarchy Actually Biblical? Medieval Historian Beth Allison Barr Responds
Dec 2, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Beth Allison Barr, a medieval historian and author of bestselling works on women in the church, shares her transformative journey from a complementarian viewpoint to advocating for women's leadership in Christianity. She discusses historical evidence of women’s roles in early churches, particularly focusing on figures like Junia. Barr argues that the biblical interpretation of womanhood is often shaped by cultural patriarchy rather than scripture. She also addresses the personal toll of her advocacy and offers a hopeful vision for collaboration between men and women in faith.
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Catalyst For Writing Her First Book
- Beth Allison Barr decided to write The Making of Biblical Womanhood after her husband lost his church job over a woman teaching Sunday school.
- She delayed signing the contract for months because she feared the personal and professional cost of speaking out.
Complementarianism As Cultural, Not Biblical
- Barr argues modern complementarian 'biblical womanhood' aligns with wider cultural patriarchy, not unique Christian teaching.
- She says Paul's theology subverts that patriarchy by centering Christ as head and calling mutual service.
Early Church Had Visible Female Leaders
- Romans 16 shows many women in early-church leadership roles like apostles and deacons.
- Barr emphasises these women led house churches and weren't merely domestic hosts.
