Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society The Real Virgin Mary
9 snips
Aug 19, 2025 
Diarmaid Macculloch, an esteemed author and historian, delves into the complexities surrounding the Virgin Mary and her significance in Christianity. He challenges conventional views of virginity as a mere social construct, providing historical context. The discussion explores the dichotomy between Mary and Eve, and how early Christian thinkers shaped the church's views on sexuality. Macculloch also examines the evolving perceptions of virginity in modern times, highlighting the implications for both women and broader societal norms.
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Virginity’s Rise Came Later
- Veneration of virginity grew after the New Testament, driven by second-century Syrian Christianity.
- Syrian Christians likely adopted monastic celibacy influenced by contact with Buddhist and Hindu monastics in India.
Miracles Explain An Irregular Birth
- The nativity miracle stories in Matthew and Luke are theological additions, not bare historical record.
- The one historical core is that Jesus was born of Mary and Joseph was his legal husband but not his biological father.
Gospel Stories Downplay Jesus’ Family
- The Gospels downplay Jesus' family to prioritise the spiritual community over kinship claims.
- Tension in early church leadership explains why Gospel authors emphasize non-family authority.
