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Diarmaid MacCulloch

English academic and historian, specializing in ecclesiastical history and the history of Christianity. Fellow of St Cross College, Oxford.

Top 5 podcasts with Diarmaid MacCulloch

Ranked by the Snipd community
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127 snips
May 29, 2025 • 59min

#106 Diarmaid MacCulloch - Sex and Christianity: a Tumultuous History

Diarmaid MacCulloch is a renowned historian and fellow of St Cross College, Oxford, specializing in the history of Christianity. He discusses the historical roots of marriage, emphasizing its origins as a contractual arrangement over romantic ideals. MacCulloch sheds light on evolving interpretations of biblical narratives around sexuality, including homosexuality and the story of Sodom. He critiques media biases influencing public perceptions and explores shifts within the Catholic Church's stance on progressive issues like same-sex unions, providing a thought-provoking look at sex and Christianity.
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23 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 37min

Sex and Christianity: 2,000 years of love and fury

Diarmaid MacCulloch, a noted professor and author, dives into the tangled history of sex and Christianity. He discusses Jesus's views on sexuality and the perplexing rise of celibacy within the church. Did the church ever show tolerance for homosexuality? MacCulloch examines shifting interpretations of biblical texts and societal influences on sexual ethics over 2,000 years. He also highlights how religious life provided women with newfound freedoms, challenging rigid societal norms. This conversation is sure to spark lively debate!
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14 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 42min

What has religion to do with sex? In conversation with Diarmaid MacCulloch

Diarmaid MacCulloch, a renowned church historian and author of 'Lower than the Angels: A History of Sex and Christianity', recounts the complex relationship between Christianity and sexuality. He discusses the legacy of the sexual revolution as a reaction to Christian sexual ethics. The conversation navigates historical shifts in perspectives on sex, the tension between early Christianity and Gnosticism, and the evolution of marriage. MacCulloch emphasizes diverse interpretations of sexual ethics, underscoring love and respect as central to Christian relationships.
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9 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 42min

The Real Virgin Mary

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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Oct 9, 2024 • 44min

Original Sins: A History of Sex and Christianity, with Diarmaid MacCulloch

Diarmaid MacCulloch, Emeritus Professor of the History of the Church at Oxford, shares insights from his book on the surprising evolution of Christian views on sex and gender. He delves into the historical shifts towards celibacy, the complexities of marital teachings, and the exclusion of women from religious spaces. MacCulloch also examines how ancient texts differ from modern interpretations of same-sex relationships, reflecting changing societal norms and the ongoing tensions between tradition and contemporary beliefs in Christianity.

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