"The Making of Biblical Womanhood" w/Beth Allison Barr

In this thought-provoking episode of Faithful Politics we delve into the fascinating world of Biblical Womanhood and its influence on gender roles in American Christianity. Our guest, Professor Beth Allison Barr author of "The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth" takes us on a captivating journey through history, shedding light on the development and impact of this concept.

Join us as we explore a series of intriguing questions with Professor Barr. We begin by uncovering the inspiration behind her book and her hopes for readers' takeaway. Professor Barr's research challenges traditional notions of gender roles within the church, inviting readers to critically analyze their beliefs and consider the implications for women.

We then delve into the distinction between Patriarchy and Complementarianism, seeking to understand the nuances between these two concepts that often intersect within Christian circles. Professor Barr expertly clarifies these terms, unraveling their implications for gender dynamics in the church and society.

Next, we embark on a journey through history, encountering Margery Kempe, a historical figure who may spark laughter among Professor Barr's students. Discover why this connection is both intriguing and significant in understanding the evolution of gender roles within Christianity.

One of the central themes of "The Making of Biblical Womanhood" is the development and usage of this concept to shape gender roles in American Christianity. Professor Barr expertly explains the origins and evolution of Biblical Womanhood, offering valuable insights into its impact on women's lives.

In a captivating comparison, we explore Dr. Mckay's book alongside Sheila Wray Gregoire's, "She Deserves Better." We discuss the contrasting focus between raising girls to resist toxic teachings and addressing the oppression faced by adult women in the church. We also contemplate who might write about the oppression of senior women in the future, with intriguing predictions for a potential author.

Wrapping up the conversation, we address the after-effects of challenging Complementarianism directly. Professor Barr shares the unexpected costs and rewards she encountered along her journey, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of her work. Lastly, we explore the negative perception of the Medieval age within Evangelicalism. Professor Barr highlights how Evangelicalism has contributed to this skewed view, unveiling the richness and significance of the Medieval period within the Christian tradition.

Guest Bio:

Beth Allison Barr is the U.S.A. Today’s bestselling author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth. An academic by training and a pastor’s wife by calling, Beth uses her unique voice to speak out on the relevance of medieval history to our modern world—especially concerning women in both medieval and modern Christianity. Her work is described as “smart,” “powerful,” and “a game changer” for women in modern evangelicalism.

Barr is currently the James Vardaman Professor of History at Baylor University, where she teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses, but she also speaks and writes as a public intellectual. She has been featured by NPR and The New Yorker, and her bylines include Religion News Service, The Washington Post, Christianity Today, The Dallas Morning News, Sojourners, and Baptist News Global. She also continues to write regularly on The Anxious Bench, a popular religious history blog on Patheos.