VBS: A Conversation with Beth Allison Barr

2025-07-09

Listen in for a fascinating conversation with historian Beth Allison Barr of Baylor University on medieval history. We talked about her journey from growing up Southern Baptist to teaching and researching the Middle Ages — and her obvious vocation to share her subject with her students, many of whom are from Baptist or traditionalist Catholic backgrounds. You’ll be surprised where this takes us. And you’ll learn about her favorite medieval characters along the way. I really enjoyed having her at The Cottage. I am confi...

Listen in for a fascinating conversation with historian Beth Allison Barr of Baylor University on medieval history.

We talked about her journey from growing up Southern Baptist to teaching and researching the Middle Ages — and her obvious vocation to share her subject with her students, many of whom are from Baptist or traditionalist Catholic backgrounds.

You’ll be surprised where this takes us. And you’ll learn about her favorite medieval characters along the way.

I really enjoyed having her at The Cottage. I am confident you’ll find this conversation as energizing, intellectually rich, and surprisingly hopeful as I did.

You can read more about Dr. Barr HERE, including information about purchasing her books. Her Substack newsletter is Marginalia, where she reflects on evangelicalism, women’s history, and Medieval history.

What most surprised you in this conversation? (There’s a lot that surprised me!)

Who are your medieval heroes?

News from my publisher!

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Make sure to correctly sign up and sign in for the discount. I’m not able to answer questions regarding the B&N website or their membership process.

To journey with Diana Butler Bass through the seasons of the year is to see familiar scenes with fresh eyes and gather amazing insights along the way. At once a teacher and fellow pilgrim, she is a wondrous guide.

— Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington

Did I mention that the book has illustrations? I’ve never written a book that is graced with artwork before!

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