Baylor History Professor Receives Recognition on the Michael Ramsey Prize 2023 Longlist

WACO, Texas (Nov. 9, 2023) – Beth Allison Barr, Ph.D., The James Vardaman Professor of History and author of “The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth” has been recognized on the Michael Ramsey Prize 2023 Longlist of 13 books being considered for the award. 

The Michael Ramsey Prize highlights the work of theologians from around the world on topics that invite people to deepen their faith and provide insightful commentary on society. Past honorees include scholars like N.T. Wright and the prize itself is awarded by the Archbishop of Canterbury, which is exceptionally meaningful to Barr as a historian of medieval England. 

“My goal in writing ‘The Making of Biblical Womanhood’ was to produce an argument of sound scholarship that reached the hearts and minds of ordinary people in the church,” Barr said. “This is exactly what the Michael Ramsey award recognizes – accessible theological writing that makes a difference in the Christian world.”  

Barr’s book was chosen from over 350 books nominated by the general public and by publishers. The work focuses on the historical moments that shaped the definition of Biblical Womanhood as one of human cultivation, not divinely ordained. Barr, a Baptist pastor’s wife, provides unique insights into the context of the contemporary role of women in the church and moves the conversation toward understanding power structures within the church.  

“I am so excited for ‘The Making of Biblical Womanhood’ to be included because it underscores the significance of what this book has done—changed the way both churches and Christians are thinking about women’s roles in the church,” Barr said.  

In the nearly three years since its release, the book has been recognized as a USA Today Best Seller, Publishers Weekly Best Seller, featured in countless news outlets and has been translated into Korean and Portuguese, with a Spanish version forthcoming. Barr’s work stretches far beyond the bounds of typical theological works.  

“I get letters from women and men all over the world telling me about how this book has impacted them and their churches,” Barr said. “This nomination affirms publicly what I have been allowed to witness privately about the impact of the book.” 

The winner of this year’s prize will be announced at Lambeth Palace Library in London on Dec. 14, 2023. The winner will receive a monetary prize as well as the opportunity to tour the U.K. and the United States on a lecture series.  

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Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.