About the Book
Present-day Evangelicalism represents a microcosm of broader tensions over male and female gender roles, with some denominations carefully delimiting women leadership roles, especially the female pastor, and many others supporting them. The letters attributed to Paul the Apostle contain several divisive passages on the meaning of manhood and womanhood. Dated and dubious readings of these have led some, Christians and non-Christians alike, to conclude that Paul wrote with misogynistic intent. Others quote them to justify Christian patriarchalism. Beyond the Evangelical Gender Roles Gridlock: Reimagining Paul's Views on Women, Marriage, and Ministry reassesses what Paul said about women, reinterpreting his claims on marriage and ministry leadership in light of his first-century worldview. This book proposes a nuanced theological egalitarian approach with significant implications for renewing twenty-first-century congregations, homes, and society.
Table of Contents:
Foreword, Doris Gomez
Acknowledgements
List of Abbreviations
Introduction: Framing the Twenty-First-Century Evangelical Gender Roles Gridlock
Chapter 1: Egalitarians, Complementarians, and the Christian Patriarchy Movement
Chapter 2: Gender Roles, Paul, and Created Parity in the Imago Dei
Chapter 3: “The Veil” and the Order of Creation in 1 Corinthians 11:3–12
Chapter 4: Adorning Dress, Modesty, and the Beauty of Good Deeds in 1 Timothy 2:9–10
Chapter 5: Revisioning First-Century Marriage Norms: Headship and Sacrifice in the Ephesians Household Code
Chapter 6: Let Her Learn, Let Her Speak: Reconciling Silence and Submission in 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 and 1 Timothy 2:11–15
Chapter 7: Women in Ministry Leadership: Ordination, Responsible Practice, and the Office of Pastor
Chapter 8: Beyond “Roles”: Complementary Gender Differences, Servant-Leadership, and Relationality
Conclusion: Reimagining Gender in Paul through the Prisms of Context, Culture, and Christian Liberty
Appendix A: US Protestant Denominations According to Perspective on Women in Leadership
Appendix B: The Gender Roles Spectrum
Bibliography
About the Author and Contributor
About the Author :
Paul J. Palma is adjunct professor of Biblical Studies and Christian Ministry at Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA.
Review :
A paragon of irenic discourse, Palma takes care to fairly represent a diversity of perspectives. With attention to the ancient world, and refreshingly thorough attention to the diversity of settings in our contemporary experience, Palma's research invites a serious contemplation of the many expressions of God's Kingdom in the local church. I do not agree with every conclusion in this book, and that is precisely the reason I recommend others read it. Beyond the Evangelical Gender Roles Gridlock unsettles our thinking, and it is in freshly tilled soil where the best fruit can grow.
To understand the exciting phenomenon and biblical basis of women in Christian ministry across the globe today, Paul J. Palma's forthcoming book, Beyond the Evangelical Gender Roles Gridlock: Reimagining Paul's Views on Women, Marriage, and Ministry is a must read.
Connecting the foundational reality of gender equality rooted “in His image” (Gen. 1:27) as pervasive in the Apostle Paul's theology, Palma's work uncovers that the ontological and Pauline views are integrated mutual concepts, connected by relationality, echoing God's creational design of female and male as “very good” (Gen. 1:31). Palma reveals how Pauline Scriptural text particularly frames its gender discourse, in both marriage and ministry, in this “shared identity as the apex of the created order.”
Seamlessly combining exegetical analysis with rigorous historical reconstruction and relevant applications in view of twenty-first-century trends, Palma's refreshing efforts just might provide the spark that ends Pauline chauvinism in the Church today.
If you are looking for a primer to acquaint you with the names of people involved in the evangelical debate on women in leadership, this book might be for you. Professor Palma offers sociological data, his own biblical commentary, and a variety of quotes as he loads the reader up with references to countless other sources. His egalitarian theology is stated with civility and respect.
I have long wished that "complegalitarian" were not so hard to pronounce! Although my friends who are thoroughgoing complementarians or thoroughgoing egalitarians assure me that such a position is impossible, Palma is one of a small number of authors who convinces me that mediating positions remain viable. In a crowded field of scholarship that has experimented with just about every combination of interpretations of the key biblical passages, Palma succeeds in carving out some fresh space with a very welcome, irenic spirit. This book should be required reading for all who care about gender roles in church, especially if they are convinced that nothing new and helpful can be said.
Views regarding women in ministry are as polarizing as they are varied. No matter your position and presuppositions, there is wisdom to be gained from Paul Palma's research. Beyond the Evangelical Gender Roles Gridlock leaves no stone unturned; from marriage and modesty to silence and submission to ministerial leadership and ordination, Palma's treatment runs the gamut. He applies sound exegesis to identify the biblical content and context and offers thorough analysis of historic and contemporary views. From this, Palma moves beyond the common arguments inherent to the feminist, egalitarian, complementarian, and patriarchalist positions to reveal much commonality-and possibility for cooperation and collaboration within the seemingly disparate positions. The approach is as refreshing as it is necessary. To wrongly define the woman's role in Christian life and ministry can disable the body of Christ. Instead, Palma's approach offers a prospect for healing.
Palma's book promises much but delivers far more. Meticulously researched, it connects all the dots, offering necessary social and historical perspectives regarding women's roles in ministry as well as a complete exploration of the widely varied viewpoints of religious camps today. The best part of his work, however, is his careful exegetical analysis of the Apostle Paul's most difficult passages. With enough humor to make a thoroughly academic work readable, Palma – as promised – offers fresh insights into each passage, gently knocking down gender barriers once considered impassable while remaining true to the Scriptures. This is a much-needed reference for any church or denomination attempting to navigate the difficult questions of women in ministry.
