Beyond the Evangelical Gender Roles Gridlock

Reviews / Votes

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. -- Amy Peeler, Wheaton College 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. -- Lynne Marie Kohm, Regent University School of Law 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. -- Sarah Sumner, president of Right On Mission 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. -- Craig L. Blomberg, Denver Seminary 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. * Lance M. Bacon, Assistant Professor, Regent University * 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. * Deborah S. Clark, a Global Methodist pastor *