Beyond the Evangelical Gender Roles Gridlock: Reimagining Paul’s Views on Women, Marriage, and Ministry

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.

Paul J. Palma is adjunct professor of Biblical studies and Christian Ministry at Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA.