The Pentecostal Gender Paradox

A compelling, well-researched, and refreshing piece of academic work. Dutko offers new and unique insights into the gender debate, providing an example of what Pentecostal theology is meant to be and do. There were many places I gave a loud ‘Amen!’ in affirmation of what I was reading. I am grateful that there are men like Dutko who recognize that it must be their voices that make the case for women to be seen and heard at all levels of church leadership. * Joy Qualls, Biola University, USA * A bold call for Pentecostals to recover and privilege biblical eschatology as the means to bring resolution to the debate over women in ministry leadership by pre-enacting in the present the male-female equality of God’s kingdom to be experienced in the eschaton. Dutko demonstrates how early Pentecostals viewed women in ministry as the fulfillment of biblically based eschatological promises until hermeneutical shifts moved eschatology from its central position leading to restrictions on women. Rather than the Pauline “texts of terror” currently utilized as foundational texts for prohibiting women from ministry, Dutko gives hermeneutical priority to Genesis 1-3, Galatians 3:28, and Acts 2:17-18 as eschatological texts that both inspire the imagination and invite participation in the present. The final chapter on suggestions for what an eschatological-egalitarian praxis can look like in leadership, education, and worship makes this work eminently practical. As a Pentecostal woman in ministry, this book fills me with hope! * Melissa L. Archer, Southeastern University, USA * The Pentecostal Gender Paradox examines a well-known phenomenon from a new and fresh perspective, while remaining faithful to the heartbeat of Pentecostalism. Dutko’s eschatological approach breathes new life into a well-worn conversation, and he is not content merely with making epistemic claims but also offering prescriptions for various ways an eschatological-egalitarian praxis can be lived out. Both the depth and breadth of this work is noteworthy, as it includes chapters devoted to historical development and contextualization, as well as theological construction and implementation. This book promises to become a landmark for anyone studying gender issues within Pentecostalism and is a needed voice in the current conversation. The reader will not be disappointed! -- Lisa P. Stephenson, Lee University, USA Pentecostalism was birthed in the ferment of eschatological urgency that authorized an egalitarian impulse affording women prominent places in leadership and ministry. Unfortunately, this egalitarian impulse waned producing a paradox of female exclusion. Dutko’s offers creative and thoughtful proposals to call for the reconstruction of Pentecostal eschatology as an authorizing hermeneutic that looks to future possibilities as a basis for women’s full participation in the church. * Peter Althouse, Oral Roberts University, USA *