Malestrom: How Jesus Dismantles Patriarchy and Redefines Manhood

Updated and expanded-with a new foreword by Kristin Kobes Du Mez, author of Jesus and John Wayne-Malestrom provides a redemptive vision of biblical manhood and a way through the treacherous seas of patriarchy.Like the danger of a maelstrom in the open seas, a relentless force threatens our culture, swirling with hidden currents that distorts God's image of personhood. This book reveals how the malestrom is one of the Enemy's single most successful strategies. Its victories are flashed before us every day in the headlines as men lose sight of who God created them to be. It has consumed the evangelical church that stoops to offering toxic "manly" solutions to the wrongs it perceives in society and distracts from the rich potential God has entrusted to his sons.Digging deeply into the stories of men in the Bible who subverted cultural hierarchies, Carolyn Custis James shows us how countercultural God's design for men really is. Through personal story, biblical commentary, and cultural analysis, Custis James: Makes a strong case for the unbiblical nature of patriarchy. Illuminates the sociology of marginalization and cultural gender roles. Takes a close biblical look at Jesus and what his character and humanity means to the men of the church today.Malestrom offers what we so desperately need-a biblical, global, timeless vision of godly personhood that is big enough to encompass the diversity of men's lives and strong enough to withstand the crises they face."It is one thing to critique the abuses of a domineering masculinity and lament the religious and societal consequences, but Carolyn Custis James takes the next crucial step and offers us a better path forward. For those asking, "What now?" Malestrom serves as a sure-footed guide." -Kristin Kobes Du MezReviewBy surveying the diverse biblical landscape with wisdom, insight, and conviction, Carolyn Custis James calls for a Christ-centered understanding of 'male, ' where men and women are equal image bearers of God, truly one flesh, and thus coworkers in the mission of God on earth. James's Malestrom is a prophetic and healing voice.--Peter Enns, Eastern UniversityIn Malestrom, Carolyn Custis James takes us by the hand and leads us through the story of how God dismantles patriarchy in the Bible. By the time we're done reading, a new space has been cleared. Men can now be men. Women can now be women. And together we can live God's gendered salvation. It is a remarkable accomplishment."--David Fitch, Northern SeminaryMalestrom takes a close and provocative look at the dangers of patriarchy by taking a close look at what Scripture says about it. This book will lead you to ponder the type of person God asks all of us --- male and female --- to be. It is a good question to meditate on.--Darrell Bock, Dallas Theological SeminaryThis conversation is long overdue within the global church today. A timely, well-articulated, and thought-provoking book!--Abraham George, International Justice MissionWith her characteristic warmth and wisdom, Carolyn Custis James examines manhood through the lens of Jesus Christ and offers a better way forward for men, a way characterized by partnership, joy, and humility.--Rachel Held Evans, authorAbout the AuthorCarolyn Custis James (MA, Biblical Studies) travels extensively as a popular speaker for women's conferences, churches, colleges, seminaries, and other Christian organizations. Her ministry organization, WhitbyForum, promotes thoughtful biblical discussion to help men and women serve God together. Carolyn founded and is president of the Synergy Women’s Network. She is a consulting editor for Zondervan's Exegetical Commentary Series on the New Testament and author of When Life and Beliefs Collide and Lost Women of the Bible. Carolyn and her husband live in Sellersville, Pennsylvania. They have one grown daughter.