(De)Constructing Gender Politics in Contemporary Christian Discourse

For many religious groups today, issues of gender identity, gender equality, gender roles, sexuality, sexual ethics, abortion, and equal marriage are the subject of much debate. Roman Catholic and evangelical groups traditionally theologically opposed share certain perspectives on social values and moral beliefs. Cooperation between these groups on political issues is well-attested in various societal contexts around the world concerning, for example, feminism, abortion, homosexuality, and “gender”. Societies are challenged to renegotiate values and norms, an undertaking which entails great potential for conflict. Ideological and religious debates no longer necessarily run along confessional or denominational lines, rather are reflected in processes of negotiation of values. This collection of case studies on issues of gender and sexuality in Christian groups includes critical reflections on both the Roman Catholic gender discourse and non- and inter-denominational groups, movements, publications, and personalities.