How Do We Disagree Without Dividing?

A Book Recommendation: 'From Genesis to Junia' by Preston Sprinkle

In a world that so quickly divides and dismisses, this book offers a refreshing model for how Christians can seek wisdom, disagree well, and keep Jesus at the center.

This summer I spent some time reading Preston Sprinkle’s book, From Genesis to Junia: An Honest Search for What the Bible Really Says About Women in Leadership. In it, Preston takes an honest, grace-filled walk through the whole biblical narrative. He traces the story of women from creation, through the life and ministry of Jesus, into the early church, and directly engages with the trickiest passages in Paul's letters. Beyond his conclusions, it proved to be one of the most helpful books I have read in a long time on how we can study hard, seek truth, and love each other well through difficult conversations.

As a church family called to be a light to the city, the way we engage with Scripture, love one another, and process complex questions matters deeply. It impacts how we live out the life-changing good news of Jesus in Plymouth every single day.

What I loved most about Sprinkle’s approach is his genuine humility. He begins his search without demanding a predetermined outcome. Instead, he walks through the overarching biblical story, from Genesis through the life of Jesus and into the early church, taking the key passages seriously and listening carefully to scholars on all sides. Most importantly, he handles the entire conversation with deep grace and kindness. It is a brilliant example of how we can seek God's truth passionately while holding love for our brothers and sisters at the very centre.

Interestingly, the book has drawn thoughtful responses from across the theological spectrum. Leading scholars who disagree with his ultimate conclusions still commend his gentle, engaging, and accessible spirit. In a world that so quickly divides and dismisses, this book offers a refreshing model for how Christians can seek wisdom, disagree well, and keep Jesus at the center.

While Sprinkle does eventually land on the conviction that women should exercise leadership and teaching ministry in the church, the value of this book goes far beyond its final conclusion. Whether you end up agreeing with him or not, the journey itself is immensely worthwhile.

I highly recommend From Genesis to Junia  to anyone looking to dive into the Scriptures with an open heart. My prayer is that as we read, learn, and grow together, we would be a community marked by this kind of humble, hopeful, and Christ-like grace to everyone around us.