The Promise of Paradox: A Celebration of Contradictions in the Christian Life

by Parker J. Palmer

First published in 1980—and reissued here with a feisty new introductory essay— The Promise of Paradox launched Parker J. Palmer’s career as an author and his ongoing exploration of the contradictions that vex and enrich our lives. In this probing and heartfelt book, the distinguished writer, teacher, and activist examines some of the challenging questions at the core of Christian spirituality. How do we live with the apparent opposition between good and evil, scarcity and abundance, individuality and community, death and new life? We can hold them as paradoxes, not “either/ors,” allowing them to open our minds and hearts to new ways of seeing and being.

Genres: Spirituality, Theology, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian, Religion, Christian Living

145 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Parker J. Palmer (Madison, WI) is a writer, teacher and activist whose work speaks deeply to people in many walks of life. Author of eight books--including the bestsellers Courage to Teach, Let Your Life Speak, and A Hidden Wholeness--his writing has been recognized with ten honorary doctorates and many national awards, including the 2010 William Rainey Harper Award (previously won by Margaret Mead, Paulo Freire, and Elie Wiesel). He is founder and senior partner of the Center for Courage Renewal, and holds a Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley.

Reviews

[Thomas Holbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was much discussed while I was in Seminary, as it was then newly published and dealt with a topic that is antithetical to the initial response one has upon seeing its title. I was not ready to hear the arguments presented by Dr. Palmer in the early 1980’s. Thankfully, this book’s longevity (this is its third time in print by two different publishers) has allowed me the opportunity to sit with now what I could not address when I was younger.
When the book was originally published, Henri Nouwen, a Catholic Priest whose writings have been very influential in my spiritual development, wrote the introduction. For this present edition, Dr. Palmer pens a lengthy introduction that is, in itself, an important essay about how the need for Paradox and community are, in many ways, in greater demand now than when the book was originally issued.
The first chapter, “In the Belly of a Paradox,” compares and contrasts: Thomas Merton’s engagement with Taoism and Eastern thought in a Christian context, the Paradox of Marxist thought as it mirrors New Testament actions (particularly those actions found in the Book of Acts) and the paradoxes provided in “The Way of the Cross.”
In Chapter 2, Dr. Palmer takes the Catholic Stations of the Cross discipline and examines it from his perspective of it being an internal paradox. He sees this discipline as bringing about five moments of confrontation of self: recognition (of the contradiction of the cross mirroring that of the contradiction in ourselves), resistance (the desire to resist living in the tension those contradictions in ourselves create), acceptance (living in the reality that there is power and life enriched found in such tension), affirmation (the ability to celebrate that this “cross” (life) is one’s own) and liberation (the realization that facing, fighting, accepting and affirming these contradictions frees us from the illusion of being independent from each other).
Chapter’s three and four focus on community and how that culture brings the power of paradox to life. He argues that humans were created to be in relationship, the Christian Scriptures direct its adherents toward community and that the Western idea of “rugged individualism” leads to emptiness, poverty (of spirit and material wealth) and is impossible for the human race to sustain itself with it as a paradigm. Chapter five looks at what real, lasting and sustainable abundance is and how paradox and community are vital to that endeavor.
The author states that paradox is not a linear concept, but one that travels “in a circle.” When one opens one’s self to the tension brought about by listening and attending what is found when one sits with two truths, seemingly in opposition, at the same moment, one discovers that both “truths” add depth to each other. Such an undertaking is frustrating, laborious, rewarding and enriching. Dr. Palmer offers no shortcuts toward finding the “blessing” of paradox; all who wish to taste its promise must, like Jacob did with the angel, wrestle with the paradox before its riches can be gained.
This is not a long book but neither is it a book easily read in a short time. Attention has to be paid to the weighty words written on each page. The concepts offered are not difficult to understand, but they are such that their being applied will take energy, focus and commitment. Reading this small tome will cause the serious reader (and no other readers would read it) to examine their own paradoxes and find a measure of unknown Grace therein.

[Rhiannon Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rich mediation on ideas of paradox, especially the productive contradictions inherent in community life (e.g. between communal life and individuality) and Christian belief. Not technical but nevertheless deeply theological, especially in the engagement with the work of Merton, the letters of Paul, and the way of the Cross.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a slim book of essays that Palmer first published in 1980. I didn't know anything about him, but I found his writing about the paradoxes of Christian life to be intriguing. Parker and his family lived for 11 years at Pendle Hill, a Quaker adult study center, and the most interesting part of the book for me was his discussion about what living in community means. Palmer says that the idea of community is at the heart of every great religious tradition. He feels that the 20th century is characterized by a movement away from community--the movement from small town living to suburbs, for example. "...our verbal homage to community is only one side of a deep ambivalence that runs through the American character, on the other side of which is celebration of unfettered individualism." One concept that I found interesting was his thought that the rise of therapy was destructive to community: "therapy's aim is to create a self that could function without communal support, an individual who could get along without others." Another is his thesis that the loneliness of modern society "is a measure of their political impotence. and given that impotence, that inability to act together, the step from mass society to totalitarianism is a short one."

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't believe I have never read Parker Palmer. I haven't underlined so much in years. He really talks my language and faith. This is a reissue of his original 1980 book. I'm on to his Courage to Teach.

[Frodo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book I'll reread one day as it handles so many of the difficult "contradictions" that roam the Christian life. Palmer continues his own education as he teaches others.

[Jordan Justice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teacher's are midwives of abundancy.

Palmer's wisdom is incredible throughout this book.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a love-dislike relationship with Palmer, and this book drew that out. The 2008 introduction reads like a screed against Republican America, and lacks any sort of discipline. I get the feeling when I read him that I am reading a uber-privileged white male who crosses boundaries and borders without fear or trembling, feeling at home wherever he goes. He's famous enough to say what he wants.

But he does say a lot in the book very well, and that's how he attained his reputation over the decades.

There are similar books on paradox and Christian faith by Ken Wytsma, Ken Howard, David Skeel, and Tom Taylor, too mention a few!

[Laurence Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those turning point books for me. Truth dwells in paradox... and the older I get the more I come to see and agree what Parker Palmer presents in this book. It is actually a collection of essays he'd written, but they flow very well into one another. I have read it more than once, and had the experience of saying over and over again, "That's where I got that from!" for I had incorporated the teaching of the book so deeply as to hold it as my own. A very provocative book, and one which will challenge and deepen your faith in Christ.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous book! It's been sitting on my shelf for quite a while, along with several other Parker Palmer books. I chose it at this point because of a conversation my therapist and I were having about paradox and opposing ideas. This will definitely push the other books higher on my to be read list. Interesting that this is the only of his books explicitly Christian... not that it makes a difference... just interesting. Loved the bit by Nouwen, as well!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this tiny book so slowly that I hardly feel like I can write an accurate review. I love Parker Palmer's perspective on just about everything, though, so I feel confident giving this 5 stars. His essay on scarcity and abundance was particularly convicting. I wish he had written a parenting book!

[Jason Baskerville · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really solid book packed with wisdom that, though 40 years old, seems to fit our current times. There are too many nuggets to list here. Not a hard read, and well worth the effort to dig in to this set of essays.

[Ben Fredrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book had some really good insights into Paradox, but overall too casual a discussion--more impressionistic

[Elizabeth Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this, Palmer's first book, lurking on my mother's shelf, and have been very glad for this glimpse into his early thinking. Parker Palmer is masterful at dwelling fully within paradox, which I consider one of the highest forms of wisdom. I loved hearing his inner conversation with Thomas Merton, and I thought his final essay, in which he gleans insights into effective teaching from Paul the Evangelist to be eye-opening. The bulk of this book, wise though it is, pales in its voice compared with the introduction Palmer wrote 28 years later, which is witty, delightful, and deeply wise.

The capacity to embrace true paradoxes is more than an intellectual skill for holding complex thoughts. It is a life skill for holding complex experiences.
--Parker Palmer, The Promise of Paradox, xxx

[Lee Liming]

What Palmer wrote in 1980 is at least as true and hard-hitting today as it was then. He takes a scalpel to our cultural illusions and shows how they diminish us. It's horrifying to think that these six essays were stuck in a desk drawer and unused before a publisher practically begged Palmer for something of his to publish! What if they had stayed there? The first three essays by themselves would be a terrific collection. By number four or so, they start to repeat the same points. But they're all worthwhile. These are points we need to hear over and over: they're challenging, and it's all too easy to let them slip past the first or second time.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parker Palmer always gives you a lot to think about. This book is a series of essays essentially. In a nutshell, it gives the reader permission to acknowledge the paradoxes found in life and especially religious life, and to be okay with the questions that arise. There are no pat answers; instead, it is an encouragement to keep asking questions and keep reflecting.

[Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I immensely enjoyed the chapters on community and scarcity/abundance, though I didn't read the first/last chapters of the book (and don't intend to). This book drastically expanded and articulated my thinking around the complexity of community and gave me some really great nuggets to chew on.

[Don Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read and a must read if you're a person who is not content with simplistic understandings of holiness. Parker Palmer is a master at unmasking truth. I loved this book from the outset. Like all of his books this one will have you questioning and reflecting on what you have experienced and what you believe about yourself and others.

[Amos Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. Parker Palmer is a big fan of Thomas Merton, who understood that at the heart of Christian spirituality is paradox. Paradox unlocks the doors of Christian tradition to Non-dual awareness, New Mind, and Holistic Consciousness -Amos Smith (author of Healing The Divide: Recovering Christianity's Mystic Roots)

[Daniel Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parker Palmer's books always lead to more questions than answers, though the journey to do so is well worth taking. I could pick this book up again in a few months and learn even more new things. Very deep and very necessary to learning how to really live.

[Rebecca Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reading this book. I am so excited

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has really helped me to grow in my faith and to live in my convictions.

[A.L. Stumo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The introductions (PLURAL) are far too long. However, once you start the essays the pages fly by. His ideas are well conceived and well written.

[Kathy Fitzner · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read. and I don't give 5 stars easily.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great group discussion book.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parker Palmer does not disappoint.

[Cara Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm just so glad my former evangelical self thought to give this a try, once again. For this Quaker - and his musings on paradox - does not disappoint.

[Adrienne Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good stuff about community-building and scarcity vs. abundance.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A seminal book in my own theological formation. It challenged the way I had been thinking about my own theological thinkers no.