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The Apostle Paul – How He Was Always Meant to Be
In their book The First Paul: Reclaiming the Radical Visionary Behind the Church’s Conservative Icon, John Dominic Crossan and Marcus J. Borg take a close look at the way Paul has been perceived and reinvented by the church. Borg and Crossan go to great lengths to show Paul as he truly was and how he should be represented in modern Christianity.
The Important Misunderstood Figure
Paul is thought to be one of the most important and controversial figures in modern Christianity. Over time, his image has been exploited to be that of a conservative figurehead, but his egalitarian characteristics greatly contradict this. In Borg and Crossan’s book, they posit that in fact, Paul was a radical follower of Christ who has been “de-radicalized” over time.
Throughout their book, the authors postulate that the apostle’s famous letters are evidence that his character was tampered with. His later letters greatly contradict his desire for radical grace in the Church. Through examination of his letters, Borg and Crossan argue that the seven authentic letters are “The Radical Paul”, or the true follower of Christ, and then the waters become murky. They say that the next three letters, all of which are disputed, are the creation of “Conservative Paul”, and that his final three letters are not his at all, but rather a creation of the Church – “Reactionary Paul,” the latter depicting Paul to be oppressive and judgmental.
The First Paul: Reclaiming the Radical Visionary Behind the Church’s Conservative Icon examines the progression of Paul’s letters and the change in his attitudes and stances on important points, like his changing views on slavery and the patriarchy. The book argues that he becomes the ideal figurehead of the Roman church, instead of the radical figure that he clearly was, and tries to renegotiate his place in modern Christianity.
A Close Examination from Experts in Modern Christianity
Borg and Crossan are some of the world’s leading biblical experts, with Borg known as “a leading figure in his generation of Jesus scholars.” Their research and arguments present an image of Paul as what he historically was – a follower of Christ who was devoted to the egalitarian teachings of Jesus.
The chapter titles indicate the contents of this book and it’s importance to post modern Christianity, with chapter headings such as:
- How to Read a Pauline Letter
- The Life of a Long-Distance Apostle
- “Justification by Grace Through Faith”
- Life Together “In Christ”
Each chapter tackles the question of the authenticity of Paul’s letters, as well as what and who he represented then and in modern Christianity.
Learn the Truth About Paul
Paul has been a point of controversy for many scholars and Christians. In their book, Borg and Crossan take on the difficult task of “re-radicalizing” the most famous apostle back to his roots. In post modern Christianity, the question of Paul’s views has been a confusing and tumultuous dispute. This book sheds new light on the topic, enlightening readers and scholars alike.
Buy this book today and discover the truth about the second most important figure in modern Christianity.