Reading Paul (Cascade Companions)

In this new introduction to the Apostle Paul and his gospel written especially for lay readers for beginning students and for those unsure about what to make of Paul Michael J. Gorman takes the apostle seriously as someone who speaks for God and to us. After an overview not only of Pauls radical transformation from persecutor to proclaimer but also of his letter-writing in the context of Pauls new mission Reading Paul explores the central themes of the apostles gospel: Gorman places special emphasis on the theopolitical character of Pauls gospel and on the themes of cross and resurrection multiculturalism in the church and peacemaking and nonviolence as the way of Christ according to Paul. Gorman also offers a distinctive interpretation of justification by faith as participation in Christ--an interpretation that challenges standard approaches to these Pauline themes. Reading Paul demonstrates that the apostle of faith hope and love speaks not only to our deepest spiritual needs but also to the challenging times in which we live. This splendid introduction to the Apostle Paul is the best book of its kind: concise wise insightful thoroughly conversant with the best recent scholarship yet thoroughly clear and readable. Against the numerous distorted preconceptions that occlude our reading of Paul Gorman brilliantly sketches a picture of Pauls gospel as a gracious world-transforming message of peace and reconciliation. I will assign this as required reading for students in my introductory New Testament course and put it in the hands of as many pastors and laypeople as possible. --Richard B. Hays George Washington Ivey Professor of New Testament The Divinity School Duke University I once had the chance to meet a famous person of whom I was in awe. We met through a mutual friend who was able to coach me on how to better understand this person and not be so nervous around him. Thats what Michael Gorman can do for people who want to get introduced to the apostle Paul. As someone who has gotten to know Paul by deeply immersing himself in Pauls writings for many years Michael can be the mutual friend who orients you and helps you relax in the presence of a truly awe-inspiring person. For committed lay people to seminary students and pastors this well-written and intelligent book will become a standard resource for reading Paul. --Brian McLaren author of A Generous Orthodoxy Michael Gorman has given us an extraordinary gift. He has written an eminently readable introduction to Pauls message that neither diminishes the apostles practical wisdom nor domesticates it. He communicates the profound depth of Pauls thought in ways that are as inviting as they are challenging. Reading Paul is that rare book that deserves the widest possible readership. --Joel B. Green Professor of New Testament Interpretation Fuller Theological Seminary Michael Gorman already established as a perceptive and creative interpreter of Pauls letters now offers us a user-friendly introduction to Paul the person. Gormans book aptly fulfills the Companions series goal. He makes Paul our contemporary companion by introducing major themes from Pauls letters in such a personal way. I warmly recommend this book to pastors seminarians and anyone interested in getting to know Paul better! --Fr. Ronald D. Witherup SS Provincial Superior of the U.S. Province of Sulpicians Reading Paul well means reading Paul specifically as Christian Scripture the voice of God speaking to us to use Michael Gormans phrase. In this book Gorman not only reads Paul well he exemplifies a passion for helping others in the Church to do so. He elegantly weaves historical social and political aspects of Pauls context into a powerful theological reading of the apostles letters that reverberates with contemporary implications for the church in North America. His lucid exposition of justification as