Transcendence and Fulfillment: A Critique of Paul's Seven Pillars of Wisdom and Their Enduring Relevance

Farleys Transcendence and Fulfillment captures ones immediate attention especially with his designation of Pauls Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Readers will find his selection intriguing and illuminating. While being faithful to Pauls self-understanding and theological views Farley offers a constructive and critical examination of the pillars relevance for Pauls time as well as our own. The author blends biblical insight with a range of classical and contemporary philosophical opinion. In doing so he draws on Plato and Ciceros wisdom in addition to the critical works of Kierkegaard Heidegger Marcel and Berdyaev. Students and professors of Pauls life and theology along with clergy and lay admirers of Pauls views will find Farleys book a useful resource for a provocative yet spiritually rich journey true to Pauls teachings and of enduring relevance. In this unique book Farley presents Pauls seven pillars of wisdom which encompass the apostles essential convictions and poses the probing question: Can one still find insight in his message in his pillars of wisdom sufficient on which to build ones house of existence? Farleys examination of the seven pillars leads him to interact with many thinkers and scholars who have explored the relation of transcendence and fulfillment in human lives. A truly engaging study! --Donald K. McKim Author of John Calvin: A Companion to His Life and Theology In this study of St. Paul Ben Farley takes his readers on a different and challenging journey. Recommended especially for students of theology and philosophy. --Mack Branham President Emeritus Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary Benjamin W. Farley is Younts Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Religion Erskine College in Due West South Carolina. He is the author of Jesus as Man Myth and Metaphor In Praise of Virtue In the Twilight with God and numerous other scholarly works including two books of meditation: Fairest Lord Jesus and By the Waters of Babylon.