Perspectives Old and New on Paul

The "Lutheran" Paul and His Critics

• Author(s): Stephen Westerholm,
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
• Pages: 488
• ISBN_10: 0802848095
  ISBN_13: 9780802848093
  
• Language: en
• Categories: Bibles / General , Religion / Biblical Criticism & Interpretation / General , Religion / Biblical Criticism & Interpretation / New Testament , Religion / Biblical Studies / Exegesis & Hermeneutics , Religion / Biblical Studies / New Testament / Paul's Letters , Religion / Biblical Commentary / New Testament / Paul's Letters , Religion / Christian Theology / History , Religion / Christianity / Lutheran , Religion / Theology ,

Description:... Here, finally, is a much-needed review and analysis of the divergent interpretations of Paul. With a clear head and winsome sense of humor, Stephen Westerholm compares the traditional understanding of Paul to more recent readings, drawing on the writings of key figures in the debate both past and present.

Westerholm first offers a detailed portrait of the "Lutheran" Paul, including the way such theologians as Augustine, Luther, Calvin, and Wesley have traditionally interpreted "justification by faith" to mean that God declares sinners "righteous" by his grace apart from "works." Westerholm then explores how Paul has fared in the twentieth century, in which "New Perspective" readings of Paul see him teaching that Gentiles need not become Jews or observe Jewish law to be God's people. The final section of the book looks anew at disputed areas of Paul's theological language and offers compelling discussion on the place of both justification by faith and Mosaic law in divine redemption.