Reading Paul (Cascade Companions)

By Michael J. Gorman

Book Overview

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 Paul's radical transformation from persecutor to proclaimer but also of his letter-writing in the context of Paul's new mission, Reading Paul explores the central themes of the apostle's gospel: Gorman places special emphasis on the theopolitical character of Paul's 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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 155635195X
• ISBN13: 9781556351952
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Cascade Books
• Length: 206 Pages
• Weight: 0.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Fantastic Introduction to Paul

Gorman's book breaks down the letters of St. Paul into comprehendible topics which critically analyze the key points in his letters. He also refrences the letters themselves quite frequently so it is helpful for readers who feel the need to look up bible passages. This book presupposes that the reader knows nothing about Paul other than he is a guy who wrote letters to churches. By the end of the book I felt like a Pauline expert!

Reading Paul

I am using the book for a theology class. It's required reading for the course. I find it easy to read and enjoyable. The book is in very good condition except for a crease on the front cover.

Outstanding Theological Brief on Paul

This short little book on Paul is compressed with insightful comment and quotable observations. If you are looking for something short that clearly encapsulates Paul and his core messages, choose this book. If you are teaching any classes about Paul to non-scholars, this also is a wonderfully accessible resource.

Pauline Perfection

There aren't enough positive adjectives in the English language to describe how I feel about this small volume. What Michael Gorman has given us is an extremely enjoyable introduction to the apostle Paul and his worldview. I say worldview as opposed to theology because Paul's theology is only one of many things touched on in this volume. Gorman runs the gambit of Pauline studies in examining Paul's gospel, christology, theology, ecclesiology, missiology, and a whole host of other -ologies. This book needs to be in the hands of every student taking an introductory class on Paul! Professors, I'm talking to you -- if you don't adopt this as your textbook then God help you! Read my full review at: http://rdtwot.wordpress.com/2007/11/27/reading-paul/