The First Paul: Reclaiming the Radical Visionary Behind the Church's Conservative Icon by Marcus J. Borg, John Dominic Crossan
Two bestselling authors use the best of biblical and historical scholarship to present a new understanding of early Christianity--this time turning the common perception of Paul on its head by revealing him to be a radical follower of Jesus whose message is still relevant today. Editorial Reviews Widely perceived as the founder of Christianity and an enduringly controversial figure, Paul is often seen today by the church as a conservative icon. But many others see him as an offensive figure, given his views on women, homosexuality, and slavery. Borg and Crossan paint a different picture of the apostle. In this scholarly and engaging account, Paul is situated firmly in his first-century context and portrayed against the backdrop of history as a revolutionary figure who chose the way of Jesus as a countercultural alternative over the way of the Roman empire. Through the lens of history, Borg and Crossan transform Paul's theology into a mystical experience with the risen Jesus and a reimagined form of Judaism that bears little resemblance to the modern stereotypes that often surround him. Borg and Crossan successfully argue that we must separate the genuine writings of the apostle from the writings attributed to him, which were in essence reactionary attempts to conceal Paul's radicalism to a later generation living comfortably in the midst of Roman imperial culture. VERDICT This well-researched and highly readable account is recommended for all students of Paul as well as interested lay readers.--Brian Greene, Northeastern Univ., Boston - Library Journal A refreshing and heartening exculpation of a still routinely maligned figure of the first importance to culture and civilization. - Booklist (starred review) "A refreshing and heartening exculpation of a still routinely maligned figure of the first importance to culture and civilization." --Booklist Starred Review - From the Publisher "A refreshing and heartening exculpation of a still routinely maligned figure of the first importance to culture and civilization." - Booklist
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Binding: Paperback
Published by: SPCK Publishing: , 2009
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ISBN: 9780281061587 | 0281061580
240 pages.
Book Condition: Good
cover worn
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