the_weirdling's review against another edition
4.0
Every time I read a book by Crossan or Borg I always feel the same way- I am torn between how much I love and adore the way that they interpret the New Testament with it's sociological-political implications on the one hand, and their startling historical reductionism (with which I do not agree). In a way this book was really no exception. What ever my opinions regarding their historical reductionism, the book is superbly researched by two of the greatest living New Testament scholars and any disagreement I have with them is trumped by their very gravitas. They do not disappoint, as usual, in their very effective interpretation of Paul the apostle and the radical social and political implications of the gospel that he preached to the Gentiles in the eastern part of the Roman Empire. This book like all of their books is very much worth the time of anybody who's interested in the New Testament. Crossan and Borg in particular are always worth reading because they are two of the best and most effective exponents of modern liberal theology's reading of the New Testament. Conservatives should read their books in order to better understand what it is that they oppose, rather than fabricate fake liberal ideas to knock down. Folks who sit on the edge of a community of faith, or on the boundary of belief and unbelief, will also get a lot out of their readings of the New Testament.
bookshelf_from_mars's review
5.0
I truly enjoyed this book. It was an engrossing look into the early Christian community and a contextually-based analysis of what one of the early fathers of Christianity, Paul, really thought about his Lord's teachings. If you are a Christian (and even if you are not one!) and you want to learn more about the early church you should totally give it a shot.
ajlewis2's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
5.0
The book covers the letters of Paul, those definitely written by him. In very clear, readable form, the authors show what Paul said in the letters. They give the background of his times and the meaning of phrases. Just as in Borg's books about Jesus, I got a real feeling for the heart of Paul and the bottom line to me is that it was the heart of Jesus. I love this book which I read in e-book format. I've bought the paperback to use as a guide to go through those letters of Paul at length. In the past I've felt I could not understand Paul, but this book has helped me and I recommend it for those who want to know what fired Paul up.
estellabelle92's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent look at Paul who is quickly being rehabilitated in my opinion.
bokashi's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyed the contrast between Luke's account and the account of the radical Paul (authentic letters). Touches on lots of theological issues, but concept for me was how Paul uses language that contrasts Jesus the Christ to Augustus the Cesar and writes in a way that contrasts the path of (to) peace offered by Jesus to that of the Roman imperial theology (peace comes through successful conquest).
piccoline's review against another edition
4.0
Refreshing, brisk exploration of Paul. I especially appreciated the care with which Borg and Crossan presented the various theological strains that have emerged over time. I've been reading quite a few books about early Christianity lately (Boyarin, Pagels, etc) and that diversity of thought within Christianity over time is such an important thing to understand. The fact that so much of the more conservative/fundamentalist approach to Christian theology (especially the rather crabbed, bloody, and mechanical versions of penal substitutionary atonement that are in the ascendant on the right these days) emerged closer to today than to Jesus' time cannot be emphasized enough, and Borg and Crossan discuss this carefully, kindly, but firmly. Their discussion of Phoebe delivering the messages of Paul are particularly persuasive on these matters.
Much better than I expected. Fascinating and a fine tonic.
-----
Edit to add: As the title/subtitle suggests, this book does a fine job of providing better context for Paul. If you've felt (as I certainly have) impatient and even angry with Paul over the years, and would like to move beyond that, this book will help you. (It does so, though, in part by using the biblical/historical/textual scholarship of the last 150 years to distinguish between the letters Paul almost certainly wrote, those he probably didn't, and those he certainly didn't. Beyond the textual evidence, Borg/Crossan show a rather clear difference in content amongst the letters, and distinguish the Radical Paul from the Conservative Paul from the Reactionary Paul. I found this portion of the book persuasive and very helpful.)
Much better than I expected. Fascinating and a fine tonic.
-----
Edit to add: As the title/subtitle suggests, this book does a fine job of providing better context for Paul. If you've felt (as I certainly have) impatient and even angry with Paul over the years, and would like to move beyond that, this book will help you. (It does so, though, in part by using the biblical/historical/textual scholarship of the last 150 years to distinguish between the letters Paul almost certainly wrote, those he probably didn't, and those he certainly didn't. Beyond the textual evidence, Borg/Crossan show a rather clear difference in content amongst the letters, and distinguish the Radical Paul from the Conservative Paul from the Reactionary Paul. I found this portion of the book persuasive and very helpful.)
cookingwithelsa's review against another edition
4.0
This was the first Borg/Crossan book I've read that wasn't a nice reminder of my seminary studies. I never really explored Paul then. This was a nice way to dig in -- though it leaves me wanting more in some places and less in others.