In Defense Of The New Perspective On Paul

[(The New Perspective on Paul)] [By (author) James D G Dunn] published on (January, 2008) by James D G Dunn (2008).

A renowned scholar calls for a change of direction for the study of Jesus in the 21st century.

The following book is comprised of a series of essays and reviews that have been produced over the past several years, all related, in one way or the other, to the New Perspective on Paul (NPP). This defense of the NPP takes the form of a combination of exegesis and extended book reviews. In endeavoring to defend the NPP, the eight chapters of this book contain a common thread, namely, that the movement generically bearing this moniker is not inimical to most historical/traditional systems of soteriology. Yet because of the rather volatile reaction of many, the volume seeks to redress the balance in favor of a more tempered approach to a highly controversial topic.

The following book is comprised of a series of essays and reviews that have been produced over the past several years, all related, in one way or the other, to the New Perspective on Paul (NPP). This "defense" of the NPP takes the form of a combination of exegesis and extended book reviews. In endeavoring to "defend" the NPP, the eight chapters of this book contain a common thread, namely, that the movement generically bearing this moniker is not inimical to most historical/traditional systems of soteriology. Yet because of the rather volatile reaction of many, the volume seeks to redress the balance in favor of a more tempered approach to a highly controversial topic.

The debate between proponents of the Old and New perspectives on Paul has been followed closely over the years, consolidating allegiances on either side. But the debate has now reached a stalemate, with defectors turning to apocalyptic and other solutions. Garwood Anderson recounts the issues and concludes that "both 'camps' are right, but not all the time." And with that teaser, he rolls up his exegetical sleeves and proceeds to unfold a new proposal for overcoming the deadlock. But in a field crowded with opinions, could anything new emerge? Anderson's interaction with Paul and his interpreters is at the highest level, and his penetrating and energetic analysis captures attention. What if Paul's own theological perspective was contextually formed and coherently developed over time? Have we asked justification to carry a burden it was never meant to bear? Would fresh eyes and a proper sequencing of Paul's letters reveal Paul's own new perspective? Might we turn a corner and find a bold and invigorating panorama of Pauline soteriology? This is a Pauline study worthy of its great theme, and one that will infuse new energy into the quest for understanding Paul's mind and letters.

Understanding Paul and his conversion to Christianity is imperative for a thorough knowledge of the New Testament. In Paul and the New Perspective Seyoon Kim develops his argument that the origin of Paul's gospel lies in two places his radical conversion at Damascus and his usage of the Jesus tradition in light of Damascus. This new way of looking at Paul further explains how Paul made strong distinctions between the Spirit and the flesh/law, with further implications for his doctrine of justification. A departure from the New Perspective School represented by James D. G. Dunn, Kim's Paul and the New Perspective offers a thorough and extensive argument for the foundation of the gospel that Paul spread in the first century.