Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
This is a print on demand book and is therefore non- returnable. A scholarly treatment of the debate over the law in Pauline thought. After describing how Luther viewed Paul's statements on the law, Westerholm provides an extended survey of major twentieth- century works that bring the "Lutheran" construction of Paul into question. He then develops his own view of the matter, referring constantly to the concerns and solutions posited by the scholars whose work he has examined.
Synopsis
"Westerholm is admirably concerned to focus our attention on Paul's theology, specifically on the theological issues that arose for the Apostle in his valiant attempt to assess the role of the law after the advent of Christ. Beginning with an unusually mature account of the debate that is currently raging over Paul's understanding of the law, Westerholm has provided an analysis of his own that will certainly claim the attention of all student's of Paul the theologian." - J. Louis Martyn "This is the most clearly written and understandable treatment of the debate over the law in Pauline thought that I have seen." - Robert Jewett "Westerholm has produced an illuminating, engaging, and refreshing book. He sets forth the views of major interpreters of Paul with clarity and candor, engages them, and then makes proposals of his own, which are both well considered and instructive. The book is both interesting and informative, a reader's delight." - Arland J. Hultgren
Table of Contents
The background of the modern debate -- Paul's "polemical doctrine" : Wrede and Schweitzer -- The faith of Paul's fathers : Montefiore, Schoeps, and Sanders -- Paul's robust conscience : Kümmel and Stendahl -- The "righteousness of the law" : Bultmann, Wilckens, and Sanders -- The "hobgoblin" of consistency : Drane, Hübner, and Räisänen -- Matters of definition -- Justification by faith -- The law in God's scheme -- The law and Christian behavior -- Paul's contribution.