The First Paul http://www.fishpond.com/Books/First-Paul-Dr-Marcus-J-Borg-John-Dominic-Crossan/9780061430732

Reclaiming the Radical Visionary Behind the Church's Conservative Icon

By Dr Marcus J Borg, John Dominic Crossan

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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 Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

"Paul is one of the most controversial figures in Christian history--and one of the most misunderstood. . . . Many will be thrilled with this fresh, erudite portrait of the man."--Publishers Weekly