Paul: A Critical Life, by Jerome Murphy-O'Connor

(0198267495)

VERY good. I learned more about Paul in this book than I've ever known. Which, surprisingly, isn't saying that much. Paul has always frankly pissed me off. I have a more sympathetic feeling toward him now, although I still suspect that he would have annoyed the crap out of me in person. Picture one of those really committed people who has no time for anyone who disagrees with him (or her) and is smart enough to talk circles around you when you try to argue.

This is really a chronology of Paul's travels and letters. I have to say that I'm not 100% clear on it all; I'd need to reread this and take notes for an outline to really remember everything. However, the text was easy enough to follow, certainly not boring, just deeper than I'm used to reading regularly. I'm copying the bibliography.

His discussion of the Corinthian letters was really interesting. I really think churches should do a study on these letters about every 3 years. It might keep them (us!) from falling into the same pitfalls over and over. And, oh by the way, "Love is patient, love is kind..."---not about getting married. It's about dealing with people across the board. (Thanks, Les Avery, for bringing that to my attention 30 years ago)

The last bit was especially interesting in that he delves into the Pastoral Letters (the Thessalonians and Timothys, and Titus) as well as the personal letters. Most scholars accept that most of these were not written by Paul. They were probably written under Paul's authority, or by evangelists trying to place themselves as Paul's followers. However, Murphy-O'Connor argues that 2 Timothy really was written by Paul. This is not in which it is written that women should keep their heads covered and be quiet in church! He argues that the theology and the point of view on women--among other issues--is more in line with the rest of the accepted Pauline letters.

It amused me that he clearly expected the reader to be reading the epistles along with his book because he just expects you to know that v. 2 says. Or maybe we are supposed to have them memorized. Frequently he expects us to know the difference between this Greek word and that one... hah It's nice not to be talked down to.

My only quibble with the book was the maps. They are abominable. Too few of them, and many areas, roads, etc., that he discusses aren't marked. Oh, well, a minor problem; I just got out my Bible and used the Maps section in it.