Paul and the Jews (Library of Pauline Studies) [Paperback]

A. Andrew Das (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2004 | Series: Library of Pauline Studies

The latest book in Hendrickson Publishers' Library of Pauline Studies series, Paul and the Jews examines the question, "How did Paul’s thinking compare with that of the Jews of his time?" By providing a survey of the scholarly views on this question, Andrew Das offers the beginning Pauline student an entrance into the interesting world of Pauline studies and then presents his own conclusions to this pivotal question.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"The topic of Andrew Das’s new monograph requires that he address a whole series of issues that have proven controversial in recent Pauline scholarship: the two-covenant theory, the identification of the 'weak' and the 'strong' in Romans 14, the place of the law in the lives of Christians, and, of course, the ongoing debate between the 'new perspective' and traditional readings of Paul. All are tackled head-on in an accessible, informed, and balanced way. Das’s fresh—and thoughtful—proposals are sure to garner attention, and Paul’s impact on Jewish-Christian relations is the subject of stimulating reflections. A book for students and scholars alike."
—Stephen Westerholm, Associate Professor in Religious Studies, McMaster University

"For the past twenty years, 'the new perspective on Paul,' inaugurated by the work of E. P. Sanders and James D. G. Dunn, has been a dominant perspective in American and British Pauline scholarship. Acknowledging the important advances made by this new perspective, but also arguing for 'a newer perspective' that appropriates the theological as well as the social significance of Paul’s gospel, Das has provide us with a careful analysis of how Paul understands the Jewish people and their law in the light of the universal savior, Jesus Christ. Clearly written, cogently argued, Das’s newer perspective challenges readers to reassess some basic assumptions of recent scholarship."
—Frank J. Matera, Professor of New Testament, The Catholic University of America

"This book places itself in the midst of the discussion on the 'New Look' in Pauline studies, and makes an important contribution to that debate. Whether one is disposed to follow that way of seeing Paul's theology or not, this book will surely provoke further reflection. Well written and cogently argued, it will reward a careful reading."
—Paul Achtemeier, Union Theological Seminary

About the Author

A. Andrew Das is Assistant Professor of Theology and Religion at Elmhurst College in Illinois and is the author of Paul, the Law and the Covenant.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Hendrickson Pub (February 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565636767
• ISBN-13: 978-1565636767
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,289,255 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good sequel, May 20, 2005

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theologicalresearcher "theologicalresearcher" (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paul and the Jews (Library of Pauline Studies) (Paperback)

Here is another good book examining the merits of the New Perspective on Paul. In contrast to his previous book "Paul, the Law, and the Covenant," Das deals more with themes pertaining to the New Perspective than providing a rigorous examination of certain passages in Second Temple literature, Romans and Galatians. In this book, instead, he examines the place and role of ethnic Israel, the Mosaic Law, and Jesus Christ in redemptive history. Particularly good are chapters two, three, six, and seven. In these chapters Das deals with the issue of the Law in the post-Mosaic dispensation period. In summary, Das argues that there is an antithetical relationship between Christ and the Law, and that the Law pointed to Christ all along (the only means of salvation). He also nicely summarizes in three points what is wrong with the Law in light of Christ: 1) it requires perfect obedience; 2) it excluded Gentiles from enjoying the blessings of the covenant; and 3) it enslaved sinners. However, the Law is not done away with for those in Christ. Christians, through the power of the Holy Spirit, can and do fulfill the Law. Overall, this book is a useful addition to the collection of works that have sprung up in recent years responding to the New Perspective on Paul.