Saint Paul: Called to Conversion: A Seven-Day Retreat [Paperback]

Ronald D. Witherup (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 2007

Saint Paul is the most prominent personality of the New Testament, apart from Jesus himself. Thirteen of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament bear his name... Around the year AD 35 he had a remarkable experience on the road to Damascus....
From the Introduction



Paul s conversion is as dramatic a turning point as any in history. Whatever happened on the road to Damascus, the experience was powerful enough to turn the infant church s most passionate opponent into its champion.



Pauls considerable knowledge of Jewish Law helped to explain how Jesus could be the Christ, and his familiarity with gentile culture made countless converts throughout the Roman Empire. His tireless preaching and writing, extensive travels and personal sacrifice offer a lasting testament and guide to the church. His life is a witness that conversion is not a one-time event, but a lifetime of commitment.



Let Saint Paul: Called to Conversion provide inspiration for your next armchair retreat or small group discussion.

Editorial Reviews

Review

I]n St. Paul: Called to Conversion A Seven-Day Retreat, Sulpician Father Ronald D. Witherup provides seven days worth of material that focuses on Paul as a guide in the ongoing conversion that lies at the center of the Christian life. Following an excellent introduction to Paul and his writings, the material for each day includes reflections, prayers and excerpts from the Pauline texts. --Mitch Finley, Catholic News Service

About the Author

RONALD D. WITHERUP, S.S., is provincial superior of the U.S. Province of the Society of St. Sulpice. He formerly served as professor of sacred Scripture and academic dean at St. Patrick Seminary in Menlo Park, California. His books include 101 Questions and Answers on Paul (Paulist) and Rediscovering Vatican II: Scripture: Dei Verbum (Paulist).

Product Details

• Paperback: 130 pages
• Publisher: St. Anthony Messenger Press (July 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0867165294
• ISBN-13: 978-0867165296
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #933,483 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ancient Letters Speak to Us Today, December 1, 2007

By 

Carol Blank (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Saint Paul: Called to Conversion: A Seven-Day Retreat (Paperback)

With this retreat on the letters of Paul, Ronald Witherup hopes to help readers discover "a wonderful roadmap for a rich spiritual journey." He introduces Paul as the most prominent personality of the New Testament, apart from Jesus himself, and reminds us that Paul is responsible for 13 of the 27 New Testament books. The author, a professor of sacred Scripture, encourages us to look beyond commonly expressed obstacles to reading Paul's letters--too philosophical, too abstract, too harsh--to see the Paul who wrote for real people with real problems and questions. "He could be bold and demanding but he could also be gentle and supportive," Witherup writes. "He can be forceful, yes, but he can also be tender and compassionate. He can be obscure and almost incomprehensive at times, but he can also be direct and quite clear about what being a Christian is all about." Conversion is the theme of this retreat. Paul's letters are the primary source of reflection, and Witherup presents them in ways that "speak directly to you in your life today."

Each session opens with an introduction--perhaps a psalm, an excerpt from a book or play, or a personal story--that brings the chosen topic into focus. Next is an original opening prayer followed by examination of Scripture passages related to the topic. The sessions close with reflection activities, prayer, and notes on sources. Witherup combines these elements to best advantage, producing a coherent whole. For example, the session on praying without ceasing begins with a short quote on prayer by William Shakespeare. The body of the session features eight points that summarize Paul's understanding of prayer based on his letters. Reflection activities include two readings from Paul's letters and an invitation to consider asking others to pray for us.

This resource is an ideal retreat for individuals or groups, easily adaptable for bible study and faith formation programs.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Saint Paul as retreat master, October 21, 2008

By 

Lois C. (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Saint Paul: Called to Conversion: A Seven-Day Retreat (Paperback)

Our Small Church Community is using this book as a resource reviewing about a chapter per week. Though we allow about 30 minutes to this, time often goes over. We had intended to complete the book in seven weeks, but will now extend the discussion into next year. We are pleased with the text, the reflections, the searching questions all leading to meaningful discussion.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Saint Paul: Called to Conversion. A Seven-Day Retreat, June 11, 2009

By 

Raul Nestor A. Ancheta - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Saint Paul: Called to Conversion: A Seven-Day Retreat (Paperback)

Dear Amazon. com,

I remember purchasing this product from you but as of this date I have not received yet. Please check on your end the status, I really need this book very badly. Thank you

Raul Nestor A. Ancheta