Paul and politics

Paul and politics

By Krister Stendahl

Book Description

This scholarly collection challenges conventional interpretations of the apostle Paul by examining the political dimensions of his teachings that have often been overlooked or minimized. Rather than viewing Paul solely through the lens of personal religious experience, these essays reveal how his letters engaged with the complex political realities of his time.

The volume explores four interconnected political spheres that shaped Paul's ministry and message. Contributors investigate how Paul navigated the power structures of the Roman Empire, addressed the tensions between Jewish and Gentile communities, and confronted social hierarchies within early Christian churches regarding gender and slavery. The collection also examines how centuries of interpretation have been influenced by particular theological traditions that emphasized individual spirituality while downplaying Paul's engagement with broader social and political concerns.

Drawing from diverse scholarly perspectives, these essays demonstrate that Paul's writings cannot be fully understood without considering their political context and implications. The contributors argue that Paul was far from politically neutral, showing instead how his teachings addressed issues of power, justice, and community organization that remain relevant today.

For readers interested in understanding how ancient spiritual teachings intersect with questions of social justice and political engagement, this volume offers fresh insights into one of Christianity's most influential figures. The book invites contemporary spiritual seekers to reconsider how faith communities might engage with the political challenges of their own time.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)

📄 Length: 248 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
  • ✓ Explore 11.46 study and interpretation of the New Testament
  • ✓ Explore Religion and politics
  • ✓ Explore Political and social views
  • ✓ Explore Christianity and politics
  • ✓ Explore Criticism, interpretation
  • ✓ Explore Bible
  • ✓ Explore Romeinse rijk

Topics Covered

Bible, study and teaching, n. t. 11.46 study and interpretation of the New Testament Religion and politics Political and social views Christianity and politics Criticism, interpretation Bible Romeinse rijk Pensée politique et sociale History of doctrines Brieven van Paulus Aufsatzsammlung Politik Critique, interprétation Bible, criticism, interpretation, etc., n. t. epistles Paul, the apostle, saint Congresses Christianisme et politique

Related Books You Might Like

Cover of Comfort one another

Comfort one another

Abraham Smith

Cover of Jesus Is Lord, Caesar Is Not

Jesus Is Lord, Caesar Is Not

Scot McKnight

Cover of Pulpit politics

Pulpit politics

Warren Lang Vinz

Cover of Luke and the Politics of Homeric Imitation

Luke and the Politics of Homeric Imitation

Dennis R. MacDonald

Cover of Religion, politics, and peace

Religion, politics, and peace

Leroy S. Rouner

Cover of Reading the Bible in an age of crisis

Reading the Bible in an age of crisis

Bruce Worthington