Either Jew or Gentile: Paul's Unfolding Theology of Inclusivity

Rating:
Summary: Finding grace in Paul
Review: Eung Chun Park takes us on a journey with Paul, not in the sense of biography but rather theology. Here he traces Paul's theological development as he confronts new issues in the church, particularly how to unite people of diverse backgrounds and attitudes toward the Christ. His essential suggestion (it's not really a premise) is that we can take Paul's growing sense of inclusion toward Christians of both Jewish and Gentile background (starting in his harsh condemnation in Galatians and ending with the hymn of Philippians) and extend it to consider people of other religions. Do I agree with this? Not really -- Paul's inclusiveness extended to those who experienced Jesus and no further (consider his hatred of idols). That proved no stumbling block, however. I learned a lot from the book. I particularly appreciated his examination of Philippians, placing the writing of the letter at the end of Paul's ministry when he was a captive in Rome. What's more, it's a book on the New Testament that didn't put me to sleep.