This book is a very nice intro to current Paul studies. Professor Zetterholm starts with liberal protestant studies (Bultmann, Kasemann, Bornkamm), moves through the “new perspective”(treating Sanders, Dunn, and Wright), and then into what he refers to as the “radical new perspective” (Gaston, Nanos, and others). He then moves back into contemporary conservative authors (treating Das, Thielmann, and Westermann). He ends with a brief survey of alternate approaches (such as the feminist perspective).
In all the evaluations of each individual author are, in my opinion, very fair. His 3-5 page summaries condense the important features of each author’s work and add incisive commentary about the potential biases or limitations of those works.
He does a nice job of demonstrating how the “Lutheran” assumptions have colored Paul studes and how the theological biases of many authors (even liberal ones) have affected their works. He makes a point to introduce the “radical new perspective” as a loose group of approaches which, although different, share a commonality in the fact that they do not take anything for granted.
Though far from exhaustive this very readable 240 page book is a superb introduction – or even refresher course – for those intersted in Paul studies. Though the author claims to be writing from a secular vantage point, and in the end gives a nod to the “radical new perspective”, his work is completely fair and objective.
Highly recommended, especially for conservatives (like me) who may not have as much familiarity with the nonchristian authors.
Rating: 5 / 5
