 |
| |
| |
|
|
Average Rating:  out of 3 Reviews
|
Price: $40.00
|
|
Sale: $28.49
|
| |
|
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
|
|
EAN (European Article Number): 9780192853424
|
|
Number of Items: 1
|
| |
|
|
|
Binding: Paperback
|
|
Author: Jerome Murphy-O'Connor
|
|
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
|
|
Dewey Decimal Number: 225.92
|
|
Publication Date: 1998-09-03
|
|
Reading Level: 432
|
|
|
| |
|
Description: Traditionally the Acts of the Apostles has provided the framework for biographies of the Apostle Paul. In recent years, however, the historical value of the Acts has come into question. Many scholars argue that, despite the accuracy of many details, the text as a whole reflects the interests of Luke rather than objective reality. This book presents a completely new, and much more vivid and dramatic, account of the life of Paul than any before. While continuing to give consideration to the Acts, Murphy-O'Connor reconstructs the apostle's life--from his childhood in Taursus and his years as a student in Jerusalem, to the successes and failures of his ministry--from his own writings. Reinforcing his critical analysis of Paul's letters with close attention to archaeology and contemporary texts, Murphy-O'Connor not only charts Paul's movements, but extracts a new understanding of his motives and the social and cultural aspects of his ministry. Most important of all, this biography transforms a fountain of theological ideas into a human being.
|
| |
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
Customer Reviews
|
| |
|
Review Summary: Marvellously Extreme in Details |
Date: 2006-08-13 |
|
| |
Details: "Paul: A Critical Life" by Murphy-O'Connor is a very detailed book written for those seeking a very detailed account of his life and work. The book focuses a lot of attention to the historical aspects of Paul, rather than focusing on his theology. However, the book does discuss the developments in Paul's theology and philosophy under the impact of historical events in his ministry.
The book uses a wide range of sources, both Christian and otherwise, along with a large selection from other scholars dealing with the same subject. Although Murphy-O'Connor uses the New Testament books, he is not shy of pointing out where the New Testament record has holes, (sometimes gaping). This is particularly in regard to the record of Luke in "Acts", which is often the source of the author's criticisms. For those who hold to the 100% veracity of the New Testament idea, this may be something of an issue.
"Paul" also gives a good variety of other scholar's opinions, and interacts well with other theories. Murphy-O'Connor has taken some trouble to build up a case for his own ideas, though he is also open and honest enough to admit where he is "merely speculating". What you end up with is a fairly solid overview of Paul's life and even his character.
A lot of the book gives a broad overview to the history and background of Paul's writing activities in relation to different Christian groups he started. This is particularly interesting, and helps give one a deeper view of the character of the man himself.
I was particular interested to note that Murphy-O'Connor describes Paul as a deeply feeling and emotional man who tended to run with whatever was foremost in his mind at any given moment. Additionally, a lot of the emotion comes through his letters, which can be missed. This was a personal insight into Paul for me that I had previously missed.
This is an interesting and valuable addition to the increasingly corpus of material on the Apostle to the Gentiles. Even for people with a broad familiarity with Paul, there should be something new in this for them. It is an insightful and enjoyable book to read. I did not find it at all dry, as one other reviewer did. |
| |
|
Review Summary: comprehensive and fascinating |
Date: 1999-11-15 |
|
| |
|
Details: From a Pauline scholar of Murphy-O'Connor caliber, it is no surprise to find an exhaustive appraisal of the details associated with the chronology of Paul's career. Once the hard stuff is out of the way, however, Murphy-O'Connor gives his readers a fascinating glimpse into the life of Paul. Of great interest is the educational opportunities afforded to a diaspora Jew in Tarsus, the breakdown between Paul and the Antiochian church, the strategy employed by Paul in his missionary work, the precise nature of the "Judaizers" who plagued Paul in Galatia and elsewhere, and the troubled relationship of Paul to the Corinthian church. Paul emerges as passionate, occasionally biased, but always intensely involved and fascinating. References and bibiographic material abound. The bit on 2 Thessalonians is unique and well-argued. Murphy-O'Connor tries to round out Paul's career as much as possible with what can be known of Thessalonika, Ephesus, Antioch Pisidia, Philippi, and the associates involved in Paul's ministries in Asia Minor, so it offers a picture of Paul's relationships beyond the overshadowing portrait of the Corinthian correspondence. It is a book that you will go back to over the years, even if you don't agree with all of it. Enjoy. |
| |
|
Review Summary: fascinating look at Paul's travels and spiritual growth |
Date: 1999-02-12 |
|
|
| |
|
Details: Anyone looking for an excellent synopsis of Paul, his travels, and spiritual growth would do well to read this book. We follow Paul as he develops his thoughts and philosophy, and as he travels throughout the Judaic world of the time. In addition, you are also given great insight into the lives of the people he meets and the travelling conditions of the times. All in all, a fascinating insight into the mind and spirit of the man who brought Christian thought into the world. |
| |
|
| |
Similar Products
|
|
|
| |
This Product is similar to and may be found in the Following Categories:
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
