Paul Behaving Badly

Was the Apostle a Racist, Chauvinist Jerk?

The apostle Paul was kind of a jerk. He was arrogant and stubborn. He called his opponents derogatory, racist names. He legitimized slavery and silenced women. He was a moralistic, homophobic killjoy who imposed his narrow religious views on others. Or was he? Randolph Richards and Brandon O'Brien explore the complicated persona and teachings of the apostle Paul. Unpacking his personal history and cultural context, they show how Paul both offended Roman perspectives and scandalized Jewish sensibilities. His vision of Christian faith was deeply disturbing to those in his day and remains so in ours. Paul behaved badly, but not just in the ways we might think. Take another look at Paul and see why this "worst of sinners" dares to say, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

©2016 eChristian (P)2016 eChristian

good read

The narration can be a little slow and the material a bit heady, but it's a great eye opener for understanding often confusing scripture.

really terrific book, you won't be disappointed -

loved it. you won't be disappointed, no matter where you're coming from either loving or not loving Paul at the outset.

A must read for anyone seeking clarification....

For students of New Testament texts, this is a must read. I had my biases against the Apostle Paul, because to my mind, too many men joyously took refuge in his edict for women to be silent and submit. At the same time, I was fascinated by his dogged determination to carry out the Great Commission. I can move now from bias to full admiration. He was a hero and a man ahead of his time, even as he was firmly rooted to his time. And definitely not the cold, misogynist he has been painted to be. He was a man on fire to ensure that all who heard the Gospel would have the joy and deliverance he did in Yeshua. That is awesome!

Great Listen

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. They did an amazing job. It really did make you think and helps you to look at Paul and the things he did and said from a different perspective.

Good read

Another great book from these authors. I appreciate their perspective and they do a very good job of explaining it!