Cambridge University Press Paul and Religion: Unfinished Conversations (Cambridge Studies in Religion, Philosophy, and Society)

Product Description Paul and Religion demonstrates the continuing and contemporary relevance of the most important, and most controversial, figure of early Christianity. Paul Gooch interrogates the Pauline writings for their meaning as well as implications for religion as an entire form of life, a stance on the world expressed in distinctive practices. Bringing a philosophical approach to this topic, he connects Paul's ideas to lived experience. In a conversational style, Gooch explores Paul's experience of grace and his dismissal of distinctive markers of religious identity in favour of love as binding together a community. Contrary to common expectations, he finds within Paul's letters material for conversations about issues in our day, such as gender and sexuality. From his close reading of the Letters, Gooch argues that the Pauline religious form of life is not identical with institutional Christianity. Indeed, his conclusions may be welcome to those who belong to other faiths. Book Description Explores the continuing and contemporary relevance of the most important, and most controversial, figure of early Christianity. About the Author Paul W. Gooch is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Toronto. He is the author of Partial Knowledge: Philosophical Studies in Paul (1987) and Reflections on Jesus and Socrates: Word and Silence (1997).