NEW PERSPECTIVE ON PAUL

 

Summary of the New Perspective on Paul

The New Perspective on Paul (NPP) is a significant shift in biblical scholarship that reinterprets the Apostle Paul's theology, particularly his views on justification, faith, the law, and the relationship between Judaism and Christianity. Emerging in the late 20th century, it challenges the traditional Protestant (Reformation-era) understanding, often associated with Martin Luther, which portrayed Paul as opposing a supposed "legalistic" Judaism where people tried to earn salvation through good works. Instead, the NPP argues that first-century Judaism was not primarily legalistic but rooted in "covenantal nomism"—the idea that God's grace establishes the covenant with Israel, and obedience to the law (Torah) maintains one's place within it, rather than earning entry.

Key pioneers include:

  • E.P. Sanders: In his 1977 book Paul and Palestinian Judaism, Sanders argued that Paul was not critiquing Judaism as a religion of works but addressing how Gentiles could be included in God's people without adopting Jewish identity markers.
  • James D.G. Dunn: He coined the term "New Perspective" in a 1983 lecture, emphasizing that Paul's phrase "works of the law" (e.g., in Galatians and Romans) refers mainly to Jewish "boundary markers" like circumcision, Sabbath observance, and dietary laws. These were social and ethnic identifiers that Paul saw as barriers to Gentile inclusion in the Christian community, rather than general moral works.
  • N.T. Wright: He builds on this by placing Paul within the broader narrative of Israel's exile and restoration, viewing justification as God's declaration that believers (Jews and Gentiles) are part of the covenant family through faith in Christ, not ethnic markers. Wright stresses themes of unity, community, and God's faithfulness.

Core ideas of the NPP:

  • Justification by faith: Not just individual salvation from sin but a declaration of membership in God's people, emphasizing inclusion and community over individualistic "getting saved."
  • Paul's context: Paul's letters address practical issues in mixed Jewish-Gentile churches, like unity and avoiding division based on Jewish customs.
  • Critique of old views: The traditional "old perspective" mischaracterized Judaism as works-based, leading to anti-Semitic undertones; the NPP seeks a more historically accurate view of Judaism as grace-oriented.

Criticisms: Some evangelicals argue the NPP downplays personal sin, grace, and sola fide (faith alone), potentially undermining core doctrines like imputed righteousness. Others see it as a helpful corrective that enriches understanding without denying essentials. The NPP remains influential in academic theology, though debated in conservative circles.

Source Materials (PDFs and Word Documents)

I've compiled a list of relevant PDF and Word documents (DOC/DOCX) from academic, theological, and scholarly sources. These include foundational papers, overviews, and critiques. I've included direct links where available, along with brief descriptions based on their content. Note that some may require institutional access or free downloads; I've prioritized open-access ones.

PDFs:

Word Documents (DOC/DOCX):

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