Concerning the New Perspective on Paul

junostarlighter · Jul 9, 2010

Simple question: Is anyone aware of any Catholic scholars/writers who have weighed in on the New Perspective on Paul that is going on in Protestant circles?

Scoobyshme · Jul 9, 2010

No, but I heard a talk by Fr. Corapi who said that a lot of these modern scholars are nothing but educated imbeciles. He said no matter how much education you have, if you don’t approach the faith with the same Holy Spirit that lives in the Church, you’re nothing but an amateur.

SonCatcher · Jul 9, 2010

I think I heard the same talk by Fr. Corapi.

I am unfamiliar with the New Perspective so I scanned Wikipedia’s article.

The new perspective has, by and large, been an internal debate among Protestant scholars. Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox writers have generally responded favorably to new perspective ideas, seeing both a greater commonality with their own beliefs and seeing strong similarities with the views of many of the early Church Fathers. Passages in the works of many early Church Fathers show that new perspective interpretations were widely held among them.

While Wikipedia is hardly a theological resource, if the article is correct, it may signal a turning point in Catholic/Protestant relations. Perhaps, even, it would be conducive to repairing the divisions between us. Unfortunately, the passage lacks references so we have no idea which RC and EO writers are meant.

Epistemes · Jul 9, 2010

Referring to a group of people as “educated imbeciles” is a very charitable, Christ-like thing to say. :nope: Knowledge may puff up, but its love that builds up.

I’m sure that some Catholic scholars have weighed in on the question of the New Perspective since scholars at the established, renowed Catholic universities have research interests in Paul. Since Catholic reaction isn’t critical, and since this is mostly a Protestant-based reinterpretation, any reaction from Catholic scholars is probably appearing in the academic journals. If anyone publishes a book discussing the arguments made by Protestants, then it would be Jerome Murphy-O’Connor, whose “Paul: A Critical Life” is as distinsguished of a biography of Paul written by either Protestant or Catholic.

biblicalAdam · Jul 9, 2010

Hi,

In my opinion there is nothing innately non-Catholic about the new perspective of Paul (which is really not that new any more

Here is a catholic author that tends to follow some of these perspectives (or atleast if my memory holds right)

amazon.com/Dying-Rising-Christ-Theology-Apostle/dp/080914395X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278694387&sr=8-1-spell

-Adam

Bookcat · Jul 9, 2010

Contarini · Jul 9, 2010

junostarlighter said:
Simple question: Is anyone aware of any Catholic scholars/writers who have weighed in on the New Perspective on Paul that is going on in Protestant circles?

Luke Timothy Johnson is supportive. Generally it’s a Protestant movement, because the interpretation being overturned is a Protestant one. But essentially many of these Protestant scholars are saying what Catholics have said all along (though modern scholars are saying it with more historical context and nuance). I wish some of them–N. T. Wright especially–would be more forthright about the fact. But he’s fighting off accusations of betraying the Reformation, so naturally he’s going to play down his agreement with Catholicism!

Edwin

Joe_Kelley · Jul 9, 2010

Scoobyshme said:
No, but I heard a talk by Fr. Corapi who said that a lot of these modern scholars are nothing but educated imbeciles. He said no matter how much education you have, if you don’t approach the faith with the same Holy Spirit that lives in the Church, you’re nothing but an amateur.

I have heard it expressed in other fields as those who have been educated beyond their capabilities.

KShaft · Jul 9, 2010

Joe_Kelley said:
I have heard it expressed in other fields as those who have been educated beyond their capabilities.

Hey you should be a little more sensitive. I reached that point sometime right after sixth grade. I couldn’t just stop ya know…

Joe_Kelley · Jul 10, 2010

KShaft said:
Hey you should be a little more sensitive. I reached that point sometime right after sixth grade. I couldn’t just stop ya know…

Biedrik · Jul 10, 2010

I hadn’t heard of this, but after a quick read on wikipedia I can’t say I find it particularly reprehensible. Certainly, some of the stuff there is what was always Catholic, which I find good. I especially want to say something about this allegedly new understanding of what St. Paul says about faith and works.

Took em’ long enough.

Concerning the New Perspective on Paul

junostarlighter

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Scoobyshme

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SonCatcher

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Epistemes

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biblicalAdam

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Bookcat

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Contarini

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Joe_Kelley

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KShaft

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Joe_Kelley

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Biedrik

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