Gar Anderson - Paul’s New Perspective

Episode: Grab a PBR (or craft beer) & get ready for a new perspective as Matt Lynch grills Gar Anderson (Professor of NT at Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Wisconsin) on his new book Paul’s New Perspective (IVP). The basic argument of the book is that Paul’s old perspective is actually what is commonly referred to today as the “New Perspective on Paul” (NPP), and Paul’s new perspective is somewhat closer to the “Old / Traditional Perspective on Paul” (TPP).

Then what was the theological aim in the Pauline Corpus? What language/metaphors/images did he adopt in some of his earliest letters, and which portrayals did he altogether drop and replace in his latter writings? What was Paul’s aim in expounding on Israel and Torah in Romans or the law-grace relations in Galatians? All of these topics and more are thoughtfully and carefully discussed (no expenses spared) in this week’s episode. (-J. Soto)

Guest: Gar Anderson is Professor of New Testament and Acting Dean/President at Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Wisconsin. Previously, Gar was on staff with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (1984-2001), and was was on the faculty of Asbury Theological Seminary (Orlando, FL campus) from 2002-2007. In addition to his major study on Pauline soteriology, Paul's New Perspective: Charting a Soteriological Journey (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2016), he has also published articles in numerous scholarly journals, dictionaries, and edited volumes. Additionally, Dr. Anderson is a regular contributor to the Covenant blog and writes articles and reviews regularly for The Living Churchmagazine. (adapted from the Nashotah House faculty page).

Book: 'The debate between proponents of the old and new perspectives on Paul has been followed closely over the years, consolidating allegiances on either side. But the debate has now reached a stalemate, with defectors turning to apocalyptic and other solutions. in Paul's New Perspective: Charting a Soteriological Journey (IVP 2016) Garwood Anderson recounts the issues and concludes that "both 'camps' are right, but not all the time." And with that teaser, he rolls up his exegetical sleeves and proceeds to unfold a new proposal for overcoming the deadlock.

But in a field crowded with opinions, could anything new emerge? Anderson's interaction with Paul and his interpreters is at the highest level, and his penetrating and energetic analysis captures attention. What if Paul's own theological perspective was contextually formed and coherently developed over time? Have we asked justification to carry a burden it was never meant to bear? Would fresh eyes and a proper sequencing of Paul's letters reveal Paul's ownnew perspective? Might we turn a corner and find a bold and invigorating panorama of Pauline soteriology? This is a Pauline study worthy of its great theme, and one that will infuse new energy into the quest for understanding Paul's mind and letters.' (adapted from the IVP Academic website)

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