Description
PAUL OF TARSUS: JEW OR CHRISTIAN?
Book Summary
This essay addresses one of the most controversial questions in current biblical studies: did Paul of Tarsus remain a Jew, or did he found a new religion? From the so-called "radical new perspective," the author argues that Paul did not abandon Judaism nor did he intend to supersede it, but rather sought to integrate Gentiles into Israel as adopted children of Abraham. An accessible work that invites us to rethink the origins of Christianity and the figure of the apostle.
What is it about?
The book examines the mission of Paul of Tarsus based on the theological and historical tensions that surrounded his preaching. In contrast to the traditional interpretation that presents him as the founder of Christianity, the author argues that Paul remained within Judaism and worked for non-Jews to be incorporated into the people of Israel, cooperating in the preparation of the kingdom of God. The work analyzes how Paul did not deify Jesus nor interpret his death as a vicarious sacrifice, and reveals that his main opponents were not Jews, but certain proselytes or Gentiles converted to Judaism. A read that questions the foundations of traditional Christian dogma.
Main themes
- The religious identity of Paul of Tarsus between Judaism and nascent Christianity.
- Interpretation of the figure of Jesus and his death from a non-divine and non-sacrificial perspective.
- Integration of Gentiles into Israel as adopted children of Abraham.
- Historical conflict between Paul and proselytes or Gentiles converted to Judaism.
- Critical review of the "radical new perspective" in Pauline studies.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in the history of early Christianity, biblical theology, and studies on first-century Judaism. It is especially useful for students, academics, or believers who wish to explore an alternative and grounded vision of the figure of Paul, far from traditional ecclesiastical dogmas.
What this book offers
- A clear and accessible answer to a highly relevant academic debate.
- A reinterpretation of Paul that places him within Judaism, not as its successor.
- Keys to understanding the opposition to Paul from within the converted Gentile environment itself.
- An analysis of Pauline Christology that dispenses with the deification of Jesus.
Technical specifications
- Author: Andrés Segovia, Carlos
- Publisher: Atanor Ediciones
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Humanities, Philosophy, Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church
- Collection: Documents
- Number of pages: 128
- Weight: 195 g
Editorial review
A rigorous and provocative work that challenges conventional readings of Paul of Tarsus. Its main value lies in bringing a complex academic debate to the general public with expository clarity and strong argumentation. It may be of particular interest to those seeking to understand the origins of Christianity from a historical rather than dogmatic perspective, as well as readers interested in the relationship between Judaism and early Christianity.