XolokReads reviewed St. Paul by Karen Armstrong
A grappling with the historical and theological figure of St. Paul
4 stars
This book covers different theories about the life and teachings of St. Paul the apostle. There are a few texts and passages attributed to Paul that many people are uncomfortable with from a historical and a dogmatic standpoint. Karen Armstrong argues against a wholesale rejection of Pauline teachings arguing that much of the texts attributed to Paul are historically consistent with each other and what Paul's views might have been given his experience and background.
If you are strongly devoted to the traditional teachings of the church, you might object to Karen Armstrong's proposed interpretation. She does reject many texts attributed to Paul, but she does so with historical evidence. Her arguments are well thought out and reasonable. That said, neither the traditional story nor Armstrong's theory are absolutely proven. Some things in history are just unknowable. We have evidence to suggest one thing or another, but we lack that …
This book covers different theories about the life and teachings of St. Paul the apostle. There are a few texts and passages attributed to Paul that many people are uncomfortable with from a historical and a dogmatic standpoint. Karen Armstrong argues against a wholesale rejection of Pauline teachings arguing that much of the texts attributed to Paul are historically consistent with each other and what Paul's views might have been given his experience and background.
If you are strongly devoted to the traditional teachings of the church, you might object to Karen Armstrong's proposed interpretation. She does reject many texts attributed to Paul, but she does so with historical evidence. Her arguments are well thought out and reasonable. That said, neither the traditional story nor Armstrong's theory are absolutely proven. Some things in history are just unknowable. We have evidence to suggest one thing or another, but we lack that proof on a historical figure's words or motives.
In the absence of proof, we have to use our own judgment and conscience while fully understanding that we do not know for certain. Karen Armstrong mentions at the start of this book that her views on the topic have shifted and changed over time. Personally, I would have liked to hear more about her personal journey. It would would have highlighted positively the way a persons views can develop and expand, and it would have avoided any impression that her theory was being given as a "proof positive" refutation of all other viewpoints. I don't think Armstrong believes that is what she was doing, but some reviewers seem to think that she was.