Narrative Dynamics in Paul: A Critical Assessment

by Bruce W. Longenecker (Editor)

Are Paul's letters undergirded and informed by key narratives, and does a heightened awareness of those narratives help us to gain a richer and more rounded understanding of Paul's theology? The last two decades of the twentieth century witnessed an increasing interest in the narrative features of Paul's thought. A variety of studies since that period have advanced "story" as an integral and generative ingredient in Paul's theological formulations. In this book, a team of leading Pauline scholars assesses the strengths and weaknesses of a narrative approach, looking in detail at its application to particular Pauline texts.

Genres: Narrative

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

About the author

Dr. Longenecker specializes in the origins of Christianity, including the following emphases: Early Christianity in its Greco-Roman context; Jesus-devotion in the Vesuvian towns (Pompeii and Herculaneum); the life and theology of Paul; care for the needy among Christian communities of the Greco-Roman world.

Dr. Longenecker joined the Baylor faculty in August 2009, having taught previously at St Andrews University (Scotland, 1999-2009), Cambridge University (England, 1995-1999) and Durham University (England, 1991-1995).

- Ph.D. in Theology; University of Durham, England (1986-90).
- M.Rel. in New Testament Studies;Wycliffe College and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (1983-86)
- B.A. in Biblical and Religious Studies; Wheaton College, Illinois, U.S.A. (1979-83)

Reviews

[Clifford Luebben · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting academic read. Many of the writers seemed prey to the Bible scholar's desire to interpret Scripture in way that runs counter the norm in most Christian circles for the sake of having something different and interesting to say; though it was a different pet topic for each scholar. This can be interesting but is mostly wearisome.

I found Barclay's essay & Horrell's response the most interesting. Certainly they were the only ones that compelled me to bust out my pen to underline and take notes. Although, perhaps that's because, as Horrell pointed out, Barclay's essay strayed most from the topic of narrative that was to ground this collection.

I definitely finished the book more informed on the academic discussion on narrative in Scripture, but I did not finish with a much deeper understanding of the Pauline epistles discussed (Romans & Galatians). Based on this book, I would have to say the potential benefits of reading Paul with a narrative lens are quite limited. I think my interest in the topic may already be exhausted.

[Zachary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book doesn't solve anything, and I think Watson's essay at the end (combined with Lou Marryn's apocalyptic approach) obviate everything that comes before... Still, it's a good introduction to narrative methodology. I would have liked to have seen more attention to the methodological substructure.