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The Origins of Catholicism #2
The Catholic Perspective on Paul
How did Paul's background as a Jewish rabbi inform his message? * Did Paul believe that the Church was one, holy, catholic, and apostolic? * Did Paul hold that we are justified by faith alone? * Did Paul teach baptismal regeneration? * Did Paul hold that one might "fall from grace"? * Did Paul consider himself to be a "priest"? Discover a theologian who is sacramental, a churchman who is hierarchical, a mystic who is orthodox-a Paul who is Catholic.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2010
120 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
Taylor R. Marshall
14 books462 followersTaylor Marshall reads, reads, and reads. And then he writes.
He is the President of the New Saint Thomas Institute.
Dr. Marshall earned BA in Philosophy from Texas A&M University, an MAR in Systematic Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary, a Certificate in Anglican Studies from Nashotah Theological House, and an MS in Philosophy from the University of Dallas.
He completed a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Dallas with the thesis “Thomas Aquinas on Natural Law and the Twofold Beatitude of Humanity.”
He lives in Colleyville, Texas with his wife, Joy, and eight children.
He is the President of the New Saint Thomas Institute.
Dr. Marshall earned BA in Philosophy from Texas A&M University, an MAR in Systematic Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary, a Certificate in Anglican Studies from Nashotah Theological House, and an MS in Philosophy from the University of Dallas.
He completed a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Dallas with the thesis “Thomas Aquinas on Natural Law and the Twofold Beatitude of Humanity.”
He lives in Colleyville, Texas with his wife, Joy, and eight children.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 29, 2022
I just did a quick count and I believe that I have read about 25 books on Pauline Theology over the last 19 years. When I returned to school as a mature student, in the spring of 1998, the first course I tool was RS209 Paul's Life and Letters, and the then I did an independent reading course RS393 Selected Reading's Paul's Life and Letters. It was sort of continuation with the instructor one on one. In fact I have written numerous paper on Paul and his theology, and Pauline Studies has remained a personal area of interest and study for the past 2 decades. Next to Jesus himself, Paul's thoughts, words and intentions are likely the most fought over, argued, loved and vilified in all of Christian history.
And it seems my love of Pauline studies only grows with my age. For this was the first of three books in my current reading list on Paul. It made it to the top of the pile for a few reasons. First everything I have read; both theology and fiction; by Dr. Taylor Marshall I have loved. Second this is the first book that tries to examine Paul from his place not only as a strong influencer of early Christianity but as a Catholic. This book is not a biography of Paul, it is not just a theological examination of some of Paul's writings isolated from their times. It is in fact a study of Paul and how his writings fit in with early Catholic teachings and the continued Catholic Teachings down through the ages.
Of special interest were Marshall's writings and interview regarding how N.T. Wright's works and their impact in leading Dr. Marshall to the Catholic Church. For in part it was my own Pauline Studies that led me in school to leave the pursuit of becoming an Anglican Priest and return to the Catholic Church. The three appendices of which the first is 10 Catholic Questions for N.T. Wright, the Second is a Pauline Timeline and the third is a Concordance of Saint Paul's Doctrine will be of extra interest to any serious Pauline Scholar. In fact Dr. Marshall's timeline and mine, written in 2001, fall with a year or two of each other.
But this book tackles a lot of big topic's in the realm of Paul and Catholicism. The chapters in this book are:
How I Discovered the Catholic Paul Introduction
1. Rabbi Saul and the Apostle Paul
2. Paul on the Catholic Church
3. Paul on Justification, Faith & Works
4. Paul on Baptism & Regeneration
5. Paul on Falling from Grace & Reconciliation
6. Paul on Purgatory & Prayer for the Dead
7. Paul on the Eucharistic Sacrifice
8. Paul on the Priesthood
9. Paul on Holy Matrimony as Sacrament
10. Paul on Human Sexuality
11. Paul on the Communion of the Saints
12. The Martyrdom & Death of Paul
Epilogue: The Catholic Paul within a Trilogy
Appendix 1: 10 Catholic Questions for N.T. Wright
Appendix 2: Timeline of the Life of Saint Paul
Appendix 3: Concordance of Saint Paul's Doctrine
Dr. Marshall's examination of protestant claims on Paul, will open the readers eyes. If you are already a devoted Catholic this book will help you understand some of our history. If you a non-Catholic Christian than this book will challenge a lot of what you have been taught and might believe.
This book was an excellent start to my reading year theologically. And I look forward to reading the other two books by Dr. Marshall in his The Origins of Catholicism series. I highly recommend this book to every Pauline Scholar, and to any Christian who wishes to understand the beginnings of our tradition better!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Taylor R. Marshall.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
And it seems my love of Pauline studies only grows with my age. For this was the first of three books in my current reading list on Paul. It made it to the top of the pile for a few reasons. First everything I have read; both theology and fiction; by Dr. Taylor Marshall I have loved. Second this is the first book that tries to examine Paul from his place not only as a strong influencer of early Christianity but as a Catholic. This book is not a biography of Paul, it is not just a theological examination of some of Paul's writings isolated from their times. It is in fact a study of Paul and how his writings fit in with early Catholic teachings and the continued Catholic Teachings down through the ages.
Of special interest were Marshall's writings and interview regarding how N.T. Wright's works and their impact in leading Dr. Marshall to the Catholic Church. For in part it was my own Pauline Studies that led me in school to leave the pursuit of becoming an Anglican Priest and return to the Catholic Church. The three appendices of which the first is 10 Catholic Questions for N.T. Wright, the Second is a Pauline Timeline and the third is a Concordance of Saint Paul's Doctrine will be of extra interest to any serious Pauline Scholar. In fact Dr. Marshall's timeline and mine, written in 2001, fall with a year or two of each other.
But this book tackles a lot of big topic's in the realm of Paul and Catholicism. The chapters in this book are:
How I Discovered the Catholic Paul Introduction
1. Rabbi Saul and the Apostle Paul
2. Paul on the Catholic Church
3. Paul on Justification, Faith & Works
4. Paul on Baptism & Regeneration
5. Paul on Falling from Grace & Reconciliation
6. Paul on Purgatory & Prayer for the Dead
7. Paul on the Eucharistic Sacrifice
8. Paul on the Priesthood
9. Paul on Holy Matrimony as Sacrament
10. Paul on Human Sexuality
11. Paul on the Communion of the Saints
12. The Martyrdom & Death of Paul
Epilogue: The Catholic Paul within a Trilogy
Appendix 1: 10 Catholic Questions for N.T. Wright
Appendix 2: Timeline of the Life of Saint Paul
Appendix 3: Concordance of Saint Paul's Doctrine
Dr. Marshall's examination of protestant claims on Paul, will open the readers eyes. If you are already a devoted Catholic this book will help you understand some of our history. If you a non-Catholic Christian than this book will challenge a lot of what you have been taught and might believe.
This book was an excellent start to my reading year theologically. And I look forward to reading the other two books by Dr. Marshall in his The Origins of Catholicism series. I highly recommend this book to every Pauline Scholar, and to any Christian who wishes to understand the beginnings of our tradition better!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Taylor R. Marshall.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
April 8, 2019
The second in Marshall's series on the origins of Catholicism.
I would recommend this book for juniors and seniors in high school, or freshman and sophomores in college. Or, more generally, folks trying to learn more about the historical basis of Catholicism. It's quite accessible, easy to read, non-academic. Yet well sourced and reliable.
I must make a comment on this particular volume however. Marshall makes a rather significant mistake in Chapter 9 on St. Paul and the sacrament of Matrimony. I'll cut him some slack however since this is an often confusing area. He writes:
This distinction is imprecise. The Church distinguishes between sacramental marriages, which are contracted between two baptized Christians, and natural or non-sacramental marriages, in which at least one spouse is non baptized. Both are equally valid. Strangely enough Dr. Marshall quotes the Code of Canon Law 1055 §2 in support of this claim, which in fact shows that even Christian marriages ratified by a justice of the peace - or anyone really, for that matter - is in fact a sacramental union. Marshall continues"
Anyway good read. I just got angsty about that part. Marriage law is complicated enough without being misrepresented by authoritative figures like Taylor Marshall, who ought to know better.
I would recommend this book for juniors and seniors in high school, or freshman and sophomores in college. Or, more generally, folks trying to learn more about the historical basis of Catholicism. It's quite accessible, easy to read, non-academic. Yet well sourced and reliable.
I must make a comment on this particular volume however. Marshall makes a rather significant mistake in Chapter 9 on St. Paul and the sacrament of Matrimony. I'll cut him some slack however since this is an often confusing area. He writes:
... not all marriages are sacramental marriages. ... the Catholic Church holds that marriages ratified by a justice of the peace or by a secular court are not in fact sacramental marriages. Christian marriage entails vows before God and the purpose of imitating the union of Christ and the Church ... [C]onsequently the Catholic Church distinguishes between the secular "matrimonial contracts" on the one hand, and the spiritual "sacramental marriages" on the other.
This distinction is imprecise. The Church distinguishes between sacramental marriages, which are contracted between two baptized Christians, and natural or non-sacramental marriages, in which at least one spouse is non baptized. Both are equally valid. Strangely enough Dr. Marshall quotes the Code of Canon Law 1055 §2 in support of this claim, which in fact shows that even Christian marriages ratified by a justice of the peace - or anyone really, for that matter - is in fact a sacramental union. Marshall continues"
The former [matrimonial contracts] may be dissolved on account of the s0-called Petrine or Pauline privileges.Again not quite correct. A valid marital union between baptized spouses - the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony - may never be dissolved. The Petrine and Pauline privilege refers to the dissolution of a marriage - which cannot otherwise be dissolved, it's lack of sacramental nature notwithstanding - because of its instability resulting from one party's conversion (and baptism). It's a very, very specific situation. In general, neither natural nor sacramental marriages can be ended by anything but death - cf. Our Lord, Matt 19:8ff.
Anyway good read. I just got angsty about that part. Marriage law is complicated enough without being misrepresented by authoritative figures like Taylor Marshall, who ought to know better.
August 24, 2015
This Second Book of Dr. Taylor Marshall...explains explicitly Catholic origins through St. Paul epistles... The book covers different topics... which includes that, why we are not save by faith (sola scriptura) or work alone but it should be through faith and works...debunks the claim "once saved always saved"... the concept of purgatory...all the origins of sacraments.. And the current controversies we are facing... all of it, were already written, it is just that during translation from Greek to English some has no direct translation and some words translated in a more soft tone...... A must book for every Catholics to read...
Want to read
November 21, 201521 NOV 2015 - spied on Wendy's feed. Thanks, Wendy!
November 20, 2019
Adquiri este livro em conjunto com outros livros para instruir meu estudo sobre Paulo Apóstolo, do ponto de vista histórico, exatamente pelas enormes incongruências entre o Paulo dos Atos e o Paulo das Epístolas.
Logo no primeiro parágrafo Marshall escreveu para que veio: "Reconhecemos o corpo das epístolas de Paulo como genuinamente de autoria paulina. Ou seja, não dá margens para as inúmeras discussões de autenticidade das cartas de Paulo que em sua maioria convergem para apenas considerar sete delas como genuínas, ainda assim, sob discussões (Tessalonicenses, Romanos, Gálatas, Corintios 1 e 2 Filipenses e Filemon).
Logo no capítulo 1 vem com a conhecida afirmação de Atos: Saul foi ao sumo sacerdote, "respirando ameaças e assassinatos contra os discípulos do Senhor", e obteve autoridade para perseguir e capturar cristãos fora de Jerusalém (Atos 9: 1). Tendo recebido autorização, Rabi Saul partiu para prender cristãos em Damasco.
Todo historiador ou estudioso dos Novo Testamento sabe que Paulo jamais poderia receber autorização do Sumo Sacerdote para empreender prisões fora de Jerusalém, região onde exercia este tipo de autoridade. A afirmação de Atos é historicamente falsa.
Por isso, e por outros detalhes do mesmo quilate é que este livro não serve como estudo do Paulo histórico. É uma peça para quem tem fé nas tradições cristãs não se prestando para qualquer avaliação histórica do cristianismo primitivo.
Se fosse um daqueles leitores que analisam o livro sob o ponto de vista da fé talvez pudesse engrossar o coro das quatro ou cinco estrelas, mas para os meus objetivos, não posso oferecer mais do que duas estrelas, mesmo sem ter avançado muito na leitura.
Logo no primeiro parágrafo Marshall escreveu para que veio: "Reconhecemos o corpo das epístolas de Paulo como genuinamente de autoria paulina. Ou seja, não dá margens para as inúmeras discussões de autenticidade das cartas de Paulo que em sua maioria convergem para apenas considerar sete delas como genuínas, ainda assim, sob discussões (Tessalonicenses, Romanos, Gálatas, Corintios 1 e 2 Filipenses e Filemon).
Logo no capítulo 1 vem com a conhecida afirmação de Atos: Saul foi ao sumo sacerdote, "respirando ameaças e assassinatos contra os discípulos do Senhor", e obteve autoridade para perseguir e capturar cristãos fora de Jerusalém (Atos 9: 1). Tendo recebido autorização, Rabi Saul partiu para prender cristãos em Damasco.
Todo historiador ou estudioso dos Novo Testamento sabe que Paulo jamais poderia receber autorização do Sumo Sacerdote para empreender prisões fora de Jerusalém, região onde exercia este tipo de autoridade. A afirmação de Atos é historicamente falsa.
Por isso, e por outros detalhes do mesmo quilate é que este livro não serve como estudo do Paulo histórico. É uma peça para quem tem fé nas tradições cristãs não se prestando para qualquer avaliação histórica do cristianismo primitivo.
Se fosse um daqueles leitores que analisam o livro sob o ponto de vista da fé talvez pudesse engrossar o coro das quatro ou cinco estrelas, mas para os meus objetivos, não posso oferecer mais do que duas estrelas, mesmo sem ter avançado muito na leitura.
October 15, 2021
I have many friends from different religions. I love that and I get many different perspectives on life, but it often leaves me confused on what I believe in myself. Are we saved through faith alone or by works as well? The Catholic Perspective On Paul covers Paul’s statements on a wide variety of topics, and how we should interpret them as Catholics. The author, Taylor R. Marshall, converted from Anglicanism to Catholicism in 2006, and has since been relevant in the media for his push for traditional Catholicism, and even been retweeted by Donald Trump’s Twitter account. The main point in the book is to highlight the misinterpretation that other Christian denominations have of Paul, through historical evidence. Many times the author looks into the the specifics of the diction used by Paul, and what that meant in his time versus how we interpret it now. For example, a quote by Paul is that, “The bread which we break is a participation in the Body of Christ”(Marshall 125). The author finds that, “The Greek word used by Paul for “participation” in this context is koinonia. The Latin Vulgate translated this Greek word both as comunicatio and participatio. Those who receive Holy Communion are thereby called communicants”(Marshall 125). As you can see, the book reads very textbook-like, which I enjoy because it is straightforward. I would not recommend this book to anyone who is not well-versed in the Catholic faith, or to progressive Catholics. The author makes claims in Paul that many in the church-goers today disagree, such as a passage that states, “If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall be put to death”(Marshall 178). My mind loves to read the logical debates that go on in the book and I found it enjoyable to read.
July 5, 2017
Oh, my. Talk about thought-provoking! Marshall skillfully responds to many of the major questions I have about the Catholic faith by systematically investigating Paul's theology. His explanations are thoughtful, backed by solid Biblical evidence, and well elucidated; they place Paul in his context and make much of the confusion surrounding his phrasing evaporate. I can't say that The Catholic Perspective on Paul resolved all of my doubts about Catholicism, but it certainly has given me much to ponder and a clear road map to continue my inquiry. I highly recommend this book to Catholics and non-Catholics alike seeking to better their understanding of the faith.
December 2, 2025
Unsurprisingly Paul WAS Catholic!
A great book! We can often be under the impression that St. Paul seems to agree with the Protestant caricature of himself which holds to doctrines contrary to the Church. This book does well to show how Rabbi Saul was first and foremost Jewish and then clearly, Catholic.
Some of the more nuanced doctrines regarding things like Mary, relics, sexual ethics are clearly less evidenced in Paul’s language… though so is this the case with these topics in the gospels also – and there is nothing wrong with that!Nonetheless I appreciate the effort Marshall goes to in finding seeds of these principles and beliefs alive in Paul’s writings.
A great book! We can often be under the impression that St. Paul seems to agree with the Protestant caricature of himself which holds to doctrines contrary to the Church. This book does well to show how Rabbi Saul was first and foremost Jewish and then clearly, Catholic.
Some of the more nuanced doctrines regarding things like Mary, relics, sexual ethics are clearly less evidenced in Paul’s language… though so is this the case with these topics in the gospels also – and there is nothing wrong with that!Nonetheless I appreciate the effort Marshall goes to in finding seeds of these principles and beliefs alive in Paul’s writings.
August 11, 2018
In year 2 of Denver Catholic Biblical School we read this book one semester as we read and studied Paul's Letters. It was deep and it felt like I was speed reading through the book.
Had read The Crucified Rabbi, Judaism & the Origins of Catholic Christianity and appreciated having had to read it. Bought the book for several people to read.
Had read The Crucified Rabbi, Judaism & the Origins of Catholic Christianity and appreciated having had to read it. Bought the book for several people to read.
March 26, 2019
St. Paul's writings interpreted
This is a detailed rebuttal of some of the non Catholic interpretation of Paul's writings. It is perhaps not apparent to those Catholics that do not question the Catholic teaching how much these things are distorted to justify other positions.
This is not a casual discussion and hence needs to be read with that in mind.
This is a detailed rebuttal of some of the non Catholic interpretation of Paul's writings. It is perhaps not apparent to those Catholics that do not question the Catholic teaching how much these things are distorted to justify other positions.
This is not a casual discussion and hence needs to be read with that in mind.
November 17, 2021
Informative and Enjoyable Read
This is the second book of the Taylor Marshall’s trilogy that I’ve read, and I’ve enjoyed it as much as the first one. It was extremely informative and enjoyable to read. I look forward to the final book.
This is the second book of the Taylor Marshall’s trilogy that I’ve read, and I’ve enjoyed it as much as the first one. It was extremely informative and enjoyable to read. I look forward to the final book.
March 28, 2024
Shows the connections between the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church and the writings of Saint Paul. Starts and ends with what Taylor Marshall sees as Paul's main theme and that is the participation of Christ in His Church and vice versa. Enjoyed this book.
June 11, 2019
Clear and solid comments about the letters of St. Paul. I learned a lot about the differences in Christian and Catholic perspectives on the Saint.
May 20, 2020
This book is fantastic. It will simultaneously give you more context for the daily gospel readings and teach you about the direct source for our Catholic church's modern practices. Really great.
June 29, 2020
Excellent. Must-Read if you are interested in religion and history.
February 22, 2021
An excellent narrative on St. Paul. A very in-depth read on St. Paul and his impact on the Catholic church and most of its heritage.
September 24, 2025
Comprehensive and exciting
Written in a style that is flowing and easy to follow. Explanation at each significant juncture. A triumph. Should be read by all.
Written in a style that is flowing and easy to follow. Explanation at each significant juncture. A triumph. Should be read by all.
February 19, 2017
Clarifies many misconceptions
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2013
When Saul was converted on the road to Damascus he was a hired henchman, as it were, to persecute and exterminate the ne'er do well Christian upstarts.
Now, as Paul (Saint Paul) his vocation was to bring the Christians and the Catholic Church to the Gentiles.
But who was Paul, was he a Priest, was he a disciple. a Bishop or an Apostle. I guess it depends on who you act, but he was the man, along with Saint Peter and the other Apostles who got the Church going in spite of all opposition. He was opposed by the Romans and the Jews, and he is opposed, even today, but some Christian sects who question his role in Christianity.
Taylor Marshall carefully disproves all of the critics and shows that Paul was, in fact, who he is purported to be.
Now, as Paul (Saint Paul) his vocation was to bring the Christians and the Catholic Church to the Gentiles.
But who was Paul, was he a Priest, was he a disciple. a Bishop or an Apostle. I guess it depends on who you act, but he was the man, along with Saint Peter and the other Apostles who got the Church going in spite of all opposition. He was opposed by the Romans and the Jews, and he is opposed, even today, but some Christian sects who question his role in Christianity.
Taylor Marshall carefully disproves all of the critics and shows that Paul was, in fact, who he is purported to be.
August 20, 2016
In the long run I wouldn't be surprised if this work had a larger impact then most of the books I read on the subject of Catholicism.
For such a quick read it's packed with information. I found the author's conclusions logical and clearly presented.
Catholics should only deepen their faith with this one and Protestants may come away with some questions for their pastors.
Kudos to the author!
For such a quick read it's packed with information. I found the author's conclusions logical and clearly presented.
Catholics should only deepen their faith with this one and Protestants may come away with some questions for their pastors.
Kudos to the author!
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April 27, 2016New Light on Supposed Protestant Apostle
For an open Protestant, this book "ruins" the Pauline Corpus from being seen ever again with a Protestant bias. Major ideological shake up.
For an open Protestant, this book "ruins" the Pauline Corpus from being seen ever again with a Protestant bias. Major ideological shake up.
January 28, 2014
It was a good book to review/learn how a lot of doctrines come from Paul. One thing I didn't like was the defensive stance-doctrines were explained as opposed to what Protestant believe.
February 15, 2020
2020: still a great, concise overview of Paul's theology; good accompaniment for a study of his epistles (but not arranged according to them)
December 11, 2016
Good, though the author is often pugnacious.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews