Cracking the Foundation of the New Perspective on Paul: Covenantal Nomism versus Reformed Covenantal Theology

by Robert J. Cara

The New Perspective on Paul claims that the Reformed understanding of justification is wrong - that it misunderstands Paul and the Judaism with which he engages. The New Perspective's revised understanding of Second Temple Judaism provides the foundation to a new perspective. This important book seeks to show that this foundation is fundamentally faulty and cannot bear the weight it needs to carry, thus undermining the entirety of the New Perspective on Paul itself.

Genres: Theology

320 pages, Paperback

Published April 7, 2017

Reviews

[Harry · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I am not saying that all documents in Second Temple Judaism have a works righteousness soteriology; however I am insisting that many do. Once given my conclusion that there is an abundance of works righteousness soteriology in Second Temple Judaism documents, the New Perspective on Paul foundation of covenantal nomism has crumbled. And with it, their new view of Pauline justification also crumbles as it is built upon that faulty foundation. The only sure foundation for justification is the work of Christ, and Him alone.” -p125

Great book to start 2026.

In the words of Shai Linne,

“This ain’t controversy for the sake of controversy, or theological nitpicking: salvation is of the Lord, and to Him alone all the glory.”

(Mission accomplished)

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful overview and critique of the New Perspective on Paul (NPP). The appendix provides helpful background information on second temple Judaism.

The author addresses the key elements of the NPP focusing on three authors: Sanders, Dunn, and Wright. The first section addresses the methodology and hermeneutic of the NPP with the second section giving an exegesis of three texts (Ephesians 2:1-10, Titus 3:4-7, and 2 Timothy 1:8-19) to compare how it is interpreted by non-NPP commentators in contrast to NPP advocates.

[Davis Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well researched book that offers plenty of helpful and insightful critiques of the New Perspective. The book is admittedly biased, and written from a perspective of a reformed Presbyterian scholar who is concerned that the New Perspective will damage the reformed doctrine of justification by faith. His critiques are clear, succinct, and well researched.

[Joshua Sunderland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this for a seminary class, but overall I thought it was a great polemic against NPP. While NPP can be disproven exegetically from Scripture, as Cara says is the primary defense, his main argument here is showing how even on its own ground, Sanders/NPP's argument just doesn't hold up (which is probably more persuasive to those who actually affirm NPP.)

However, I will say that there are a lot of redundant repetitions of content within the book. ~30 pages of writing could be removed before any information would be actually lost. Also, as he himself seems to recognize, chapter 4, while a good argument against NPP for those who believe deutero-Paul is actually Paul, isn't related to the majority argument of the book. The appendix, which gives information on the primary Jewish sources, is fairly important to read for context. In my opinion, the appendix should have been merged with chapter 3 and chapter 4 should have been the appendix or its own book.

[Connor Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before Taking a New Testament class that included Paul’s writing, I had never heard of the New Perspective. The new perspective is essentially that when Paul writes about “works of the law” he is not describing a works righteousness system at all but is focused on cultural issues unique to Judaism such as circumcision and food laws. Not only is Paul not talking about works righteousness, but it really did not exist at all in the 1st century writings claim the New perspective advocates This understanding really undermines Grace being a gift and contrary to striving and it has a low view of scripture by only attributing half of Paul’s letters to him. This book did a good job refuting these claims. The author’s argument is clear if a little wordy and repetitive at times but you cannot say he is vague in his formulations. Would recommend it to someone that is troubled by new perspective ideas in a religion class, but this is a very niche topic not for everyone.

[Timothy Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book indeed cracking the foundation of the NPP. Also helpful for those unfamiliar w NT background studies.

[Jim Hahn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good place to start for anyone trying to navigate the nuances of justification and the pitfalls of the New Perspective on Paul.

[LMS · Rating 4 out of 5]

An introduction, helpful perspective, though the debate is still a little over my head.

[Ali McNeely]

For BT612: Pauline Theology

[Jake Ruefer · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are into NPP this is helpful. I’m not that interested so… there ya go. I do find the descriptions of various 2nd temple Jewish documents in the appendix quite helpful.

[Michael Dionne]

Though not a “popular level” treatment of the NPP, this book displays the kind of theological reasoning and argumentation which our church needs more of. Cara masterfully presents his thesis (namely, that Sander’s covenantal nomism requires an over-simplified view of the variegated Judaism of the second Temple period), and then demonstrates his point carefully, clearly, and concisely.
Cara interacts with his Liberal and Semi-Liberal opponents without resorting to denigration or name-calling, often using their own words to prove his points. Additionally, he makes occasional devotional and pastoral observations which help to ground the work in the practical realm which it occupies.
Highly, highly recommended if you want to see the NPP significantly challenged with a cogent, level-headed, biblical argument.

If this is what the R.E.D.S series is producing, I can’t wait to read more!