That We May Be Mutually Encouraged: Feminism and the New Perspective in Pauline Studies

by Kathy Ehrensperger

There has been a revolutionary shift of thinking in Pauline Studies, fundamentally changing the image of Paul. Postmodern literary criticism of Paul's epistles and sociorhetorical criticism of his letters has created a New Perspective approach to Pauline studies. At the same time, feminist criticism of the Pauline corpus has been growing. Unfortunately there has been hardly any interaction and exchange of research results between these different strands of scholarship. The result of this is that in Pauline studies scholars are hardly aware of feminist perspectives. Similarly, feminist interpretations of Paul, not fully conversant with the most recent strands of Pauline research, are often based on traditional images of Paul. Ehrensperger's analysis of feminist commentaries on Paul thus contains a rather negative depiction of theological thinking. However, both strands of research, feminist and those of the New Perspective, provide fresh and illuminating insights that emphasize similar aspects from different perspectives. Ehrensperger advocates a closer interaction between these two schools of Pauline studies. She analyzes Romans 14-15, exploring the results of recent research in both Pauline schools. Pauline studies from the New Perspective emphasize the Jewish context and texture of Paul's thinking. She sets these in dialogue with feminist theology, which focuses on issues of identity, diversity, and relationality. Her study results in a perspective on Paul which views him as a significant dialogue partner in the search for a theology beyond anti-Semitism and misogyny, beyond force and domination. Kathy Ehrensperger studied theology at the Universities of Basel and Berne, and was a pastor for sixteen years in Switzerland. She is currently a Lecturer in New Testament Studies at the University of Wales, Lampeter.

Genres: Theology

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Kevin Hoag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Early in the book she makes an intriguing statement: “to live is to interpret.” This is further explained by stating that “Any interpretation involves psychological, social, economic, political, and cultural factors.” There is no such thing as an entirely objective reflection of reality; nothing can be real to us without interpretation. Religious traditions are a part of the process of shaping and interpreting – finding meaning. For Christians the interpretation of Holy Scriptures is of primary importance to one’s understanding of life. The purpose of interpretation is not to question the authority of scripture but to understand its relevance for the present and future. We enter into dialogue with scripture from within our communities of faith, in our specific social, cultural, political, and personal context, and from our specific (and limited) perspective. Our perspectives are never neutral or innocent.