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Pauline Dogmatics: The Triumph of God's Love
The eschatological heart of Paul’s gospel in his world and its implications for today
Drawing upon thirty years of intense study and reflection on Paul, Douglas Campbell offers a distinctive overview of the apostle’s thinking that builds on Albert Schweitzer’s classic emphasis on the importance for Paul of the resurrection. But Campbell—learning here from Karl Barth—traces through the implications of Christ for Paul’s thinking about every other theological topic, from revelation and the resurrection through the nature of the church and mission. As he does so, the conversation broadens to include Stanley Hauerwas in relation to Christian formation, and thinkers like Willie Jennings to engage post-colonial concerns.
But the result of this extensive conversation is a work that, in addition to providing a description of Paul’s theology, also equips readers with what amounts to a Pauline manual for church planting. Good Pauline theology is good practical theology, ecclesiology, and missiology, which is to say, Paul’s theology belongs to the church and, properly understood, causes the church to flourish. In these conversations Campbell pushes through interdisciplinary boundaries to explicate different aspects of Pauline community with notions like network theory and restorative justice.
The book concludes by moving to applications of Paul in the modern period to painful questions concerning gender, sexual activity, and Jewish inclusion, offering Pauline navigations that are orthodox, inclusive, and highly constructive.
Beginning with the God revealed in Jesus, and in a sense with ourselves, Campbell progresses through Pauline ethics and eschatology, concluding that the challenge for the church is not only to learn about Paul but to follow Jesus as he did.
Drawing upon thirty years of intense study and reflection on Paul, Douglas Campbell offers a distinctive overview of the apostle’s thinking that builds on Albert Schweitzer’s classic emphasis on the importance for Paul of the resurrection. But Campbell—learning here from Karl Barth—traces through the implications of Christ for Paul’s thinking about every other theological topic, from revelation and the resurrection through the nature of the church and mission. As he does so, the conversation broadens to include Stanley Hauerwas in relation to Christian formation, and thinkers like Willie Jennings to engage post-colonial concerns.
But the result of this extensive conversation is a work that, in addition to providing a description of Paul’s theology, also equips readers with what amounts to a Pauline manual for church planting. Good Pauline theology is good practical theology, ecclesiology, and missiology, which is to say, Paul’s theology belongs to the church and, properly understood, causes the church to flourish. In these conversations Campbell pushes through interdisciplinary boundaries to explicate different aspects of Pauline community with notions like network theory and restorative justice.
The book concludes by moving to applications of Paul in the modern period to painful questions concerning gender, sexual activity, and Jewish inclusion, offering Pauline navigations that are orthodox, inclusive, and highly constructive.
Beginning with the God revealed in Jesus, and in a sense with ourselves, Campbell progresses through Pauline ethics and eschatology, concluding that the challenge for the church is not only to learn about Paul but to follow Jesus as he did.
740 pages, Hardcover
Published January 7, 2020
43 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Douglas A. Campbell
21 books28 followersDouglas A. Campbell is a professor of New Testament at Duke Divinity School. His main research interest is the life and theology of the apostle Paul, with particular reference to an understanding of salvation informed by apocalyptic as against justification or salvation-history. However, he is interested in methodological contributions to Paul's analysis from any disciplinary angle, ancient or modern, whether Greco-Roman epistolary and rhetorical theory, or insights into human networking and conflict-resolution discovered by sociologists.
His writings command the respect of scholars worldwide, including Framing Paul: An Epistolary Biography and The Deliverance of God: An Apocalyptic Rereading of Justification in Paul.
His writings command the respect of scholars worldwide, including Framing Paul: An Epistolary Biography and The Deliverance of God: An Apocalyptic Rereading of Justification in Paul.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 8, 2021
Easily the best/most transformational book I’ve read thus far this year and I highly expect it will stay that way. Dr. Campbell reads Paul through a Barthian lens particularly because Barth was a wonderful Paulinist himself. He also brings insights from Hauerwas, Jennings, and many others into conversation with Barth to interpret Paul in a way that actively seeks to stand its ground against the evils of foundationalism. This book is quite lengthy but also very readable, and I appreciated all of the extra sections included at the end of each chapter for greater synthesis/comprehension (key theses, key scriptural passages, further reading, etc.). I can’t recommend this book enough for people who love Jesus and want to grow in their discipleship.
March 28, 2020
I am reviewing this for another context, so won't post my whole review here. But, this is my favorite Paul book to date. Campbell, draws heavily on Barth to explore Paul's theology of formation and mission, with in a non-foundationalist, Christological framework.
February 14, 2021
Pauline Dogmatics is a must read. I almost wrote that it is a must read for all Christians. Really it is a must read for anyone who cares to opine concerning Christianity- friend or foe. Campbell provides two essential things to his audience which are invaluable, and which can't be avoided (he, thankfully, brings a lot more than that, but these two are really what make this book a must read). The first is in the area of self-awareness. The church for way too long now has lacked a self-awareness. It doesn't understand the substance of its belief; much is believed without knowing why, how, or the etymological development of the arrived upon belief(s), or the unintended consequences thereof. Paul, and his writings, therefore, are understood in specific ways without an awareness of the lens through which they are understood. Campbell clearly brings a realization of that lens to us, and along with it comes self-awareness of belief. Second, Campbell equips us with alternative lenses, which, at the very least are substantively seductive. Whether the reader ends up taking up Campbell's conclusions as his/her own or not, he/she will still benefit from the exercise of reading this gift as acquiring self-awareness and hope in thought comes with it. This book may end up proving to be a saving grace for theology in a changing world; and Campbell does the heavy lifting without giving in to the temptation of compromise for an easy way out.
January 25, 2021
His discussion of bodily resurrection (the time-space field perspective on it is quite illuminating), election, and communion with the Trinity as the goal of creation are highlights of the book. Regarding the resurrection, Campbell, though, does not take into account the Gospel references like John 5:28 that will upset some of his conclusions.
Also good for invoking thought and reconsideration is the chapter on the "Triumph of Love."
I found his "Pauline" endorsement of same-sex marriage to be deeply problematic (one chapter out of 29 chapters). Maybe I am too foundational, as he puts it, and, maybe, Jesus was also foundational in this regard since He pointed to Adam and Eve, male and female (Genesis 2), as the basis of marriage. Arguing from Scriptural silence on this issue to assertion can be suspect and he is guilty of that on this account. For Campbell, being "anti-foundational" and superlapsarian drives his same-sex marriage affirmation, an affirmation that is not there in Scripture. He may be guilty of being too relevant to today's culture mores.
Campbell makes you think and rethink and, therefore, his thoughts poke at you in a good way even if you disagree with him on certain points.
Also good for invoking thought and reconsideration is the chapter on the "Triumph of Love."
I found his "Pauline" endorsement of same-sex marriage to be deeply problematic (one chapter out of 29 chapters). Maybe I am too foundational, as he puts it, and, maybe, Jesus was also foundational in this regard since He pointed to Adam and Eve, male and female (Genesis 2), as the basis of marriage. Arguing from Scriptural silence on this issue to assertion can be suspect and he is guilty of that on this account. For Campbell, being "anti-foundational" and superlapsarian drives his same-sex marriage affirmation, an affirmation that is not there in Scripture. He may be guilty of being too relevant to today's culture mores.
Campbell makes you think and rethink and, therefore, his thoughts poke at you in a good way even if you disagree with him on certain points.
November 20, 2024
Read the chapters completely out of order and different sections at a time for a restorative justice class taught by Campbell, where we looked at Paul's theology to gain a better understanding for how we are to approach the prison system today. Really enjoyed the book, but also probably a bit biased because I really like Campbell.
April 26, 2020
Excellent book, I did not agree with everything, but it is very well argued and I will use it as a reference for many years to come. Campbell defends an apocalyptic reconstruction of St. Pauls thought, that is similar to what Karl Barth would have argued for.
May 15, 2021
My new favourite book on Pauline theology. I honestly can’t recommend the book enough. I love both Barth and Hauerwas, so I was always going to love this book; but I think you’ll benefit from its insights no matter where you are on the theological/ethical spectrum.
October 31, 2024
For a book that emphasizes the pitfalls and problems of foundationalism (elevating our own truth criteria over the truth that is God, ultimately to judge God’s truth or falsity), it sure sneaks it in toward the last few chapters.
March 18, 2022
A brilliant, inspiring, and deeply thought-provoking look at Pauline theology and its practical implications for the church today.
Read
October 31, 2024This book defies a rating—in all the best and worst ways.
May 30, 2023
4.5 stars!
I know that I have said this in other reviews, but Pauline Dogmatics has emerged as the most thought-provoking book that I have ever had the pleasure to read. In this work, Douglas Campbell—one of today’s most distinguished Pauline scholars—presents what he deems to be Paul’s gospel. But Campbell also makes tremendous strides to interpret Paul in light of Paul—which means examining all of Paul’s claims in light of Paul’s own deepest convictions. This guides Campbell in exploring how we can maintain genuinely Pauline ethics, thoughts, and practices in an environment that is radically different from that which Paul knew.
There proved to be something extremely edifying about reading Campbell's work. He resonates with my soul in a way that few authors and theologians do. Campbell is unflinchingly devoted to believing in a God who is fundamentally loving and benevolent toward humanity—as he argues that Paul too was—and, in so doing, he arrives at many of the same conclusions that one might associate with progressive Christianity. But he does not fall into most of the traps that I feel most progressive Christians do when they begin to take their stances too far in my opinion. For instance, Campbell is deeply Trinitarian. He has high regard for the Bible and never whitewashes sin (which he maintains includes any sexual activity outside of a marriage covenant). And, while he is a Universalist, not for a moment does he lapse into religious pluralism. In fact, Campbell condemns such thinking, as we all know that Paul would.
Ultimately, I by no means agree with all of Campbell’s views. In fact, I would estimate that I agreed with it probably only about 75% of it. For instance, I doubt that foundationalist thinking is as destructive as Campbell makes it out to be. Furthermore, I strongly believe that universal reconciliation was a much more explicit aspect of Paul’s thinking than Campbell posits. But I am thankful nonetheless, to Campbell for challenging my views. He is an author to ruminate on, to digest, and to explore. Pauline Dogmatics: The Triumph of God’s Love just might be life-changing.
I know that I have said this in other reviews, but Pauline Dogmatics has emerged as the most thought-provoking book that I have ever had the pleasure to read. In this work, Douglas Campbell—one of today’s most distinguished Pauline scholars—presents what he deems to be Paul’s gospel. But Campbell also makes tremendous strides to interpret Paul in light of Paul—which means examining all of Paul’s claims in light of Paul’s own deepest convictions. This guides Campbell in exploring how we can maintain genuinely Pauline ethics, thoughts, and practices in an environment that is radically different from that which Paul knew.
There proved to be something extremely edifying about reading Campbell's work. He resonates with my soul in a way that few authors and theologians do. Campbell is unflinchingly devoted to believing in a God who is fundamentally loving and benevolent toward humanity—as he argues that Paul too was—and, in so doing, he arrives at many of the same conclusions that one might associate with progressive Christianity. But he does not fall into most of the traps that I feel most progressive Christians do when they begin to take their stances too far in my opinion. For instance, Campbell is deeply Trinitarian. He has high regard for the Bible and never whitewashes sin (which he maintains includes any sexual activity outside of a marriage covenant). And, while he is a Universalist, not for a moment does he lapse into religious pluralism. In fact, Campbell condemns such thinking, as we all know that Paul would.
Ultimately, I by no means agree with all of Campbell’s views. In fact, I would estimate that I agreed with it probably only about 75% of it. For instance, I doubt that foundationalist thinking is as destructive as Campbell makes it out to be. Furthermore, I strongly believe that universal reconciliation was a much more explicit aspect of Paul’s thinking than Campbell posits. But I am thankful nonetheless, to Campbell for challenging my views. He is an author to ruminate on, to digest, and to explore. Pauline Dogmatics: The Triumph of God’s Love just might be life-changing.
March 28, 2021
Such a wonderfully formational work. I’ve read it twice now and it’s so accessible, refreshing and grounding.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews