Paul's Interpretation of the Christian Message

1. The author's purpose in writing this book is, first, to clarify what the author sees as the meaning and intention of Paul's interpretation of the Christian message, and, second, to do so in such a way that that message is advanced in the world. In other words, the author is a Christian rather than merely an objective analyst seeking to clarify a man's writings for purely scholastic or historical purposes.

In fact, in his Introduction, the author defines Paul's purpose and might as well be defining his own: "One reason for his setting this full statement before [the Roman Christians] may have been his awareness that his message was being misrepresented by his opponents in various places; he seizes the opportunity to set the record straight" (14-15).

2. The author relies for his methodology both on deatailed and careful reading and analysis of the writings of Paul based on historical and scholarly sources, as well as on passionate, emotional declarations designed to inspire the religious and spiritual impulses of the reader. With respect to the latter methodology, the author declares, for example:

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Category: Philosophy - P