Book Review: The Spirituality of Paul
by Leslie T. Hardin
The idea behind The
Spirituality of Paul is a great one. The chapter titles draw the reader
into the book. Who doesn’t want to understand “Paul the man,” aside from Paul’s
theology? Even reading a little bit of “Paul the theologian” seems like a nice
break from all the New Perspective/Old Perspective debates on his theology of
law versus grace. One of the first titles that caught my eye was on “Paul’s
Devotion to Scripture”; next was the chapter on spiritual gifts. I confess I
did not find every chapter as compelling.
What I
didn’t like about the book was the way the author concludes the chapters, going
beyond what the biblical explorations warrant to give too much of his own
convictions, feelings, and theology. I read the book to learn about Paul’s
spirituality, not the author’s. Whether you agree that gifts of the Spirit like
tongues are in operation in today’s church or not. I was very uncomfortable
with the author’s pontificating about it at the end of that chapter. Though
pretending not to take sides and advocating a “let’s not judge each other”
line, the author clearly does have a position and makes it clear while
pretending to be neutral.
Yes, that
ruined the book for me and would not recommend it. I prefer to read an author
who is upfront about his convictions and argues for them by exegesis, citation
of other scholars, and logical argumentation.
2/5 Stars
Disclosure: The book was
received for free from Kregel Academic & Ministry review program. The
program does not require a positive review, only a truthful one.
