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Contours of Pauline Theology

£14.95

Contours of Pauline Theology is the first of Dr. Holland’s books. This work has had a massive effect on people from all backgrounds. A rare gem when it comes to theological understanding, Contours will connect the reader with the authentic message of the Early Church. Don’t miss it !

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Book Details : Contours of Pauline Theology 
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 392 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1845506254
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 13.72 x 2.29 x 21.34 cm

Editorial/Customer Reviews

Prof H I Marshal,
Aberdeen University, Evangelical Quarterly

There is a remarkable thesis being presented here that demands scholarly attention……He has certainly produced a strong argument for a much greater influence of Passover typology than has generally been thought to be the case, and his arguments for the atoning sacrificial understanding of the original Passover sacrifice powerfully support the case argued by J. Jeremias and L. Morris. Dr. Holland has produced a stimulating volume that deserves the most careful scrutiny from New Testament students. It is a remarkably fresh and creative study that makes one re-think familiar passages in new ways.

Prof HJB Combrink,
University of Stellenbosch

This is a fascinating work that definitely requires thorough study and it will certainly lead to serious debate regarding many aspects of Paul’s theology. The author however time and again pre-empts us herein by engaging other important points in the discussion. This discussion will definitely (have to) be continued.

 Dr William S. Campbell,
University of Wales, Lampeter

It is refreshing to read something radically new in such a popular area as Pauline studies. So often what promised new perspectives, new insights, turns out not to be essentially different. Tom Holland’s original and creative approach to Paul does not fall into this category.
Here Paul is not the innovator of Christian doctrine- he received his theological model from his Jewish upbringing in which he was taught that Yahweh would bring about the promised New Exodus. Paul came to realize that this had been inaugurated by the paschal death of Christ. Thus Holland maintains that there existed a common hermeneutical model for both Judaism and the New Testament church i.e. the New Exodus. Justification is not a declaration of being in the covenant, but refers back to the creation of a covenant between Yahweh and His people. This view of justification fits in with Paul’s doctrine of corporate baptism, the washing of the believing community accomplished by the Spirit through the death of Christ. Paul’s theology is not individualistic, but corporate, so it is believers collectively as the church and not the believer’s individual body which comprise the temple of the Holy Spirit. I anticipate that if it finds acceptance, the proposals of this book should provide a timely and fruitful alternative to some of the theological emphases that have guided the church for too long.

Dr Peter Head,
University of Cambridge, UK

In his Contours of Pauline Theology, Dr. Holland argues forcefully that the main contours of Paul’s thought can only be understood when we understand Paul as an exegete and theologian of the Old Testament, with the hoped-for New Exodus, now fulfilled in Christ, at the center of his reading strategy. This approach finds corporate and covenantal themes to lie at the very heart of Paul’s concerns. In constant critical engagement with the whole range of contemporary scholarship Holland maps out for himself and his reader’s new ways of understanding Paul and offers new insights into a range of absolutely vital issues from justification to Christology, and new insights into Pauline texts from Romans to Colossians. Challenging, unsettling, and infuriating Dr. Holland’s tour de force cannot be ignored.

Prof Anthony C. Thiselton,
Nottingham University, Expository Times

It provides a fresh and useful treatment of Pauline theology, and many of its arguments offer corrections to widespread misunderstandings of Paul.

Robert Strivens,
The Banner of Truth

It should be compulsory reading for any who feel in any way seduced by the arguments of either liberal or ‘New Perspective’ theologians on the origins and content of Paul’s theology. It presents compelling evidence that Paul’s theology was thoroughly rooted in the Old Testament.

Dustin Messer
www.kuyperian.com

No one has helped me read & understand St. Paul more than Tom Holland. I find his work to be the near-perfect balance of creative yet careful, original yet faithful. While many talks about theological exegesis—Dr. Holland actually does it, and he does it well.

Tan Kim Huat, 
Trinity Theological Journal

‘This is certainly radical and it boldly pushes forward an idea that has not really been discussed in Pauline scholarship.’

Bill James, 
Reformation Today

‘a welcome and important contribution to the controversial area of Pauline theology.’

Richard Gibson, 
Chai Magazine

‘Contours of Pauline Theology is a valuable tool for those in the Messianic movement who want to understand the New Testament, and those in the wider body of Messiah who are confused because they have been taught to read a thoroughly Jewish book through Greek lenses.’

Anthony Bash,
European Journal of Theology

‘The strengths of the book are its robust challenge to many scholarly presuppositions and an impetus to new research on Paul’s debt to the Old Testament…There is much that is very good and stimulating in this book.’
Christoph Stenschke,
Themelios

‘he has pointed to an interesting and important motif in the OT, in early Judaism and in Paul’s theology, which needs to be studied more systematically and in-depth. Many of his challenges of recent scholarship on Paul and suggestions of his own are worth pondering.’

Peter Misselbrook,
Evangelicals Now

‘I am thankful to Dr. Holland for he has renewed my desire to study Paul’s writings and to understand afresh the glorious gospel that animated the life and ministry of this apostle.’

The American Journal of Biblical Theology

‘Those who would seek to discredit Pauline theology will appreciate Holland’s scholarship and the sound arguments on Paul’s behalf. Those who ascribe to Paul as an apostle of Jesus Christ will appreciate Holland’s apologetic prowess and find Paul’s Jewish hermeneutic illuminating,’

Philip Eveson,
Evangelical Times

‘If Tom Holland’s conclusions are accepted, then it would mean a radical rethinking in the way we approach some of the well-known passages of Paul’s letters.’

Mark Mattison,
The Paul Page

Generally speaking, conservative Reformed criticisms of the new perspective on Paul strike me as lackluster and predictable. That cannot be said, however, of Tom Holland’s new book, which is bound to shake loose some long-standing presuppositions in Pauline studies.

Holland’s book raises enough questions about traditional assumptions to clear the way for ground-breaking research, and his approach does allow for a rigorous re-examination of the degree to which Paul is indebted to texts like Isaiah and the Pentateuch.

Stephen Dray,
Evangel

The present reviewer, an Old Testament specialist, finds Holland’s arguments as largely compelling and would suggest that Holland has re-integrated the faith of Old and New Testaments in a manner that serves effectively to emphasise the unity of Scripture.

Chris Sinkinson,
Congregational Concern

‘The new perspective has both helpful insights and troubling implications – so we should do our best to reflect on it. To this end, Holland’s book has been one of the best helps I have come across. It is readable, scholarly, imaginative and stimulating. All in one book!’

David Bond,
Laussane Consultation on Jewish Evangelism

This is a book to be placed in the hands of serious academics, Jewish or Christian, who are interested in Pauline studies and the relationship between Christianity and Judaism.’

Mike Moore,
Christian Witness to Israel

Contours of Pauline Theology is an important and brilliant book. I recommend it to all prospective students of theology to read and study before they go to university.

 

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