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Title: Paul: His Letters, Message and Heritage 

Author: Michael J. Taylor, SJ 
ISBN: 0-8189-0772-X 
Paperback: xxvi + 260 pp. 
Price: $14.95 + shipping 


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This book, reflective of the latest in Pauline scholarship, is easy to read throughout and throws considerable light on what Paul has to say about Jesus, "born of a woman, born under the Law," and about the role that his self-emptying (his Kenosis) played in bringing about the world's salvation. Paul ranks, after Jesus himself, as the premier interpreter of the "good news." No one explains it with more intellectual depth and earnestness than he. Taylor offers here a clear and understandable commentary on his letters, his message and his heritage in a way that is accessible to layman and scholar alike.
 
Michael J. Taylor, S.J. is Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at Seattle University in the State of Washington. In addition to B.A., M.A. and S.T.L. degrees, he holds a Doctorate in Theology (S.T.D.) from Woodstock College. A respected liturgical and ecumenical scholar, he has also taught New Testament Scripture on the college level for over thirty years. He is the author/ editor of several books including, among others,  The Sacraments,  John: The Different Gospel, and  Companion to John, all published by Alba House. 

Reviews

"Taylor labels this helpful presentation on Paul and his letters a reflective commentary, and that captures its spirit. The book is intended as a solid introduction to Paul's theology by means of a commentary on the apostle's letters (including the deutero-Pauline letter, Colossians). After a helpful introduction on the place of Paul in early Christianity and a sketch of his personality and mission, Taylor comments on each letter in turn, offering wise and insightful comments that will be helpful to those who want more than a cursory introduction to Paul, yet still see themselves as lay readers." --Donald Senior, C.P. in The Bible Today 

"Taylor attempts, and succeeds quite well, in disproving some of the most popular negative thoughts about Paul. Paul's abstractness, abrasiveness, dogmatic stance, and his patriarchal, chauvinistic, anti-feminine characteristics are shown to be unfair and unwarranted. Paul is depicted by Taylor as exceptionally intelligent and possessing extraordinary verbal gifts. He is especially articulate. Paul is portrayed as the first, most dedicated, and prophetic of the early Christian writers. A fine introduction reiterates all of the significant information we have about Paul. The commentary follows the letters of Paul line by line and allows the reader to go directly to any Pauline text for elucidation and thoughful commentary. Review questions, glossary, bibliography, indices and maps make the book even more meaningful to the reader. Taylor's book is recommended as a text for class in the Epistles and as a handy guide for all to have available when through the year one hears Paul's words and wants further information." --Arnold Rzepecki in Catholic Library World, March 1998 

"Premise: Christians should not dismiss or bypass Paul... an extraordinarily authentic Christian, with negative reactions (for example, that he confuses the basic message of the Lord, that he has a chauvinist mindset, etc.) Such is called unfair and untrue. Lucid, readable commentary on Paul's text that also manages to open up a deeper understanding of St. Paul as person, missionary, mystic. With review questions, glossary, bibliography, general and scriptural indes and maps." --Crux of the News 

"A helpful look at Pauline scholarship that seeks to serve both laity and scholars." --1998 Spring Books "Bookshelf," National Catholic Reporter  

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