Great Themes of Paul: Life as Participation

by Richard Rohr O.F.M.

In language that Paul might use if he were preaching and writing today, Rohr presents Paul’s all-embracing vision and invites us to enter into the mystery of Christ and be transformed. Rohr breaks new ground by applying up-to-date theories of our universe, integrating them with Paul’s revolutionary thinking about sin, saints and spirituality. Deep and complex, Paul may seem to be full of inconsistencies—arrogant but also humble, a fervent believer but a probing, critical thinker, a mystic but also a missionary community builder. Rohr admits the difficulties in understanding the short excerpts of Paul’s letters read at Sunday Mass. He analyzes the letters and explains the great themes. He challenges our usual understandings and invites us to imitate Paul and enter into the mystery in organic solidarity with the Risen Christ. Rohr sees us as partaking in the incredible transformation of the whole cosmos that struggles with the pattern of descent and ascent that is revealed and affirmed in Jesus.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion

Audio CD

First published July 11, 2002

Reviews

[Steve Lee Sr · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a Mormon, Paul was a problem. As a fundamentalist I loved him because I thought I had him all figured out. As I became more independent, I disliked him because some of his writing became problematic in a new way. Paul was so much trouble that I didn't want to read (listen to) this book.

I was a little surprised that Richard Rohr would take up Paul's defense and I was reluctant to spend 10+ hours listening. However, it was time well spent and I feel like I finally understand Paul, at least a little, for the first time in my life.

[MG · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I finished listening to the last few lectures on the main themes of the apostle Paul in the New Testament by Franciscan shaman Richard Rohr, I was hiking alone on a hill just above Queenstown, New Zealand overlooking the sparkling blue Lake Wakatipu with the rugged grandeur of the Remarkables in the background. I would probably have loved this provocative and spiritually wise book even if I read it during a cold January night in Chicago, still, I must say that hearing Rohr amidst such natural beauty was a high point in my lifetime of reading.

[Con · Rating 5 out of 5]

If possible, please purchase this book on Audible. Author Richard Rohr speaks (not reads) to his readers and brilliantly brings the life and insight of our beloved friend and mentor, Saul/Paul. Truly inspirational and one I will listen to repeatedly.

[Jennifer Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lecture series, not an actual book, although I wish it were because I’d love to reread and really soak it all in! I’ve been “deconstructing” Paul for a while now and felt a lot of his writing, and even just the historicity of his role in institutionalizing Christianity, was very offputting. Rohr said his goal in this series was to help you fall in love with Paul again, and that certainly was the case for me. It shifted my perspective to see him much more as an experiential mystic and religious renegade than someone setting lots of moral codes for a new religious system. That’s a Paul I can get behind, and as always I appreciate Rohr for helping me see scripture afresh.

[Michelle Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Audiobook is a delight. It's not so much a book, but a series of talks by Richard Rohr. His take on Paul as a person and the themes of Paul's letters is refreshing. Paul was kind of hard for me to like before this Audiobook. He's contributed so many valuable lessons to the Christian faith, but his letters are also used in modern times to justify intolerance and sexism. Rohr helps the listener to see Paul as a real human in the context of history and early christianity. He explores the themes Paul expresses with an open mindedness not often found in the Christian faith.

[Craig Bergland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be very insightful and helpful, especially in that Fr. Rohr helps the reader through some of the problematic words often used in translation of St. Paul that no longer mean in our day what they did in his. I honestly did find my opinion of St. Paul changing as I worked through this book. Highly recommended!

[Anita]

This is a series of lectures given to a live audience. They are a combination of explanation and exhortation, so are like a combination of lecture and sermon. They explain the basic themes of Paul's letters with has a big emphasis on who Christ is to him.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the underlying themes.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt, moving, and enlightening.

[Jan McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Great insights. Terrific wisdom.

[Joy Matteson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential listening for evangelicals or post-evangelicals who were burned by Paul's letters used as weapons for the patriarchy and homophobia.

[Loren Hoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an Audible book, and features the teaching and voice of Richard Rohr. Enjoyable, almost casual manner of speech. Many good insights into the letters of Paul.
I have listened to it more than twice, and will do so again.