The document discusses the "New Perspective on Paul" (NPP), an interpretation of Paul's writings that sees 1st century Judaism and the context of Paul's letters differently than traditional Protestant theology. The NPP views Judaism as focused on God's mercy and election, not legalism. For Paul, "works of the law" referred specifically to markers of Jewish identity like circumcision, not moral effort to earn salvation. The NPP interprets Paul's writings on justification as about being declared part of the covenant family through faith in Christ, not about salvation by faith alone apart from works. Key scholars who developed the NPP include E.P. Sanders, James Dunn, and N.T.

2. How can I find a gracious God? “ Though I lived as a monk without reproach, I felt that I was a sinner before God with an extremely disturbed conscience. I could not believe that he was placated by my satisfaction…….Thus I raged with a fierce and troubled conscience. Nevertheless, I beat importunately upon Paul at that place, most ardently desiring to know what St. Paul wanted.”

7. The New Perspective on Paul Resources: Dunn/Wright/Garlington NPP Moo/Schreiner Not NPP Mp3s and Weblinks for online material and a copy of this powerpoint go to www.ordinand.wordpress.com or e-mail jonswales@hotmail.co.uk