Does the Pauline Claim to be “in Christ” Represent Uniformity in Christ-followers?

Antonio Magnante

Published : 2014-11-28

Vol. 61 No. 10 (2014)

Does the Pauline Claim to be “in Christ” Represent Uniformity in Christ-followers?

Antonio Magnante

Abstract

As an apostle and theologian Paul deserves to be discovered. He is really complex and multifaceted. To deal with him is always a challenge and one has to accept it in order to discover the depth of his theology. Since I started dealing with him professionally I have been haunted by a question: Did Paul cease to be a Jew after his conversion experience or continue to perceive himself as a member of his own Jewish lineage? In other words, how did he think he was after his experience along the Damascus road?

Most likely the best way to solve the problem is to discuss the consequences of his conversion experience, even though nobody knows what really happened to Paul along the Damascus road. Certainly it was not a moral conversion. He was not in need of a new ethical way of life, so his conversion was not spiritual. It was rather theological, which implied “a reversal or transvaluation of values”, that led Paul to revisit radically the basic system of values and commitments of his traditions.

Keywords:

Sant Paul, uniformity of Church

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