Cruciformity: Paul's Narrative Spirituality of the Cross - Softcover

Gorman, Michael J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0802847951 ISBN 13: 9780802847959

Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001

Synopsis

Most studies of Paul concentrate solely on his theology. This book breaks new ground by focusing on the source and nature of Paul's spirituality. Taking his cue from Paul's express desire to "know nothing but Christ crucified," Michael Gorman shows how Paul's personal experience of God constantly intersects with the story of the cross, an event that both reveals the cruciform character of God and shapes believers into a community of "cruciformity" (conformity to the crucified Christ). Expertly combining biblical studies and theological reflection, this noteworthy volume presents a model of the Christian life marked by faith, love, power, and hope.

About this title

Review:

M. Robert Mulholland"Both scholarly stimulation and spiritual nurturing are to be found in reading this book. Michael Gorman masterfully conjoins knowledge and vital piety -- a conjunction noted more for its absence than its presence in the academy today. Gorman interacts creatively and effectively with past and current scholarship on Paul and Pauline theology, and he provides cogent arguments against some of the special-interest readings of Paul. This book has the potential to challenge both the academy and the church to a reconsideration of Paul that could revolutionize Pauline scholarship and transform the life of the church in the world." Frank J. Matera"Michael Gorman has provided us with a splendid account of a forgotten factor in Pauline studies -- the origin and meaning of the apostle's spirituality. Clearly written and carefully researched, this work illustrates how the cross of Christ is the key to Paul's spirituality -- and to our own as well."Stephen E. Fowl"In Cruciformity Michael Gorman rigorously works through the ways in which Paul narrates himself into the ongoing drama of God's salvation revealed in the cross and resurrection. Gorman's accessible prose nicely displays how Paul comes to understand and embody a life that seeks to be conformed to the cross of Christ. In an age when spirituality is often simply a mask for self- projection and self-assertion, Gorman's Paul reminds Christians that such vital matters as faith, hope, love, and power should be shaped by the story of the crucified and resurrected one rather than by our own whims and desires. This book is readable and timely, and it will enhance the lives of contemporary Christians."America"This scholarly work would make good reading during Lent and Holy Week."Pacifica"This is a good read, and not only for those interested in Pauline studies or Christian spirituality. . . In an undemanding style without assuming detailed knowledge of Paul's letters on the part of the reader, it makes a good general introduction to the apostle's theology."

M. Robert Mulholland
"Both scholarly stimulation and spiritual nurturing are to be found in reading this book. Michael Gorman masterfully conjoins knowledge and vital piety -- a conjunction noted more for its absence than its presence in the academy today. Gorman interacts creatively and effectively with past and current scholarship on Paul and Pauline theology, and he provides cogent arguments against some of the special-interest readings of Paul. This book has the potential to challenge both the academy and the church to a reconsideration of Paul that could revolutionize Pauline scholarship and transform the life of the church in the world."
Frank J. Matera
"Michael Gorman has provided us with a splendid account of a forgotten factor in Pauline studies -- the origin and meaning of the apostle's spirituality. Clearly written and carefully researched, this work illustrates how the cross of Christ is the key to Paul's spirituality -- and to our own as well."
Stephen E. Fowl
"In Cruciformity Michael Gorman rigorously works through the ways in which Paul narrates himself into the ongoing drama of God's salvation revealed in the cross and resurrection. Gorman's accessible prose nicely displays how Paul comes to understand and embody a life that seeks to be conformed to the cross of Christ. In an age when spirituality is often simply a mask for self- projection and self-assertion, Gorman's Paul reminds Christians that such vital matters as faith, hope, love, and power should be shaped by the story of the crucified and resurrected one rather than by our own whims and desires. This book is readable and timely, and it will enhance the lives of contemporary Christians."
"America"
"This scholarly work would make good reading during Lent and Holy Week."
"Pacifica"
"This is a good read, and not only for those interested in Pauline studies or Christian spirituality. . . In an undemanding style without assuming detailed knowledge of Paul's letters on the part of the reader, it makes a good general introduction to the apostle's theology."

M. Robert Mulholland
-Both scholarly stimulation and spiritual nurturing are to be found in reading this book. Michael Gorman masterfully conjoins knowledge and vital piety -- a conjunction noted more for its absence than its presence in the academy today. Gorman interacts creatively and effectively with past and current scholarship on Paul and Pauline theology, and he provides cogent arguments against some of the special-interest readings of Paul. This book has the potential to challenge both the academy and the church to a reconsideration of Paul that could revolutionize Pauline scholarship and transform the life of the church in the world.-
Frank J. Matera
-Michael Gorman has provided us with a splendid account of a forgotten factor in Pauline studies -- the origin and meaning of the apostle's spirituality. Clearly written and carefully researched, this work illustrates how the cross of Christ is the key to Paul's spirituality -- and to our own as well.-
Stephen E. Fowl
-In Cruciformity Michael Gorman rigorously works through the ways in which Paul narrates himself into the ongoing drama of God's salvation revealed in the cross and resurrection. Gorman's accessible prose nicely displays how Paul comes to understand and embody a life that seeks to be conformed to the cross of Christ. In an age when spirituality is often simply a mask for self- projection and self-assertion, Gorman's Paul reminds Christians that such vital matters as faith, hope, love, and power should be shaped by the story of the crucified and resurrected one rather than by our own whims and desires. This book is readable and timely, and it will enhance the lives of contemporary Christians.-
America
-This scholarly work would make good reading during Lent and Holy Week.-
Pacifica
-This is a good read, and not only for those interested in Pauline studies or Christian spirituality. . . In an undemanding style without assuming detailed knowledge of Paul's letters on the part of the reader, it makes a good general introduction to the apostle's theology.-

M. Robert Mulholland
"Both scholarly stimulation and spiritual nurturing are to be found in reading this book. Michael Gorman masterfully conjoins knowledge and vital piety -- a conjunction noted more for its absence than its presence in the academy today. Gorman interacts creatively and effectively with past and current scholarship on Paul and Pauline theology, and he provides cogent arguments against some of the special-interest readings of Paul. This book has the potential to challenge both the academy and the church to a reconsideration of Paul that could revolutionize Pauline scholarship and transform the life of the church in the world."

Frank J. Matera
"Michael Gorman has provided us with a splendid account of a forgotten factor in Pauline studies -- the origin and meaning of the apostle's spirituality. Clearly written and carefully researched, this work illustrates how the cross of Christ is the key to Paul's spirituality -- and to our own as well."

Stephen E. Fowl
"In Cruciformity Michael Gorman rigorously works through the ways in which Paul narrates himself into the ongoing drama of God's salvation revealed in the cross and resurrection. Gorman's accessible prose nicely displays how Paul comes to understand and embody a life that seeks to be conformed to the cross of Christ. In an age when spirituality is often simply a mask for self- projection and self-assertion, Gorman's Paul reminds Christians that such vital matters as faith, hope, love, and power should be shaped by the story of the crucified and resurrected one rather than by our own whims and desires. This book is readable and timely, and it will enhance the lives of contemporary Christians."

America
"This scholarly work would make good reading during Lent and Holy Week."

Pacifica
"This is a good read, and not only for those interested in Pauline studies or Christian spirituality. . . In an undemanding style without assuming detailed knowledge of Paul's letters on the part of the reader, it makes a good general introduction to the apostle's theology."

About the Author:

Michael J. Gorman holds the Raymond E. Brown Chair in Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore, Maryland. A highly regarded New Testament scholar, he has also written Reading Revelation Responsibly: Uncivil Worship and Witness and Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers.

About this edition

• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0802847951
• ISBN 13: 9780802847959
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 444