PAUL-APPEALING OR APPALLING?

I have struggled with Paul for most of my ministry.  One day recently when going through some old sermon files, I realized that my sermons on Pauline epistles were much smaller in number than any other part of the Bible.  I almost alway chose a Gospel text rather than Paul when given choices in the lectionary.  Knowing that I was coming on a trip to Turkey to learn more about Paul, I began some serious reading about the Apostle.

While there have always been many texts from the Pauline writings that I have loved, I have always felt great tension with texts about women, slavery, homosexuality and complete obedience at all times to established authority.  Reading, THE FIRST PAUL, by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan, along with the current teachings on this trip of Dr. James Fleming has given me aha moments and new insights.  With their thinking I am reclaiming Paul and finding new respect for the Apostle Paul.  Marcus Borg has written another book which has been equally helpful.  THE EVOLUTION OF THE WORD is a Bible in chronological order as the New Testament was written. 
Borg gives powerful argument that the seven books written by Paul about which there is no controversy over authorship (I Thessalonians, Galatians, I and II Corinthians, Philemon, Philippians and Romans) present a very different Paul than the later books which may well have been written by disciples of Paul or edited by later authors.  Looking at Asia Monor through the eyes of what I believe to be authentic Pauline writing gives a very different picture.  He was a man of remarkable grace,incredible strength and redical inclusion.  As we have walked through the towns where he began churches, encouraged the faith, stood up for his principles, gave remarkable life lessons, I have gained new appreciation and respect. He is an appealing Apostle :)

Just as these stones have stood the test of time, even more the radical  faith that Paul proclaimed has more than stood the test of time and the Christ he proclaimed continues to transform lives.

Blessings,
Mary