The Old Perspective on the Works of the Law

TylerR
Bible, Theology & Philosophy
New Perspective on Paul

Reformation21: The New Perspective’s supposedly new understanding of the meaning of the phrase works of the Law is nothing other than the Old Roman Catholic perspective on the phrase.

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Discussion

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TylerR
Fri, 10/13/17 10:42 am

I have started reading N.T. Wright’s Justification: God’s Plan and Paul’s Vision. He begins the book by complaining that people aren’t listening to what he’s saying, and that we’re all talking past each other. He notes how ironic it is that the Reformers sought to cast off rusty traditions which had obscured the faith for so long, but the modern-day heirs of the Reformation cling to their tradition with fanatical tenacity.

I got the book because it seemed to be an accessible introduction to the NPP from one of the proponents. I haven’t found anything too earth-shattering so far. I’ve seen some strawmen from Wright, but some stuff I genuinely agree with. I’m curious to see where it goes. I’m not too far into the book, and Wright is just starting to introduce his argument.

Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.

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josh p
Fri, 10/13/17 11:35 am

Thanks for posting this one. It’s really interesting to hear Calvin responding to what are basically current heresies. It sounds like he is directly responding to the NPP guys.

The NPP folks are always saying that they are being misunderstood. Wright has written dozens of books and “Paul and the Faithfulness of God” is something like 1700 pages. I think they have said it enough that people are hearing them. The same goes for Wilson and his clan. There are enough scholars devoting time and effort to understanding them that one would think they are being heard.

Let us know what you think of the book when you finish it Tyler.

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Jay
Fri, 10/13/17 1:32 pm

This dovetails nicely with the discussion going on in the Modesty thread. Thanks for sharing - I would also be interested to hear a review of the book.

"Our task today is to tell people — who no longer know what sin is...no longer see themselves as sinners, and no longer have room for these categories — that Christ died for sins of which they do not think they’re guilty." - David Wells

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John E.
Sat, 10/14/17 7:10 am

Several years ago, I was having dinner with a friend who is a devout Catholic and a philosophy professor. His aim at dinner was to convert me; my aim for going was to convert him. At one point during our conversation I mentioned N.T. Wright, and asked my friend his thoughts. He smiled and said, “He’s almost there. He’s almost made it back to the Church.”

Every time I read Wright, I now think of my friend’s comment.