03-25-2010, 09:33 PM
I'm not entirely sure what you mean by the Christian preconditional attitude, but if you mean to refer to the assumption a priori that salvation is only through faith in Jesus, then I would agree that this is essentially whence all of Paul's theology stems. This is part of why he is extremely inconsistent in his views on the Law, because he does not proceed from an overall view of how things work so much as from this one single point.
Where I disagree with you is in saying that he is antinomian, and in suggesting that he is heterodox.
The more I research, the more I agree with Dr. Sanders in his position that Paul appeals strictly to grace through faith for salvation, but appeals to law for morality. This, I think, is shaped by his goal, which is one of conversion, not so much of developing his converts, which he mostly leaves to others.
We should not accept one view to the exclusion of another, rather, we should treat them as Judaism has traditionally treated the Mishnah. When asked which is true, we should reply, "both this and that are true."
Where I disagree with you is in saying that he is antinomian, and in suggesting that he is heterodox.
The more I research, the more I agree with Dr. Sanders in his position that Paul appeals strictly to grace through faith for salvation, but appeals to law for morality. This, I think, is shaped by his goal, which is one of conversion, not so much of developing his converts, which he mostly leaves to others.
We should not accept one view to the exclusion of another, rather, we should treat them as Judaism has traditionally treated the Mishnah. When asked which is true, we should reply, "both this and that are true."