Haacker breaks down the chapter using a variety of subheadings to discuss the major theological concerns. Though there are many subheadings, the reader is not lost due to the organization of the four major headings:
1) Romans as a proclamation of peace with God and on earth.
Haacker explores how peace is a distinctive idea in Romans. Haacker points out that Romans contains four proclamations of peace: peace with God, peace between Jews and Gentiles, between Christians and the surrounding world, and peace within and between Christian congregations.
2) Righteousness redefined: a metamorphosis of ethics
In this section, Haacker deals with Paul’s theology of ethics, law and grace. These topics are of course distinctive in Pauline theology and the …show more content…
As every theological text should, Haacker places the letter at hand in perspective, by comparing it with and addressing “issues” between various texts in scripture. Comparison between the theology of Romans and Galatians reveals a shift from freedom to reconciliation in Paul’s theology. While brief, Haacker does a good job explaining potential questions which arise from comparing Romans with 1 Peter and also James 2:14-16. Haacker also addresses Romans relationship to Luke’s portrait of Paul in Acts; this is foundational for a student seeking to understand what may appear to be discrepancies between the two texts. Lastly, Haacker addresses Romans and the Gospels. Ultimately, Haacker uses this section to show the relation between Paul and Jesus, emphasizing, “that Paul was not the ‘founder of Christianity’ but a ‘follower of Jesus’” …show more content…
3) ‘The abiding message of Romans for a disillusioned world’. Haacker believes that no matter what is going on in the world, Romans is relevant not only because it offers peace, justice and tolerance but also because it “offers a deeper foundation of ethics and stronger motivations for putting good principles into practice” (170). The Theology of Paul’s Letter To the Romans is a superior quality text full of insight and depth. From his opening chapter Klaus Haacker has created an approachable text that meets the needs of any reader with a foundational academic background. The greatest strength of the text comes from Haacker’s ability to provide cultural context and bring the person of Paul to life without using fiction. Beginning with the opening chapter Haacker leads the reader to an understanding how the various aspects of Paul’s life shape his theology and ultimately should shape ones own interpretation of Romans. Additionally, Haacker’s exploration of Paul’s Jewish understanding of salvation; the Gospel; and his own radical conversion story experience such significant interplay. The depth of exploration in this area provides the reader with a rich awareness of how these three elements inform the theology of
1) Romans as a proclamation of peace with God and on earth.
Haacker explores how peace is a distinctive idea in Romans. Haacker points out that Romans contains four proclamations of peace: peace with God, peace between Jews and Gentiles, between Christians and the surrounding world, and peace within and between Christian congregations.
2) Righteousness redefined: a metamorphosis of ethics
In this section, Haacker deals with Paul’s theology of ethics, law and grace. These topics are of course distinctive in Pauline theology and the …show more content…
As every theological text should, Haacker places the letter at hand in perspective, by comparing it with and addressing “issues” between various texts in scripture. Comparison between the theology of Romans and Galatians reveals a shift from freedom to reconciliation in Paul’s theology. While brief, Haacker does a good job explaining potential questions which arise from comparing Romans with 1 Peter and also James 2:14-16. Haacker also addresses Romans relationship to Luke’s portrait of Paul in Acts; this is foundational for a student seeking to understand what may appear to be discrepancies between the two texts. Lastly, Haacker addresses Romans and the Gospels. Ultimately, Haacker uses this section to show the relation between Paul and Jesus, emphasizing, “that Paul was not the ‘founder of Christianity’ but a ‘follower of Jesus’” …show more content…
3) ‘The abiding message of Romans for a disillusioned world’. Haacker believes that no matter what is going on in the world, Romans is relevant not only because it offers peace, justice and tolerance but also because it “offers a deeper foundation of ethics and stronger motivations for putting good principles into practice” (170). The Theology of Paul’s Letter To the Romans is a superior quality text full of insight and depth. From his opening chapter Klaus Haacker has created an approachable text that meets the needs of any reader with a foundational academic background. The greatest strength of the text comes from Haacker’s ability to provide cultural context and bring the person of Paul to life without using fiction. Beginning with the opening chapter Haacker leads the reader to an understanding how the various aspects of Paul’s life shape his theology and ultimately should shape ones own interpretation of Romans. Additionally, Haacker’s exploration of Paul’s Jewish understanding of salvation; the Gospel; and his own radical conversion story experience such significant interplay. The depth of exploration in this area provides the reader with a rich awareness of how these three elements inform the theology of