Paul for the World: A Grounded Vision for Finding Meaning in This Life—Not Just the Next

This diligent if somewhat impractical study from Gupta (Strange Religion), a theology professor at Northern Seminary, mines Paul’s letters for insight into how Christians can faithfully conduct their everyday lives. The first part criticizes the notion that the proper Christian response to the world’s “corruption” is retreat, “thumb-twiddling” anticipation of eternal glory, or pursuit of an otherworldly spirituality. According to Gupta, Paul rejected such ideas, insisting believers work to ensure that “God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven.” The second part explores what this means, practically speaking. Gupta is most convincing when considering matters like friendship (which he contends is “serious gospel business” and a key anchor for Christian life) and psychological “wellness” (Paul’s commands to rejoice, hope, and be at peace aim to bring a “deeper awareness of what we hold dear and where our lives are heading”). Less successful are Gupta’s attempts to draw lessons on larger issues like socioeconomic justice; he rarely finds in Paul’s letters guidance more concrete than to avoid greed or recognize that “the secret to happiness is hidden in simplicity and generosity.” While Gupta helpfully contextualizes Paul’s teachings and how they diverged from dominant Greco-Roman values and beliefs, the counsel on offer leaves much to be desired. It’s a mixed bag. (May)