Jan 28, 2010

Bibliography: N.T. Wright and the New Perspectives on Paul

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Introductory

Getting the Gospel Right: Assessing the Reformation and New Perspective on Paul by Cornelis Venema

This short introductory book surveys the traditional Protestant interpretation of Paul’s doctrine of salvation, contrasting it with the so-called “New Perspectives on Paul.“

Intermediate

The Future of Justification: A Response to N. T. Wright by John Piper

In this work, John Piper offers a thorough point-by-point critique of N.T. Wright’s doctrine of justification.

The Gospel of Free Acceptance in Christ: An Assessment of the Reformation and “New Perspectives” on Paul] by Cornelis Venema

This book is a more in-depth version of Venema’s Getting the Gospel Right, comparing and contrasting the traditional Protestant understanding of Paul with the New Perspectives on Paul.

Justification And The New Perspectives On Paul: A Review And Response by Guy Prentiss Waters

In this book, Waters provides an exposition of what the leading proponents of the New Perspective are teaching, showing how the doctrine has developed over time as well as how it deviates from traditional Reformed doctrine.

Advanced

Justification and Variegated Nomism, vol. 1: The Complexities of Second Temple Judaism edited by D.A. Carson, Peter T. O’Brien and Mark A. Seifrid

In this volume, a number of evangelical scholars look carefully at the literature of second temple Judaism in order to evaluate the accuracy of the “covenantal nomism” thesis of E.P. Sanders. The conclusion is that first-century Judaism was far more diverse than Sanders and company allow.

Justification and Variegated Nomism, vol. 2: The Paradoxes of Paul edited by D.A. Carson, Peter T. O’Brien and Mark A. Seifrid

In this second volume, various scholars re-examine the teaching of Paul in light of the conclusions reached in the first volume’s study of first-century Judaism.

Where Is Boasting?: Early Jewish Soteriology and Paul’s Response in Romans 1–5 by Simon J. Gathercole

In this critique of Sanders, Gathercole looks at the language of “boasting” in Paul and in the literature of second temple Judaism, concluding that Paul and the majority of his compatriots differed over whether one is able to obey the law.

Paul and the New Perspective: Second Thoughts on the Origin of Paul’s Gospel by Seyoon Kim

Kim’s critique of the New Perspective focuses on the work of J.D.G. Dunn, arguing that Dunn has misconstrued the origin of Paul’s doctrine of justification and the meaning of Paul’s use of the phrase “works of the law.”

The Law and Its Fulfillment: A Pauline Theology of Law by Thomas R. Schreiner

In this book, Schreiner provides a comprehensive examination of Paul’s doctrine of the law, while offering critical interaction with the proponents of the New Perspective.

Paul, Apostle of God's Glory in Christ: A Pauline Theology by Thomas R. Schreiner

In this overview of Pauline theology, Schreiner interacts with and critiques the arguments of the New Perspective.

Jesus’ Blood and Righteousness: Paul’s Theology of Imputation by Brian Vickers

Vicker’s work is an exegetical and theological study of the biblical doctrine of imputation, particularly as it is found in the writings of Paul.

Perspectives Old and New on Paul: The "Lutheran" Paul and His Critics by Stephen Westerholm

Westerholm’s work is an invaluable survey of classical and recent scholarship with additional chapters discussing Paul’s view of law, righteousness, and justification.

Related Ligonier Resources


This article is part of the New Perspective on Paul collection.