Description:
A vibrant study of what Paul's teaching means for everyday Christian life
In this paradigm-shifting book, Michael J. Gorman helps readers see the apostle Paul's teaching from a fresh perspective--not as a set of abstract doctrines, but as lived theology.
Drawing from a lifetime's worth of studying, writing, and teaching about Paul, Gorman explains how Pauline theology relates to real-life experiences of individuals and communities. While engaging key Pauline themes, he shows how Paul's transformative message speaks meaningfully to contemporary challenges--racism, sexuality, christian Nationalism, ministerial integrity, and more. By consistently emphasizing lived theology, Life Transfigured equips readers with practical tools for real-world ministry and community engagement.
This book serves as an essential bridge between serious scholarship and everyday practice, making it ideal for seminary students, pastors, and thoughtful Christians as well as scholars. Readers will discover not just what Paul taught, but how his vision of resurrectionally cruciform living can transform both personal faith journeys and church witness in the world today. An indispensable addition to any theological library, Life Transfigured will reshape how readers understand the apostle's teaching and its enduring relevance.
Brief description:
Michael J. Gorman holds the Raymond E. Brown Chair in Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary's Seminary & University in Baltimore, Maryland. He has published commentaries on 1 Corinthians and Romans; he is also the author of Cruciformity, Apostle of the Crucified Lord, Becoming the Gospel, and Life Transfigured: A Contemporary Pauline Theology.
Review Quotes:
Praise for Michael Gorman's previous work:
Cruciformity: Paul's Narrative Spirituality of the Cross (twentieth anniversary edition)
"A powerful model for combining biblical studies and theological reflection to make Paul's letters more immediately relevant to contemporary Christian life."
--Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology
"A much-acclaimed study of Pauline theology and spirituality . . . pointing to this core dimension of Paul's theology: namely, that conformity to Christ means conformity to a life of selfless love and generosity that is the deepest meaning of Christ's life and death."
--The Bible Today
Apostle of the Crucified Lord: A Theological Introduction to Paul and His Letters (second edition)
"Arguably the most complete, compelling, and unique theological introduction to the Apostle Paul available."
--Review & Expositor
"Gorman's careful scholarship on Paul and his intentionality as a teacher are apparent throughout the book. Readers will benefit from his skillful and passionate engagement with the Pauline corpus."
--Review of Biblical Literature
Romans: A Theological and Pastoral Commentary
"An eminently helpful resource for both the church and the academy."
--Religious Studies Review
"A rich, lucid, and accessible account of one of the key documents of the New Testament that should serve a wide readership in coming to a better understanding of the central truths of Christian faith."
--Reviews in Religion & Theology