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Biblical Studies

George Fox University

Paul

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Full-Text Articles in Arts and Humanities

Reformation Redivivus: Synergism And The New Perspective, Kent L. Yinger Jan 2009

Reformation Redivivus: Synergism And The New Perspective, Kent L. Yinger

Faculty Publications - Portland Seminary

Debates over the New Perspective on Paul show a great deal of similarity to Reformation-era debates over synergism. In fact, synergism has become one of the more common charges made against the New Perspective by its critics. After documenting the charge in these modern debates, this article explores the details of synergistic controversy surrounding the Reformation. Among other things, various wings of the Reformation appear to have understood, and reacted to, synergism in quite-different ways. The article then highlights some aspects of New Perspective debates that are reminiscent of earlier theological debates over synergism and suggests ways in which greater …


The Continuing Quest For Jewish Legalism, Kent L. Yinger Jan 2009

The Continuing Quest For Jewish Legalism, Kent L. Yinger

Faculty Publications - Portland Seminary

In spite of widespread acceptance of the nonlegalistic character of first-century Judaism (following E. P. Sanders), some Pauline scholars continue to interpret the apostle’s statements against a backdrop of Jewish legalism. Rather than accuse Paul of misconstruing his own religious heritage, they choose a variety of paths to rediscovering legalism in Judaism. This article highlights seven of these approaches to rediscovering legalistic Judaism, all of which are deemed thus far unsuccessful, largely due to inadequate definitions of legalism.