In Paul Among the People; Sarah Ruden explores the writings of the evangelist Paul in the context of his time and culture; to recover his original message of freedom and love while overturning the common—and fundamental—misconception that Paul represented a puritanical; hysterically homophobic; misogynist; or reactionary vision.By setting famous and controversial words of Paul against ancient Greek and Roman literature; Ruden reveals a radical message of human freedom and dignity at the heart of Paul’s preaching. Her training in the Classics allows her to capture the stark contrast between Paul’s Christianity and the violence; exploitation; and dehumanization permeating the Roman Empire in his era. In contrast to later distortions; the vision of Christian life Ruden finds in Paul is centered on equality before God and the need for people to love one another. A remarkable work of scholarship; synthesis; and understanding; Paul Among the People recaptures the moral urgency and revolutionary spirit that made Christianity such a shock to the ancient world and laid the foundation of the culture in which we live today.
#64011 in Books 1996-08-01 1996-08-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .60 x 5.20l; .48 #File Name: 0385483996304 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The information is useful and it is delivered in an interesting mannerBy LIfftThis book was required reading for two of my graduate level History courses. It introduces the reader to ways to learn about the past by combining objects and archaeological sites with written documentation and oral history accounts. The information is useful and it is delivered in an interesting manner; making this book easy and fun to read. I highly recommend.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Small but Precious ThingsBy M. ZavalaCritiques of this book notwithstanding; this is a classic text for archaeologists; anthropologists; historians; and those interested in the history of early settlement in the US. The models Deetz proposes for understanding anything from architecture to graves present a fascinating means of the numerous data presented here and even when stretched too thin; his concepts are still rather compelling and completely enthralling. His writing is part of what makes his books especially enjoyable. He is a neat thinker and an accessible writer. This book offers a great way of accessing the world of things within an historical context.14 of 14 people found the following review helpful. Little things mean a lotBy G. Joy RobinsI enjoyed Deetz' newly updated introduction to Historical Archaeology in America. He makes clear that much can be gleaned from the seemingly insignificant material things that are left behind in the process of living. I greatly enjoyed his putting the pieces of the puzzles together. Sometimes the result was an interesting surprise. For instance; I didn't know that porches; which became so popular in America; were not a feature of European houses and were introduced by Africans. "Shotgun houses" also have African roots. Another surprising story is told by the changing styles of Colonial gravestones. They change subtly as the religious climate changes. The oldest being very stiff and stern and later ones becoming more decorative; replacing deaths heads with angels.
