How alike and unlike were Paul and Jesus? If there were differences between them, what effect did that have on the growth of Christianity? And how can these differences help Christians today find their way forward in the midst of countless new and creative ways of understanding their religion and their spirituality?

Introduction Acknowledgments A Note on the Translation 1. Paul on Paul 2. Sin and Grace 3. Old and New Creation 4. The Call to Community 5. The Lord's Supper 6. Jews and Christians 7. Teachings on Sexuality 8. Love 9. The End Times 10. God’s Plan for the Jews Suggestions for Further Reading Index of Bible Passages Annotated

"Masterful.... Brings Paul to life for the twenty-first century reader who wishes ... to relate [Paul's] letters to her or his own spiritual quest. [A beneficial] guide to one of the most influential religious writers of all time." —Adela Yarbro Collins, PhD,Buckingham Professor of New Testament Criticism and Interpretation, Yale University Divinity School “A perceptive account of one of [Christianity’s] greatest figures ... illuminates Paul’s deep spirituality.” —Andrew Phillip Smith, author, The Lost Sayings of Jesus: Teachings from Ancient Christian, Jewish, Gnostic and Islamic Sources—Annotated and Explained “Thought-provoking.... A welcome addition to the library of any lay theologian.... A way to celebrate the Christian life without having to belittle the lives and faith traditions of other people in the process.” —Presbyterians Today “People who have difficulty with Paul’s [teachings] will appreciate this book.” —Beatrice Bruteau, PhD, author, The Holy Thursday Revolution “Scholarly and spiritual.... Paul’s human weakness [is critiqued] ... yet Paul shines through as provocative, visionary, and practical. Challenges the reader to plumb the deepest meanings of [the writings of] this often misunderstood leader in the early Jewish-Christian church.” —David L.Coppola, PhD, Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding, Sacred Heart University “Provocative ... opens fresh perspectives for understanding Paul’s message. Challenges readers to read key passages in Paul and to question many [of their own] assumptions. A valuable contribution to Pauline scholarship.” —Rev. Richard Hauser, SJ, professor of theology and director of Christian Spirituality Program,Creighton University