Synopsis: Who was the real founder of Christianity as it is known
today--Jesus or Paul? What, if any, was the connection between them?
These and other questions about the two historical figures have occupied
biblical scholars and the Christian church for many years up to the
present time. This book proposes new ways of framing the questions as
well as new approaches to answering them. Neither Jesus nor Paul spoke
of a new world religion, separate from Judaism, that would envelop the
planet and last for millennia. This study seeks to locate both figures
in their respective places in the first century, in Jewish contexts and
within the larger Greco-Roman society. The aim is to transcend the
language and thought patterns of later generations of theologians in
order to hear more clearly the prophetic voices of Jesus and Paul on
their terms and in their social locations. By so doing, Shillington lays
the groundwork for a more authentic translation of their vision and
mission into modern alternatives, including better Jewish-Christian
relations. To learn more about this book, and the forthcoming online
video or DVD series for small group study, please visit http:
//www.jesusandpaulbeforechristianity.org. Endorsements: "Shillington has
succeeded brilliantly in capturing both the uniqueness and commonality
of Jesus and Paul. By respecting the integrity of the two figures,
working with their terms in their time frames and historical contexts,
he has enabled their respective witness and vision to emerge with vivid
clarity and freshness of perspective. This is a book for the reasonable
and responsible reader that addresses the best of recent scholarship. It
will prove invaluable to students of Christian origins." -William S.
Campbell University of Wales, Trinity Saint David "George Shillington
provides a map for those on the quest to understand Jesus and Paul, as
well as the continuities and discontinuities between these two seminal
figures, particularly in terms of Judaism. Perspectives old and new as
well as his own suggestions are provided all along the way in this
well-written, easy-to-follow guide." -Mark D. Nanos Rockhurst University
"The author shows himself to be thoroughly versed in contemporary
scholarship on both Jesus and Paul. His very readable account will be
welcomed by the serious non-specialist. Scholars too will welcome his
fresh and insightful treatment of an old, but important issue in New
Testament studies." -Sean Freyne Trinity College, Dublin "George
Shillington has travelled far from his rural Co Armagh home in Northern
Ireland, yet he has also kept true to his own faith and cultural
background. In this book he is able to speak authentically about Jesus'
context in rural Galilee as well as Paul's context in urban
Mediterranean centers. Reading the book you will find Jesus of Nazareth
and Paul of Tarsus leaping out of the pages and speaking freshly into
your context." -Tony Davidson First Presbyterian Church, Armagh,
Northern Ireland Author Biography: V. George Shillington is Professor
Emeritus of New Testament at Canadian Mennonite University, and Adjunct
Professor of Religion and Culture at the University of Winnipeg. He is
author of The New Testament in Context (2008), An Introduction to the
Study of Luke-Acts (2006), and 2 Corinthians (1998).V. George
Shillington is Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Canadian Mennonite
University, and Adjunct Professor of Religion and Culture at the
University of Winnipeg. He is author of The New Testament in Context
(2008), An Introduction to the Study of Luke-Acts (2006), and 2
Corinthians (1998).
