Paul Behaving Badly

Was the Apostle a Racist, Chauvinist Jerk?

By: E. Randolph Richards, Brandon J. O'Brien

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

The Apostle Paul was kind of a jerk. He was arrogant and stubborn. He called his opponents derogatory, racist names. He legitimized slavery and silenced women. He was a moralistic, homophobic killjoy who imposed his narrow religious views on others. Or was he?

Randolph Richards and Brandon O'Brien explore the complicated persona and teachings of the Apostle Paul. Unpacking his personal history and cultural context, they show how Paul both offended Roman perspectives and scandalized Jewish sensibilities. His vision of Christian faith was deeply disturbing to those in his day and remains so in ours. Paul behaved badly, but not just in the ways we might think. Take another look at Paul and see why this "worst of sinners" dared to say, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

©2016 eChristian (P)2016 eChristian

good read

The narration can be a little slow and the material a bit heady, but it's a great eye opener for understanding often confusing scripture.

really terrific book, you won't be disappointed -

loved it. you won't be disappointed, no matter where you're coming from either loving or not loving Paul at the outset.

Loved it!

Everyone who wants a better understanding of Paul should read this book. For every academic level.

Distracting Narration

The content is fantastic but it was hard to listen through the “sh” sound over each “S” and “F” pronounced by the narrator.

much needed! brilliant delivery

I have heard pastors talk about the context of Paul's letters in passing, and not alot of detail. it's always interested me! and this is a brilliant delivery and in depth teaching of Paul.

Well Measured, But Maybe Too Much

I think the book does a good job of giving a balanced view so as not to discredit the apostle Paul. I have learned from reading this book and appreciate the non-extreme, yet informative, answers and history provided.
I think it is accurate to say that Paul painted a different context for Christ. The WHY, however, is not drawn out as well in this book. It is because Christ made Paul the (head) apostle of the Gentiles (Rom 11:13). He was given a different gospel from Christ. (Gal 1:11,12). Still, Christ is the center of the gospel, but the accoutrements of the gospel changed, there are none! Naturally, when Messiah is explained to Jews, it needs the Jewish accoutrements of circumcision, baptism, kingdom, prophecy fulfillment etc.

I felt the book played it too safe,
and especially in the realm of political correctness. It leaned too much toward embodying the doctrines of our modern day and therefore making excuse for Paul, God and the Bible. I feel they should have went more on offense against the PC culture.

Good book, but diminished by the performer

I had to stop listening to it and read it. The narrator is slow, monotone, and his S’s are emphasized in every word. He makes an engaging and interesting book boring, which is truly unfortunate.

Thank you

Thank God for this book it has open eye too understanding the books of Paul. Again thank you.

My second favorite book.

My favorite is the other book these guys wrote together. Miss reading scripture through western eyes.

They don't pull their punches

at the start of addressing each subject I winst thinking, "where are they going to go with this?" and I was always relieved at the conclusions. very well done.