Paul Was Not a Christian: The Original Message of a Misunderstood Apostle
Eisenbaum shows the implausibility of the common interpretation of Paul that pits a Christian essence against a superficial or rejected Jewish hull. The book&#8217;s great accomplishment is to show us a historically plausible picture of a fully Jewish Paul who was also fully committed to Christ. (Dr. Stanley Stowers, Chair of Religious Studies, Brown University, and author of A Rereading of Romans: Justice, Jews and Gentiles)Eisenbaum&#8217;s is one of a few important voices drawing our attention . . . to the continuing tensions and contradictions in Christian readings of Paul . . . This book does more than challenge and inform: it changes the way we think about Paul [and] the origins of Christian faith. (Neil Elliott, Author of Liberating Paul: The Justice of God and the Politics of the Apostle)Pamela Eisenbaum&#8217;s Paul Was Not a Christian is a clear and effective presentation and extension of the view. . . that Paul remained fully identified with Judaism and the Torah throughout his life. . . It will repay careful reading by interested layfolk and by scholars as well. (Dr. Daniel Boyarin, Jewish Theological Seminary, UC Berkeley)&#8220;Paul was not a Christian is well worth careful reading. It is a serious and very clear exposition of what changed and what stayed the same in Paul&#8217;s religious life. This book is very highly recommended to both scholars and laypersons as all will gain from it.&#8221; (Alan F. Segal, Professor of Religion and Jewish Studies Barnard College, Columbia University, Author of Paul the Convert)&#8220;In this provocative book, biblical scholar Eisenbaum points out that the traditional Christian portrait of Paul as a former Jew . . . is a misreading of Paul&#8217;s life and religious work . . . Eisenbaum&#8217;s lively prose and meticulous scholarship provides a compelling new portrait of the apostle. &#8221; (Publishers Weekly)&#8220;Professor Eisenbaum offers the general reader the most realistic first-century portrayal of the Apostle Paul ever written.&#8221; (Jewish Book World)&#8220;According to traditional teachings, Paul rejected his Judaism for the new, improved version: Christianity. Bible scholar Pamela Eisenbaum says this interpretation of Paul is not only wrong, it&#8217;s dangerous.&#8221; (Interfaith Voices)