RETHINKING PAUL'S THEOLOGY: A COMPREHENSIVE RE-EVALUATION OF THE NEW PERSPECTIVE ON PAUL (NPP)

Abstract

This article examines the New Perspective on Paul (NPP), a paradigm-shifting approach that redefines understanding of Paul's theology, challenging Reformation era interpretations. By engaging scholars from diverse disciplines and regions— including Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, it explores the key aspects of the NPP, addresses criticisms, and re-evaluates Paul’s theology. The work intends to provide a nuanced understanding of the NPP's implications for Pauline studies, exploring its relationship with other theological disciplines, and examining its relevance in diverse cultural and theological contexts. This study employs historical critical analysis, theological reflection, and comparative research methods, integrating perspectives from Second Temple Judaism and Greco-Roman contexts with contemporary global insights. The study addresses persistent misconceptions about Paul's views on the law, justification, and Judaism while advancing interfaith dialogue by fostering a more accurate understanding of Second Temple Judaism. It highlights the limited engagement with the NPP in non-Western theological frameworks and postcolonial contexts, filling gaps through a comprehensive critique that balances its strengths and limitations. Findings suggest that the NPP provides a transformative lens for understanding Paul, emphasizing covenantal nomism and dismantling anti-Jewish readings. By bridging Western and non-Western interpretations and applying the NPP to contemporary issues like social justice and interfaith dialogue, this paper significantly contributes to global theological scholarship.