Revisiting Paul's Doctrine of Justification: A Challenge to the New Perspective

Rating:
Summary: Pretty Good Response to the New Perspective
Review: This short book is a good introductory critique on the New Perspective view of Paul (Sanders, Dunn, Stendahl, et al). The book is short and uncomplicated so that the average layperson can understand what the New Perspective teaches and what the criticisms are against it. Stuhlmacher is a German moderate evangelical and generally holds to the traditional Protestant understanding of justification. However, I do have some reservations on some of Stuhlmacher's views. On page 62, he states that the "distinction between 'imputed' righteousness...and 'effective' righteousness...cannot be maintained by Paul. Both belong together for the apostle." Thus, Stuhlmacher is blurring (I assume unintentionally) the line between Trent and traditional Protestantism on justification. Also, he takes the "re-creational" view of justification (p. 73). However, he does maintain that the Final Judgment for Christians "will determine not their salvation or damnation but only their position in the kingdom of God and of his Christ" (p. 69). Thus, he separates himself from those who promote a nomistic "Gospel" that is being preached popularly within "evangelical" circles today. Finally, Donald Hagner's contributory essay (chapter 4) is a must read. Hagner examines the New Perspective and sees whether it has Biblical foundations (which it does not). Overall, a good book critiquing a movement that has influenced a significant section of Christianity today.