Discerning the Spirits
Discerning the Spirits
How did Paul determine ethical and theological truth? Were all believers expected to be able to 'discern the spirits' (1 Corinthians 12.10)? This 2007 study shows that discernment must be understood against the backdrop of an extensive hermeneutic, by which Paul inherently relates ethical and theological knowledge. Understanding the will of God requires noetic and existential transformation, in short, the 'renewal of the mind' (Romans 12.2). Munzinger argues that Paul implies a process of inspiration in which the Spirit sharpens the discerning functions of the mind because the believer is liberated from a value system dominated by status and performance. The love of God enables all believers to learn to interpret reality in a transformed manner and to develop creative solutions to questions facing their communities. For Paul authentic discernment is linked to a comprehensive sense of meaning.
- Investigates Paul's understanding of ethical and theological knowledge, and how to 'discern the will of God'
- Offers insights from philosophy, psychology and sociology as well as from specialist New Testament perspectives
- Relevant to pastors and lay people seeking biblical guidance regarding difficult decisions
Reviews & endorsements
Review of the hardback: '… this is a fine piece of work that should probe to be a volume with which many will find it useful to interact in future research.' Scripture Bulletin
Review of the hardback: 'This demanding and thorough study achieves exactly the right balance between the revelatory (Spirit) and the natural (human mind).' Journal for the Study of the New Testament
Review of the hardback: '…an important contribution towards a deeper understanding of the concept of discernment in Pauline theology.' Neotestamentica
Review of the hardback: 'Munzinger's volume provides useful information for those interested in Paul's conception of discernment, pneumatology, or his approach to identity formation within the early Christ-movement. It is an excellent example of cross-disciplinary research providing both theological and ethical insights into the thinking of the apostle Paul on this important ecclesiological and anthropological topic.' Criswell Theological Review
'… Munzinger's work [is] riveting … with impressive … finesse …' Szazadok
Product details
February 2011Paperback
9780521168564
256 pages
216 × 140 × 15 mm
0.33kg
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface
- Abbreviations
- Part I. Introduction
- 1. The conceptual approach
- Part II. What Requires Discernment? The Objects of Evaluation:
- 2. The discernment of ethical questions
- 3. The discernment of spirits
- 4. Discerning all things: the structure of Paul's epistemology
- Part III. How Can and Should True Discernment Take Place?:
- 5. The context and background of Paul
- 6. How does Paul believe true discernment can and should take place?
- Part IV. Conclusion:
- 7. Recapitualtion and implications for theology
- Bibliography
- Indices.
