The theology of St. Paul

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Thomas P. Scheck

"Scheck's introduction is clearly written and lucid, containing fine theological observations as well as a clear historical context for Jerome's commentary. Scheck's excellent translation comes at a most opportune time given that interest in partistic exegesis is high and Jerome is among the best of the ancient commentators on Galations."--Joseph T. Lienhard, S.J., Fordham University. St. Jerome is regarded as one of the four great doctors of the western Christian Church, with St. Ambrose, St. Augustine, and St. Gregory. Termed by the Council of Trent "the greatest doctor in explaining the Scriptures," the Latin Church regards St. Jerome as its preeminent scriptural commentator. Nevertheless, much of his prodigious exegetical output has never been translated into English. In this volume, Thomas Scheck provides the first translation in English (and in any modern language) of Jerome's important commentary on Galatians, with two shorter commentaries on Titus and Philemon. Jerome's exegesis is characterized by extensive learning, acute historical and theological criticism, lively and vigorous exposition, and homiletic exhortation. It is noteworthy that throughout, Jerome, like his contemporary St. Ambrose and his theological mentors St. Basil and St. Gregory Nazianzen, carefully and thoroughly assimilates Origen of Alexandria's Greek exegesis into his own work. Indeed, Scheck regards Origen as the fountainhead of Jerome's exegesis. As an interpreter of these three Pauline epistles, Jerome exhibits a deeply Christian sensitivity. He articulates the necessity of both faith and good works found in Pauline theology and interprets St. Paul to mean that post-baptismal good works are a necessary out-flowing of paschal grace. This is the grace that enables the Christian to merit God's favor and to achieve the blessings associated with Christian asceticism and discipleship. --Book Jacket.

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André J. Bélanger

"Using France as the most representative case of a Catholic context, Andre J. Belanger argues that as French society became more secularized intellectuals replaced the clergy as arbitrators of justice and enlightenment. Catholic morality was consolidated by the scholastic tradition and confirmed by the Counter-Reformation, providing the foundation that allowed the establishment of a lay elite. Belanger describes the progressive takeover of positions of influence by the new elite in Catholic society and examines arguments used by thinkers from the seventeenth to the twentieth century to legitimize their positions. In contrast, the Anglo-Saxon Protestant tradition, due to its emphasis on the priesthood of all believers, led to recognition of the individual's conscience as the sole judge of her or his deeds and failed to provide intellectuals with the basis for any claim to serve as moral leaders in political affairs."--BOOK JACKET. "Encompassing a variety of disciplines, this study will be of interest to students of political science, sociology, philosophy, and history."--BOOK JACKET.

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Emily R. Gill

Draws an extended comparison between religious belief and sexuality, arguing that, just as the First Amendment to the Constitution allows for religious freedom, it should ensure that citizens may marry as they see fit as well. "The relationship between religious belief and sexuality as personal attributes exhibits some provocative comparisons. Despite the non-establishment of religion in the United States and the constitutional guarantee of free exercise, Christianity functions as the religious and moral standard in America. Ethical views that do not fit within this consensus often go unrecognized as moral values. Similarly, in the realm of sexual orientation, heterosexuality is seen as the yardstick by which sexual practices are measured. The notion that "alternative" sexual practices like homosexuality could possess ethical significance is often overlooked or ignored. In her new book, An Argument for Same-Sex Marriage, political scientist Emily Gill draws an extended comparison between religious belief and sexuality, both central components of one's personal identity. Using the religion clause of the First Amendment as a foundation, Gill contends that, just as US law and policy ensure that citizens may express religious beliefs as they see fit, it should also ensure that citizens may marry as they see fit. Civil marriage, according to Gill, is a public institution, and the exclusion of some couples from a state institution is a public expression of civic inequality. An Argument for Same-Sex Marriage is a passionate and timely treatment of the various arguments for and against same-sex marriage and how those arguments reflect our collective sense of morality and civic equality. It will appeal to readers who have an interest in gay and lesbian studies, political theory, constitutional law, and the role of religion in the contemporary United States."--Publisher's description.

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John G. Nordling

"Religion and resistance in early Judaism prepares advanced students of Greek to read and translate selections from 1 Maccabees and Josephus, with an emphasis on building knowledge of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. The book also describes the religious and cultural clash between the classical world and early Judaism."--ECIP summary.