Jipp\u2019s view is that Paul wants to offer \u201ca robust theory of how relation to Christ is humanity\u2019s supreme good, and is, therefore, necessary for human flourishing\u201d, and he is right to insist on the importance of facing the inevitability of death\u201d, as our \u201cfundamental human predicament\u201d, which means that in this life human flourishing is unobtainable because of the undeniable presence of sin and death (\u201cthis present evil age\u201d \u2014 Galatians 1.4). But for Paul, of course, death is not the end; our only hope is that God has raised Jesus from the dead. Paul sees the possibility of a \u201ctransformed moral agency\u201d, whereby we are seen to think, act, and feel in a way that is orientated towards, and therefore unified by, loving and worshipping God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a very rich and powerful doctrine, in which Christ is seen as the \u201cfoundation of a new epistemology for persons-in-Christ\u201d. Love is absolutely central here, making of us a sacred community, related to Christ and to one another, where the Church has to be a reconciling and forgiving community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jipp offers a very attractive vision of how \u201cpersons-in-Christ\u201d can speak to our world. What, in your view, does it mean for any of us to flourish and live a good life in the world? I strongly recommend this book; it is not easy reading, but sheds interesting new light on the remarkable apostle Paul and his very telling use of athletic and military imagery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read it all<\/a> (registration or subscription).<\/p> Book review: Nicholas King looks at being in Christ in St Paul's theologyhttps:\/\/t.co\/baVGtgLjKc<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/ICUNsKhtA0<\/a><\/p>— Church Times (@ChurchTimes) March 21, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>