A Mystical Reading of Paul

Abstract

The methodological diversity in biblical hermeneutics that has taken place during the last few decades has effected a shift of such magnitude, that scholars are still catching their breath. New methods of interpreting scripture continue to come to the fore. There is a major move from a mechanistic to a holistic paradigm, from within which scripture emerges as life-giving and transformative. Constructive or ecological postmodernism contributes to the revalorization of the aesthetic, the mythological and the mystical. A mystical reading of Paul, with particular reference to his understanding of the term in Christ elucidates the value of this new, yet ancient heuristic tool.

The Reception of Pauline Mysticism: An Ideological Critique

“…Being part of daily life, suffering leads to a transformed ethical life and inner tranquillity. 34 John Ashton's study deserves special attention, as he uses the lens of comparative religion to explore the different possibilities for explaining Paul's experience, while also critically building on the legacy of Schweitzer. He concludes that 'mysticism', especially first-century merkabah mysticism, may be the best way to understand Paul, in particular his experience as explained in 2 Cor 12.1-10, as well as Phil 3.7-11; 1 Cor 15.3-8; 2 Cor 3.18; 4.16-17; Rom 6.1-11; 8.23-30.…”