Please join us November 9 for the Maritain Theology Forum! This week Joshua Jipp (Theology) will present on "The Apostle Paul's Relational Pedagogy."
Each meeting consists of a presentation on a project in theology or an adjacent discipline, followed by a period of comments/questions from other participants. The workshop is designed to give contributors the opportunity to develop ideas and receive helpful feedback on projects/papers in a friendly and low stakes environment.
Lunch is provided for registered attendees.
Abstract: Why does Paul think moral transformation is necessary? And how does Paul facilitate Christlike transformation amongst his communities? What are the actual mechanisms of change, the spiritual practices and habits involved? In what follows, I propose to answer these questions by reflecting upon 2 Corinthians, given that the letter is an extended ethos argument where Paul exhorts the Corinthians to cultivate the character of Jesus as this character is embodied in Paul’s own life. I will argue four points. First, Paul establishes the goal of human existence as transformation into the glory of God through conformity to the person of Christ. Second, persons-in-Christ are transformed into Christ’s image by beholding Christ’s glory in the life, character, and ministry of Paul. Third, Paul offers a variety of spiritual practices, ultimately rooted in his embodiment of Christ’s character, that work to facilitate transformation into divine glory. Fourth, and finally, I conclude by arguing that 2 Corinthians provides an enduring witness to the primacy of good leaders in effecting moral change and growth into the character of Christ.