Becoming the Gospel: Paul, Participation, and Mission (The Gospel and Our Culture Series (GOCS))

This is the book. I mean, the book. I have highlighted more passages in this book than in most of the books within my library. Not only that, but the notions within these pages critically altered my perception of my daily walk. This book edified me in ways only explained in great detail. There are a few notions I’ll discuss that impacted me the most: the two different kinds of relationships (Vertical and horizontal), missio Dei, and “peace and security.” This book aided in shifting my view of Revelation, prophecy itself, and allowing me to have a greater understanding of the Great Commission. First, the missio Dei. Gorman gave this concept a fully-rounded character that died on the cross and was resurrected on the third day. It began with me as just “the mission of God,” meaning how God wants all of us to repent. But it is more than that – so, so, much more. The mission of God is reconciliation. How is it that we, as created beings, fell so far from our original intent that when we attempt to see our past, we only see ourselves in blurry visions of rose-colored goodness? Gorman takes a look at this and sets us on the correct path. Beginning with the notion of theosis, which began in my mind as a false notion carried by the Orthodox family members in Christianity. Gorman, however, needed to set this right before moving forward. Theosis is to “be like Christ.” This does not mean a striving to deify ourselves – as this would make us idols – but for us to be “Christ-like.” In modern terms, as a kid, I wanted to be “Like Mike.” Unfortunately, I was a chubby white kid with zero basketball skills and no work ethic. I could wish to be “Like Mike,” all I wanted. I could wish to even be like Bow Wow in Like Mike (where his character gets a pair of magical Michael Jordan Nike shoes), but sadly, unless I put all I had into everything doing this, it would not be true. For theosis, it is quite similar. We strive to be “Like Christ,” by imitating His behavior and by striving to be holy because He is holy. If we struggle and excuse the reasons to do this, then we’d be as far gone from Christ as nine-year-old suburban me was as being Michael Jordan. With the new definition of theosis understood, the missio Dei became more apparent. Gorman analyzes several Pauline writings, concluding the missio Dei is reconciliation. On our journey of theosis, we must then reconcile with the world around us. God, while remaining on His throne begot Jesus through Mary (a virgin), grew in our world without sin, then after His baptism, began to reconcile mankind to God. First, through teachings, then ultimately, through willingly sacrificing Himself to take the curse of all mankind at once – suffering the full wrath of God – instead of us. Then, on the third day, He resurrected, leaving His tomb empty. He conquered death, thus fully paying the price of our sins than being exonerated to the highest throne. Now, when we start our reconciliation with God Himself, it must first go through Jesus, who then empowers us with the Holy Spirit. This vertical reconciliation is essential for knowing the missio Dei.However, it’s not the only relationship required for the Missio Dei to be completed in such a manner. There is also a horizontal relationship between humans that is desired. We can’t learn something unless someone tells us. This is the purpose of the Missio Dei. We are to be a commercial for Christ, of sorts. It’s through our unconditional love of one another and ourselves that opens the door for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives and the lives of those around us.But what’s the number one fear? Uncertainty. Gorman notes in the Roman era, there was peace through the military might. The mightier the military, the more glory there was in battle, and the more glorified a human being became. Unfortunately for the Ancient Romans, that’s the exact opposite of how God operates. Instead, God seeks the person who seeks Him first. The Roman citizens found peace in their military. We must find our peace and security in God, who sits on His throne and does as He pleases. He’s got His children in His hand. This does not mean that we are to live on this planet forever, but eventually, going to live with our mightly Lord and Savior.This is the means of reconciliation. How can we find peace and security in someone that we are at odds with? How can we be at odds with someone who does not exist? In this spirit of binaries, Gorman ends the book by stating the following binaries ought not to exist:• “Spirituality vs Social Justice• Evangelism vs Peacemaking• Pastoral Care vs Missional Work• Worship/Christian Education vs Outreach• “Vertical” salvation vs “Horizontal” salvation• And so on”“Thereby bearing witness in word and deed to the one true God and Lordship of Christ, and participating by the power of the Holy Spirit in God’s mission of reconciliation and restorative justice in Christ, even at the risk of suffering and death.”This book is lovely, changing and enhancing my behavior as I walk in a relationship with Christ. This will be a book I will reference often. I only wish there was an audio version of this book. If they’re ever taking volunteers to read, I volunteer. I’ll even do it for free.

I have read with appreciation some of Gorman's previous work on Paul. He writes clearly and well. You know where he stands. This book is described as an effort in the budding field of "missional hermeneutics." Basically the author is saying that Paul is concerned that the churches with whom he is involved should be living as God's people for God's purposes in the world, that is, as followers of Jesus who is the Christ, missional people. Gorman explains in detail how what Paul writes to the churches is encouragement, correction and instruction on how one participates in Christ and in so doing becomes the gospel (good news) for the world. This is a good book especially for those who might read Paul without a thought of mission in their minds. It seems amazing to me that it's taken this long for NT scholars to get to a "missional hermeneutic." I suppose it's a forest and trees kind of thing. What other gorillas are walking around in scripture, invisible to us, because of our perceptual blindness? I'd like to give this book 4.5 stars. Wish the star rating system were not so blunt a tool.

An in-depth, excessively so, I thought, argument for a much bigger, more inclusive understanding of Christian life and mission. He challenges the church to actively become more like Christ, transforming everything we do into witness and outreach. A powerful case for Paul's missional intent.

This book highlights the tough and very misunderstood concept of becoming the gospel, rather than merely believing in it in a cognitive sense. The book uses the Easter Churches understanding of what is called Theosis to explain what Gorman sees as BECOMING the gospel.The gospel is not something that you merely believe in, but it so,etching you become. As we die to ourself we come alive in Christ, and therefore continue bearing witness and practice to the beautiful gospel that he preached

This is a really important book, giving an additional scriptural depth to the Missional Church movement, and, at least for me, opening up new ways to speak about the missionary nature of the church. I am truly grateful to Michael J. Gorman for this beautiful and inspiring meditation on Paul's call to the communities he had founded and/or nurtured to embody the gospel in their community life and public witness.Stephen Bevans, SVDLouis J. Luzbetak, SVD Professor of Mission and Culture (Emeritus)Catholic Theological Union

Part of my requires reading for my semi are class. Excellent book. Delves into how the aspects of God are drawn out from different letters from Paul.

An excellent understanding of both the breadth of the Gospel and the shape of Christian mission as the mission of God.

Really enjoyed this book. Very thoughtful analysis of Paul's theology and practice and the connection between the two. Would recommend it without hesitation.

Not for the faint-hearted. At times this can become very cumbersome in its repetition and overuse of language. I read the first couple of chapters with zeal and energy but began to flag towards the end. Put away the dictionary and write from your heart, sir.

Good solid exploration from Evangelical perspective.

VG