Feast upon the Word Blog

My comments so far in the course of this reading project have aimed at isolating passages in which Jim’s overarching intentions with the letter to the Romans are embodied. In a certain way, this is to cut against the grain of Jim’s text: although he does, I think, have certain overarching intentions, his approach to the text is purposefully in excess of any overarching intention—too comprehensive to be limited to a theme, too willing to go wherever Paul wanders to dwell for long on central themes, too methodologically focused to worry about outlining an argument. Perhaps I’ve been willing—and will continue to be willing—to work against some of Jim’s purposes because I was converted long, long ago to the approach he’s modeling in the book; hoping to learn more from Jim, I consequently find myself focusing on the subtly emergent theme that gives the whole book its title. Whatever my motivations, I’ll continue in that mold in my discussion here of Jim’s analysis of Romans 1:18-23. How do these pages contribute to Jim’s investigation of the life of holiness? Read the rest of this entry »

Having covered the first seven verses in about 70 pages, Jim covers the next 7 verses in a mere 20 pages (give or take). This change in speed is a bit jolting, and I think it’s a nice effect: having grown accustomed to a very ponderous and leisurely pace, really savoring the flavors of the first 7 verses, it feels like we’re approach these next 7 verses fast-food style. I’m not sure if Jim planned this effect, but I’m guessing he’ll be pleased with it, especially the way it effects a yearning for slow and careful reading. Read the rest of this entry »

(See the reading schedule and introductory post here. Note: I’m deviating slightly from the posted schedule since the original schedule overlooked how the discussion of verses 3 and 4 starts on p. 52.)

Verse 2

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