TO LIVE IS CHRIST
By Beth Moore
Monarch. 320 pages
ISBN 1 85424 586 4
This book is a series of edited talks which Beth gave, 'having admired the apostle Paul for years'. She challenges the reader as she has been challenged herself by 'Paul's passion for Christ that is unparalleled in the New Testament'.
She hopes to give the reader a true understanding of the apostle's teaching whilst dispelling any myths about women hating, as she traces his life from childhood to martyrdom. She draws on Paul's experiences and feelings to help the reader think about their own life. She is creative as she paints a picture of his upbringing and lifetimes. This brings the man to life, but sometimes I fear her speculation may be stretched. Her habit of quoting original Greek words adds nothing to the reader's understanding. Unfortunately it can lead one to think that the Bible can only be understood by Greek scholars. It just sounds like she's showing off!
The 50 chapters span the whole of Acts and a few chapters from some of Paul's letters. Consecutive passages are referenced at the beginning of each chapter and a verse quoted. The text may or may not expound on the verse, but the reflections are always biblical. Some evangelicals may take exception to her Arminian understanding of predestination, and the choice of evolution as something impossible to believe may cause unnecessary difficulties.
These two points would be my only reservations in giving this book to anyone who is interested in a general understanding of Paul and his teachings. The book is a light read, requiring some prior biblical knowledge. It is most suitable for women, but not inappropriate for a man. Each chapter comes with a few study questions which are very basic, but might help spark off discussion in a group and would challenge the individual as to their response to Paul's teaching.
