Derhetorizing Paul: A Dynamic Perspective on Pauline Theology and the Law‪.‬

Derhetorizing Paul: A Dynamic Perspective on Pauline Theology and the Law, by Lauri Thuren. Harrisburg, PA: Trinity Press International, 2002. Pp. ix + 213. $20 (paper). Thuren's contribution to the field of Pauline studies lies in his ability to demonstrate the ways in which modern rhetorical criticism, argumentation theory, and epistolography can combine to offer an effective analysis of the Pauline letters. While demonstrating a familiarity with classical rhetorical approaches (both ancient authors/ terms/texts and modern appropriations therefrom), he deftly brings together modern insights into communication and rhetorical theory and convincingly demonstrates the utility of rhetorical criticism to Pauline studies that seem doomed to produce Paul-like theologies on the one hand or historical reconstructions on the other. What neither of these approaches takes seriously--namely, the letters as a particular kind of communicative medium employing rhetorical strategies toward particular convincing and persuasive ends--rhetorical criticism does while simultaneously traversing and contributing to both theology and history. Thuren's effort is an excellent example of the kind of future for Pauline studies that could be brought about when informed by modern rhetorical criticism.