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Title: The Spirituality of Paul - An Active Life
Author(s): ROSAEG, N.A.
Journal: Studies in Spirituality
Volume: 14    Date: 2004   
Pages: 49-92
DOI: 10.2143/SIS.14.0.505188

Abstract :
The ‘spirituality’ of the apostle Paul is well worth investigating. He does not use this modern word. How are Paul’s forms of this theme related to current research in the new academic discipline of spirituality? How is it related to later forms of spirituality in the Christian tradition? It consists in an active life. We find more ‘ministry of presence’ than we see ‘ministry of absence’, to use later terms. We find more bios praktikos than bios theoretikos, to apply terms from antiquity. Still, the spirituality of Paul is perplexingly broad. It deserves systematic approach. The present analysis seeks to bring up a number of foci which are not frequently addressed. There are far more books on Paul’s theology and thoughts than on his life and spirituality. The spirituality of Paul has been brought far less attention than has both the theological and historical issues around him. The examination analyses the spirituality of Paul into a number of aspects. These are shown to be both practical and epistemological. The following topics are treated: (1) the concept of mystic, (2) rationality, intelligibility, (3) prayer and (4) thanksgiving, gratitude, (5) active movement and networking, (6) working-life, (7) agonistic attitude, (8) body, (9) family and friendship, (10) duty and personality, (11) caritative vision, (12) reciprocity, mutuality, (13) calling and growth, (14) cruciformity, (15) freedom and new creation, and (16) spiritual integration.

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