Paul's theologizing is entrenched with Scriptural language and quotations. It is the argument of this article that this obviously close relation of Paul's writings and Israel's Scriptures has to be seen as being on a deeper level than a mere use of Scriptures as proof texts for his gospel. Paul's theologizing is entirely rooted in the symbolic universe of Israel's Scriptures. This implies that his form of arguing is basically shaped and informed by Scriptures rather than primarily by forms of Western logic and rationality. It is a form of Scriptural reasoning which negotiates meaning in a communal and dialogic process being in interaction with fellow Christ believers as well as non Christ believing fellow Jews. Paul is thus perceived not as a more or less coherent thinker of Western logic and its dualisms but as one who is creatively playing with the multiple rhythms of Scriptures related to life in the light of the Christ-event. This could contribute to an understanding of Christian identity beyond the restrictions of dualistic thinking as well as to the recognition of the close link between theological thinking and the practice of faith in everyday life.
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