Research Conference, March 6–7 mars 2025

Paul beyond Perspectives: Future Challenges in Pauline Studies (March 6–7, 2025)
This perspective has, in turn, given rise to what is often referred to as the "Radical New Perspective on Paul" or "Paul within Judaism." Proponents of this view argue that the "New Perspective" does not interpret Paul sufficiently within his Jewish context. They contend that Paul never broke with Judaism and saw no major theological issues with the Judaism to which he belonged and represented. Therefore, the message of justification by faith is primarily directed at Gentiles, not Jews.
The ongoing debate between advocates of these perspectives and those who support a more traditional interpretation has significantly influenced Pauline research over the past few decades. This discourse has led to many new insights and stimulating perspectives on Paul. But where do we go from here? What are the future challenges for Pauline studies? How might Pauline studies evolve beyond these perspectives? What has been overlooked, and what needs to be rediscovered?
This conference aims to bring together a group of experienced and senior international and national scholars with a particular focus on Pauline studies, along with several younger scholars, to reflect on the past decades and the future challenges in this field. Ample time will be provided during the various lecture sessions for reflection and discussion.
Main papers:
Call for papers:
Location
ALT School of Theology, Åstadalsvägen 2, 70221 Örebro
Schedule
Thursday March 6
10.00 Coffee, drop-in
10.30 Word of welcome and introduction: Mikael Tellbe (Associate Professor, ALT School of Theology)
10.45 Main lecture I: Beverly Robert Gaventa (Professor, Baylor University, Waco), “Reaching Back to Move Forward: Reflecting on Our Predecessors in Pauline Interpretation”
11.15 Response (Ludvig Nyman, ThD cand, Lund University) and discussion
11.45 Main lecture II: Samuel Byrskog (Professor, Lund University), ”Past, Present and Future: Memory Studies and Paul’s Letter to the Romans”
12.15 Response (Rikard Roitto, Associate Professor, Stockholm School of Theology), and discussion
12.45 Lunch
13.45 Main lecture III: Karl Olav Sandnes (Professor, MF Norwegian School of Theology): “Corinthian Grace and Incongruity: Picking up on a Debate Between John M.G. Barclay and Troels Engberg-Pedersen”
14.15 Response (David Nyström, PhD, Johannelund School of Theology) and discussion
14.45 Coffee Break
15.15 Main lecture IV: Eve-Marie Becker (Professor, Münster University), “Paul in Light of Intellectual Leadership”
15.45 Response (Gunnar Samuelsson, ThD, Gothenburg University) and discussion
16.30 Short papers
18.30 Dinner
Friday March 7
09.00 Main lecture V: John M.G. Barclay (Professor, Durham University), “Paul within Judaism: Peering through the Fog of Debate”
09.30 Response (Magnus Zetterholm, Associate Professor, Lund University) and discussion
10.00 Coffee Break
10.30 Main lecture VI: Karin Neutel (Associate Professor, Umeå University),“Paul within Christianity: Old Habits and New Directions”
11.00 Response (Anna Enberg, ThD cand, Lund university) and discussion
11.30 Short papers
12.30 Lunch
13.30 Main lecture VII: James A. Kelhoffer (Professor, Uppsala university), “Paul on Persecution and the Parting of the Ways”
14.00 Response (Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer, Professor, ALT School of theology) and discussion
14.30 Concluding reflections: Where do we go from here? (Mikael Tellbe)
15.15 Coffee