What does it mean to live a flourishing life? To live a truly good life? Many philosophers, sages, and theologians have attempted to answer this question in the past. Jipp has written a great addition to the area of Pauline studies in this vision of human flourishing from a biblical perspective.
One of the most unique aspects of the book is that it takes a hard look at both ancient and contemporary visions of human flourishing, at how both ancient philosophers and the more modern notions of positive psychology have sought to answer these deep questions. The rest of the book is arguing how the truly good life is found in union with the resurrected Christ and sharing in Christ’s own life. There are many areas where the Bible, the truth, differs from ancient philosophy and modern psychology, but there are also surprising similarities. Jipp compares and contrasts these areas, helpfully explaining what the Bible teaches on this subject.
One thought was particularly striking. Because of common grace, there really is some truth to be found in ancient philosophy, though God’s Word is the ultimate source of truth and is our final authority. Jipp does a great job holding to both of these realities. So much has been written on Pauline theology, but this book offers a good look into a new aspect of Paul’s theology that, to my knowledge, has not been explored much. Overall, this book will be a great resource for those wanting to dig deeper into the study of Pauline theology as well as those wanting a better understanding of what it means to share in Christ’s own life.
Read & Repeat
read & repeat 
Leave a comment