Episode 107: Rereading Romans 1-3 with Douglas Campbell

Douglas Campbell discusses his journey through theology, focusing on the interpretation of Paul's letters, particularly Romans. He emphasizes the importance of rereading Romans 1-3 with greater emphasis on the overarching themes of love and grace found in the later chapters. Campbell critiques the traditional interpretations that lean towards a punitive understanding of God and advocates for a view of God as fundamentally loving and inclusive. He also shares his experiences working with prisons and the need for a compassionate approach to those incarcerated, highlighting the emotional and relational aspects of the gospel. This episode is based on one of Campbell’s chapters in the book Beyond Old and New Perspectives on Paul: Reflections on the Work of Douglas Campbell. The conversation concludes with recommendations including Richard Longenecker, Karl Bath, James Torrance, Stanley Hauerwas, Yokefellows, International Prison Chaplains Association, Beyond Justification: Liberating Paul’s Gospel, Apocalypse Here, Campbell’s website, Patrick O’Brian, Mick Herron, Jonathan Haidt, and Thomas Merton.   Follow the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, iHeartRadio, Player FM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, Boomplay. Please reach out with guest suggestions and/or feedback at [email protected]. If you would like to support the podcast financially, you can hear episodes a week early for $5 a month on Patreon. You can also get updates and promotional clips if you follow us on YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Bluesky, Spoutible, Twitter, Threads, Wordpress, and Tumblr.