Andrew Perriman Bücher

In this innovative and radical book, postmodern mission and New Testament studies collide. Perriman examines the mission of the earliest church in its historical context and argues that our context is very different and so our mission cannot simply be a matter of doing exactly what the earliest church did. The key question at the heart of the book is how do we shape a biblical theology of mission for a postbiblical church? Controversially, Perriman maintains that the eschatological crisis faced by the early church — the coming judgment on the enemies that opposed God’s people — has now been passed with the collapse of the Roman Empire! However, creational disorder is with us all the time. A missiology that is oriented toward a new creation is far more relevant to us now than a missiology oriented toward rescue from the opposition and persecution.

Andrew Perriman reformulates Paul's main presuppositions to retain the relevance of insights on both sides of the gender debate. While he believes that decisions have to be made regarding the central issues, his principal concern is the unity of Christ's body, which calls us to listen to one another, and to worship, work and pray together.

Exploring the historical context of Paul's letters, particularly Romans, this book addresses the Western church's struggle with its reduced status in a post-Christendom world. It argues for a courageous re-reading of the text, emphasizing the perspective of an early community that challenged ancient deities. This critical engagement not only questions traditional assumptions about Paul's message but also seeks to redefine the identity and purpose of the people of God in a way that aligns with both biblical teachings and historical realities.

Exploring the motif of the "coming of the Son of man," Andrew Perriman delves into the eschatological narrative from Daniel to Revelation. He examines the initial reception of this proclamation within its unique cultural, political, and religious contexts. The book investigates early Christians' perceptions of the imminent "day of the Lord" and the impact of this belief on their thoughts, lifestyles, and the spread of the gospel message, offering insightful reflections on how these themes shaped their faith and actions.

The exploration of narrative theology addresses the challenge posed to the church by the social and legal validation of same-sex relationships in the West. This issue is part of a larger cultural shift following the decline of the Christian consensus, impacting the church's fidelity to Scripture. The book examines how historical forces have shaped biblical thought, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of these changes within the context of contemporary ethical dilemmas.

Exploring the pre-existence of Christ Jesus, this book delves into Paul's Christology through the lens of the gentile mission. Andrew Perriman challenges prevailing scholarly views by examining how pagans and post-pagan believers would have interpreted the backstory of Jesus, known to them as the exalted Lord. This unique perspective illuminates the complexities of Paul's writings, particularly the opening of his letter to the Philippians, while providing fresh insights into the significance of Jesus for both the Pauline mission and the ancient pagan context.