You Might Be a Proponent of...
...the New Perspective on Paul if:
1) You're aware that Paul's view of Judaism (along with the rest of Second Temple Judaism) isn't about Jews trying to "earn" their way to God by "doing religion," (i.e., a view that Judaism is a "self-righteousness" merit-based religion) rather, it is about God's covenant people living out Torah as it brings life to the community thus meaning certain blessings and cursings (e.g., Deuteronomy 28).2) You understand that Paul's arguments (Romans, Galatians, etc.) are about the status of Gentiles in the New People of God (aka, "Church") not simply how an individual can get to heaven.3) You understand that Judaism is not the antithesis to Christianity. As if Judaism was "earthly, carnal and proud" while Christianity was "heavenly, spiritual and humble." (Mark Mattison). To the contrary, Christ is the fulfillment of the entire Story of Judaism (viz., the Old Testament and all of Jewish history). Paul's argument is that God's covenant faithfulness has been revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16-17).4) You can distinguish between Roman Catholic Theology and Judaism. (Luther took his beef with the RCC and their "earning" of Salvation theology and applied it to what Paul was talking about in his letters...a theological "no-no" within historical exegesis). "Works of the Law" refer to nationalistic identity (e.g., circumcision, Sabbath-keeping, etc.) and are those things that distinguish God's Covenant people (Israel) from the rest of the World. Paul's emphasis here is saying that one need not "do" Torah to become "in Christ."5) You know what "covenantal nomism" refers to. Jewish people were brought into covenant by God's Sovereign Election (Abrahamic Covenant) and THEN given the Law. Obedience to the Law (which was indeed possible! - Deuteronomy 30:11) is the way Jews keep their status in the covenant with its emphasis on grace and forgiveness (Sacrificial Economy). God always held up his end of the bargain (or, covenant); the Jews did not always do so (thus we have Exile all the way into Jesus' time).Here are some other thoughts from other people on this important issue.
