If you sat down with Paul of Tarsus and asked him for a short explanation of what human flourishing looks like, what would he say?

Such is the question taken up by Joshua Jipp in Pauline Theology as a Way of Life: A Vision of Human Flourishing in Christ.

Of discussions regarding Paul and his theology there is no end, and most of them end up getting locked into the various doctrinal disputations which have marked successive phases of Christian doctrinal history.

The author has done well at setting aside most such things and to focus on the much more “practical” question, asking what Paul would think it is all about in the end.

To this end he introduces two conversation partners: ancient philosophy and modern positive psychology. The work begins by setting forth the narratives about each of these three: who they are and what they represent. The author then sets forth various theses regarding what Paul would suggest in terms of human flourishing, and compares and contrasts those premises with the perspectives which would be found in ancient philosophy and modern positive psychology.

The author well concludes his analysis: Paul would find human flourishing best in joint participation in the life of God in Christ through the Spirit, both with God and with fellow Christians, having died to sin and cultivating the fruit of the Spirit, and all with a view toward sharing in the resurrection of life. We can see where ancient philosophies and modern positive psychology are in alignment with this goal, yet neither could or would go as far as Paul would in these matters, and have very different end points because of their very different goals and frameworks.

Therefore, the premises and the conclusion are sound; the analysis requires some familiarity with the New Testament and Pauline theology but not necessarily at the scholarly level. This would be a profitable book for all Christians who wish to consider what Paul is actually about in the end, especially in light of the ancient philosophies and modern positive psychology which tend to animate many in the secular world and whose principles are often introduced, whether in ignorance or through malevolence, into Christian faith and exhortation. ( )

Summary: A study of Paul’s theology as an invitation to a flourishing life through participation in Christ, observing parallels and contrasts with both ancient philosophy and modern positive psychology.

The language of human flourishing may be found wherever one turns. That is not surprising since it is a matter of perennial concern to understand how one might live well. Joshua W. Jipp makes that the focus of a study that seeks to understand how both ancient philosophy and modern positive psychology have articulate how humans may be said to flourish. He then asks the same question of the theology of Paul showing both parallels and distinctives. In fact, Paul engaged the philosophies of his day, identifying both points of contact and the more excellent way of the Lord Jesus Christ. And this is our task today, addressing how the received truths of scripture speak to the important concerns of the day.

The first part of the book attempts to extrapolate some basic principles of human flourish of ancient philosophy and positive psychology in turn. Ancient philosophy recognized the necessity of a supreme good that offers both a model and rationale for a good life. It identified virtue, coupled with wisdom is central to the enjoyment of a good life. In the good life appropriate emotion must be aligned with virtuous action. Philosophy also addresses human nature and the puzzling aspect of why we do not always do the good we know. Finally, such philosophy must be all encompassing, addressing our relationships in society and the place of adversity as it relates to human flourishing.

Similarly, positive psychology focuses not on illness but on living well. Jipp summarizes positive psychology in five theses that parallel his summary of ancient philosophies:

1. Positive psychology is devoted to helping people flourish.
2. People flourish when they use and actualize their character strengths.
3. Flourishing requires good relationships in all spheres of life.
4. Adversity can make important contributions to human flourishing.
5. Flourishing requires practices and exercises.

One of the interesting parts of this chapter was the summary of the Virtues in Action (VIA) study and the list of virtuous character traits clustered around six: wisdom and knowledge, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence.

The latter part of the book, then, considers Pauline theology with regard to human flourishing and in conversation with these other two. Jipp begins with the idea of transcendence. He proposes that in Paul, the goal of human existence, the supreme good is to share in the life of God through the person of Christ. This addresses the supreme human predicament, death, allowing us to live in resurrection hope. The moral life is rooted in the transformed mind in Christ through which we experience God’s life. This gives us the capacity to think, feel, and act as we ought as we are in union with Christ and empowered by his Spirit. Union with Christ unites us with his people, his body, his family, and his temple. This brings unity in diversity. Jipp explores the implications of this in Paul’s teaching on slaves, celibacy, marriage and the status of women. As such, the church visibly embodies Christ’s love and hospitality. Finally, we flourish in Christ through disciplines, practices, and exercises that position us to grow in the knowledge of Christ and the enjoyment of God.

What Jipp offers is an account of Paul’s theology that shows God’s intent that we flourish in Christ, growing in moral character, in community with his people and through spiritual practices. Much of this parallels both ancient philosophy and positive psychology, but what sets the Christian account apart is the empowering work of Christ aligning thought, emotion, and action, and offers an account of loving relationships that transcend divisions and bring diverse peoples together.

It does seem to me that what Jipp draws from Paul is shaped, at least in part, by his engagement with the other two systems. I wonder if Jipp would have articulated this theology of human flourishing in Paul in the same way if he had first pursued this study, and then engaged the other two. That said, Christian theology is often characterized as a constraint on human flourishing, a confinement on human freedom, and on the realization of the good life. This articulation of “positive” theology (though not apart from addressing the realities of sin, suffering, and death) offers resources for Christian engagement with interested spiritual seekers who may have considered both philosophy and positive psychology and still haven’t found what they are looking for.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. ( )