Two major paradigms for reading Romans: The Reformation approach: The New Perspective.

I have to admit that the teaching of the two major paradigms in Romans mentioned by Douglas Moo made me think in different terms; in fact as he put it, I am able to look at these teachings from a different lens. I was guilty of looking at the book of Romans and applying it to today’s needs and putting into today’s context. This course has taught me to look at this book from a different point of view. This is a letter that was written to the early Roman church. So I am now applying this to what Romans is really about. It is also important to look at what a paradigm is.




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The definition for paradigm is: A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them, especially in an intellectual discipline.[1]


The two different approaches to reading the letter of Romans is the Reformation approach and the New Perspective approach. The reformation approach which focuses on individual salvation and it assumes Jewish legalism. Whereas, the New Perspective approach focuses on people, groups, and a view called conventional nominism. To define this better the Jewish people saw no need for salvation because they thought they were protected by the law and the fact they have a covenant with God. Therefore they are saved because they are Jews who belong to this covenant. Paul’s problem with this approach is that it left no room for the gentiles in their plan of salvation.[2]
I made an interesting note as I read through the scriptures and the writings from Douglas Moo. The Jews were supposed to be the light to the rest of the world, to draw all men to God. They were given the scripture, also known as the oracles. It would seem that the Jews horded this and wouldn’t not give it back to the world.
In the New Perspective approach we can see a paradigm shift; this is a change in a model or pattern that has been universally accepted.[3] This method is more widely accepted by modern scholars. This approach encourages reading the letter of Romans from a different angle. This fresh look at this letter includes being justified by God was no longer identified with just the Jews and the covenant. It was freely given by God to all men, both Jew and gentile. I would like to point out that neither interpretation is wrong or right, but in order to apply the teachings of this book to our present day life, we must understand it in the context that it was originally intended for.

[1] (Answers.com 2008)
[2] (Moo 2002)
[3] (Answers.com 2008)