Five influences in Paul’s thinking

In the first writing assignment, you compared Paul’s view of evil with your own.

In this writing assignment, you will consider where your ideas and Paul’s ideas came from.

Complete the following steps:

(1) Using the resources from this module, write at least one paragraph summing up the five influences in Paul’s thinking (see Fitzmyer reading).

(2) Next, write at least one paragraph summing up the top three influences on your thinking. （my top three is “real world experience”, 2nd is “my first culture”,3rd is second culture)

(3) Combine these paragraphs with your prior paragraphs from module one. You should put the two paragraphs from this module first, followed by the two paragraphs from the last module. Why? These latter two  paragraphs set up the background for Paul’s and your ideas about evil.

(4) Make all four paragraphs flow together. Use transitional statements and phrases. Revise them until the create a logical flow.

reading link:  http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/introducing-the-new-testament-2nd-edition/11940/students/esources/chapters/704

Zhuojia Yu

Ucor 2100

Paul’s View of Evil

In Romans 1, Paul starts by highlighting his view of evil which is about being involved in acts that are against the God’s will. In Romans 1:26, Paul has noted that God has given to shameful lusts due to his wrath. According to Paul, evil is about going against God’s will where He responds and shows his wrath. He refers to it as divine wrath and claims that every type of evil will lead to destruction. While writing to the Romans, Paul does not emphasize on the need to adhere to existing laws as can be seen in other epistles. The Romans had their own set of culture and beliefs that Paul did not seem to approve of. He felt that they were going against the will of God and He had responded by handing them over to shameful acts. In light of this, it can be said that Paul sees evil as actions by humanity that provoke the wrath of God. He does not view God as patient with the individuals involved in the sinful ways.

A Personal View of Evil

From a personal point of view, evil is about actions and behaviors that tend to interfere with the overall well-being for all. This means that evil is not only seen as actions and behaviors that lead to own destruction but also the general problems. In Romans, Paul notes that men and women were being involved in unnatural sexual relations. This is one of the scenarios that sees evil as actions that may lead to own destruction. However, this should be one way of looking at evil. It leads to own destruction as well as destruction of others. For instance, Paul has noted that God’s divine wrath would fall upon all people involved in actions and behaviors that go against His will. Cumulatively, God’s wrath leads to more harm and problems in a society. There are numerous instances in the scriptures where God punished sinful people collectively through slavery, droughts, and fire among others. In such a case, it can be said that evil is also about the destruction of the common good.