Bibliography 2: #BIB39760

Key	BIB39760
Reference type	Thesis
Title	Apostle of Reconciliation: The New Perspectives on Paul and Implications for Bahá’í, Muslim, and Christian Theologies of the “Other”
Author	Gilleland, Caleb Steven
Year	2025
Place published	Edinburgh
Abstract	This thesis addresses the tensions surrounding the Apostle Paul in Bahá’í and Muslim thought and examines how re-evaluations of his theology may open new pathways for interfaith dialogue. While Jesus is widely revered in Islam and the Bahá’í Faith, Paul is often viewed as a divisive figure whose theology challenges key ideas, particularly the principle of the Unity of Religion—the belief that successive revelations from God represent stages of a larger divine story, expressed particularly in evolving understandings of law and salvation. The study first analyzes traditional Bahá’í and Muslim critiques of Paul, then engages with the New Perspective on Paul (NPP), emphasizing contributions from E.P. Sanders, James Dunn, N.T. Wright, and Andrew Perriman. Writing from a Bahá’í perspective, which emphasizes progressive revelation and historical contingency, I argue that reinterpreting Pauline theology through the lens of the NPP can support a more integrated vision of the Abrahamic traditions. The thesis concludes by suggesting that applying these insights not only clarifies Paul’s relevance for Bahá’ís but may also assist Muslim-Christian dialogue by encouraging a reassessment of Pauline thought beyond traditional polemics.
Language	English
Keywords	PAUL (SAINT); ISLAM; CHRISTIANITY; JUDAISM; DIALOGUE; LUTHER, MARTIN; PROTESTANTISM
Number of pages	238
Thesis type	Doctoral
Academic department	Islam and Christian Muslim Relations
University	University of Edinburgh
Degree	Ph.D.
File attachments	internal-pdf://0408033592/Gilleland (2026) - Apostle of Reconciliation.pdf

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