A Conversation with Michael J. Gorman on Union with Christ, Paul's Letter to American Churches, and More
A few months ago I had the honor of chatting with Michael J. Gorman. We talked about his great new book Participating in Christ. Below is a link to the podcast, followed by the YouTube version. For some time stamps to the YouTube video, see below. (Timestamps are also provided in the video's description on YouTube.)
Questions covered (timestamps):
What exactly is meant by 'participation' or 'union?' See 4:45 on video for Gorman's response.
How do the themes of justification and union with Christ relate? See 9:12 for response; see also 15:20 for Gorman talking about the Reformers and their take on union with Christ and how it relates to justification.
I asked Gorman about his chapter in Participating in Christ addressed (by Paul) to churches of North America. What inspired this imaginative letter, and what would Paul find unsettling about our modern Western churches? What might Paul resonate with? See 15:54 for Gorman's reply.
Gorman speaking into the problem of reading Paul's letters with an individualistic lens at 19:55.
Gorman speaks into unity in Paul's letters and if Paul has a solution to the fractured body of Christ and our general disunity as Christians: 22:40.
How do we sometimes use the word "missional" that is not in alignment with Paul's own missional emphasis? See 26:00.
Are "grace and peace" in Paul just throwaway lines? 30:18.
What exactly is the flesh? See 31:42.
What's wrong with trying to bait people into Christianity? What's wrong (if anything) with seeker-sensitive Christianity? After all, Paul became all things to all people… Gorman responds at 34:52.
When it comes to Gorman's own development and journey with Paul, what has helped shape his current understanding? (Courses taken, books read, experiences…) See 39:38.
Memorable Quotes from interview by Dr. Gorman:
"The Gospel is good news not because it makes people feel good but because it transforms people." Michael J. Gorman
"Paul would laugh at the idea of numbers considering the fact that most of the early Christian congregations that he founded and pastored could each fit into a small house." Michael J. Gorman
"Paul was less concerned about the numbers than any evangelist in the history of the world, even though he wanted to take the gospel to the whole world." Michael J. Gorman
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