In this week’s reading of Stendhal’s essay, Paul Among Jew and Gentile, he highlights on
weakness, love and uniqueness. Paul lived among both the Jew and the Gentile. In the first part
of the reading there is much reflection the difference between Luther and Paul. Luther somehow
found comfort in Paul’s writings while he himself was in the midst of turmoil however, Paul was
not a man in turmoil. Paul’s perception of weakness was shifts throughout the readings based on
the current situation he is experiencing. In one part he emphasizes weakness as his own sickness
and further along he uses weakness as a means to justify an argument. I have always had a
profound interest in religion. I have sought out, visited and studied many in order to find what
met my needs and wants. As I settled into what I felt what I believed in, I found myself
struggling with the same experience as Paul. Although it is strictly forbidden for me to partake in
alcohol, I would find myself struggling to say no. It is not because I am an alcoholic, I just enjoy
the taste of a cold beer or glass of wine occasionally. So I would struggle and still do with
refraining from drinking alcohol. This lends way to weakness rather than sin. I believe he was
implying that in such a state of weakness, God’s strength would then be magnified. He is
suggesting that Paul’s reference to weakness is not due to shortcomings rather to outside
opposition, which becomes the thorn in his flesh. This thorn is then viewed not as in relation to
salvation. We all sin, I know that every time I drink I am committing something I should not be.
The more I feel guilty, the more I seek salvation and strive to become more like Jesus. Stendahl
then proceeds with the belief that when Paul references love in 1 Corinthians 13, he is
referencing the concept of love rather than integrity. Paul’s intention was to reflect a mere
attitude of the heart. He compares love in scientific terms,...