E.P. Sanders

Mark Goodacre links to this "academic autobiography" of E.P. Sanders, a pioneering figure in the field of biblical studies. I found it a fascinating read. More than any other Sanders popularized the terminology covenantal nomism, the notion that Jews of Paul's day understood themselves as "in" because of God's election and, once in, as responsible to keep God's laws. The implication of this view is that Judaism was not characterized by a legalistic mindset that put a premium on works as a way to earn God's favor in the first place. In this paper Sanders discusses his influences as well as the process by which he reached his conclusions. (HT)