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The Way of Love
John G. Lewis
Seabury Books
Oct/2025, 288 Pages, Paperback, 6 x 9
ISBN: 9781640657748
An exploration of Paul’s role as a pastoral theologian in the early church.
Through a close exegetical reading of Paul’s letters, this volume shows how Paul prioritized moral formation and community-building in his pastoral ministry and placed the practice of communal discernment in churches at the heart of life in the Spirit. Applying these fundamental insights for today’s churches, Lewis reclaims Paul’s primary pastoral emphasis on moral discernment and community-building, showing how this practice can be used in a variety of local church communities.
Ideal for scholars and clergy interested in applying Paul’s pastoral theology to real contexts, the volume includes practical examples and strategies for engaging in a vibrant practice of spiritual discernment today.
John G. Lewis is Theologian in Residence for the Iona Collaborative at Seminary of the Southwest, where he teaches online and in-person courses in New Testament and congregational leadership. He was the seminary’s Director of the Iona Collaborative and Lecturer in New Testament and Spirituality. He has taught New Testament and spirituality courses in graduate schools, seminaries, dioceses, and congregations, and was adjunct instructor in New Testament at Trinity University in San Antonio. Lewis is also Co-Director of St. Benedict’s Workshop in San Antonio, a nonprofit ministry he founded in 2001 to help Christian communities use Scripture to practice discipleship and discernment in all areas of daily life. Lewis has served as Dean of Examining Chaplains for the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in New Testament from the University of Oxford, an M.Div. from Virginia Theological Seminary, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center. Lewis is the author of Looking for Life: The Role of “Theo-Ethical” Reasoning in Paul’s Religion (London: T&T Clark, 2005). He lives in San Antonio, Texas.
"This book is wholly unique in its conception. With the voices of imaginary pilgrims sounding insights and concerns of perennial importance for the church, Lewis gives authenticity and theological substance to the ancient (and enduring) experience of pilgrimage. Key elements of historical, social, and linguistic data are set forth, clearly and succinctly, for each “station” on the pilgrimage, making this book especially valuable for study groups, teachers, and (literal) tour guides."—Ellen Davis, Amos Ragan Kearns Distinguished Professor of Bible and Practical Theology, Duke Divinity School
“Lewis is a compelling writer, has full command of the subject, and wants churches to thrive and they just might do so if they knew this ancient wisdom.”—Kathleen A. Cahalan, Professor of Practical Theology, St, John’s Seminary