Circle 4, a book discussion group for women, has chosen its next book for study. It will be The First Paul: Reclaiming the Radical Visionary Behind the Church’s Conservative Icon by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan, published in 2009. The authors provide a scholarly, yet very readable look at the apostle, who has long been a controversial figure. As in other books which they have co-authored, Borg and Crossan consider Paul in the historical context in which he lived and wrote. They argue that we must separate the genuine writings of Paul from those attributed to him, which were reactionary attempts to conceal Paul’s radicalism from a later generation. The picture they reveal of Paul is very different from the modern stereotypes of the apostle. Booklist calls this book “A refreshing and heartening exculpation of a still routinely maligned figure of the first importance to culture and civilization.”

Circle 4 meets on the third Tuesday of each month, except July and August, at a member’s home (or in the church parlor) at 1:30 p.m. for dessert and discussion. The September meeting will be at Jane Henderson’s home. Please let her know if you plan to attend. New members are welcome. If you have questions, please ask Jane, Marla Dankert, or Sue Chapman. Please try to read the first chapter of The First Paul in advance of the meeting. Paperback copies of the book can be ordered new or used from www.amazon.com. It is available on Kindle too. Several copies are available from the Indianapolis-Marion Co. Public Library as well.