Guide to Romans

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The Epistle of Paul^[1] is one of Paul's most significant works, delving more directly into orthodoxy of both theology and church practice.

1 Theology/message
2 Use by Conservative Christians
3 Quotes
4 Footnotes

[edit] Theology/message

Romans spends a considerable time talking of the nature of sin and redemption, asking the people in the church of Rome (not to be confused with the Church of Rome) consider their wicked ways and take the moment given by Christ to change and become worthy of redemption. "One man, Adam, as brought sin into the world, the Christ will take the sin away from the world". The letter is inclusive of anyone seeking God's salvation through Christ, but it was written primarily for a Jewish audience. Though the Epistle of Romans condemns many sins, including lust and homosexuality, it should be noted that Paul makes the claim that no one sin is worse than the other, and all men sin and all men do all sins at least in the heart - therefore making judgement by man unacceptable. Smart man, that Paul.

Historically, it should be noted that Romans is written during a time when so-called "Christianity" is a sect of post-Temple Judaism, and not yet a distinct religion, and the Christ figure is not well fleshed out mythologically. There still exists serious questions about new religion with a founder that was an executed Criminal and possibly even illegitimate.

[edit] Use by Conservative Christians

Because of the particular theme of sin and redemption taken by Paul in this letter to his church, Romans is filled with juicy insights used by both contemporary and historical Christians to put minorities, heretics, and generic miscreants in their place^[2]

Lusters are chastised including anyone who enjoys a good romp in the hay, married or otherwise.
Homosexuals, male or female are chastised
Gossips, liers, slanderers, the arrogant, the boastful are, too, denounced. (Are you listening, Conservatives?)
All the evil ones, (even the liers and gossips) should be put to death.
Romans 2, then jumps right into condemning those who Judge others (similar of course to Jesus' statements regarding those who judge), for only God may rightly judge.

Practicing Jews feel his wrath, for they follow Law ^[3]

Uncircumcised men are OK. They are one of the few sets of humans to escape his wrath.^[4]

[edit] Quotes

The weighty letter has no lack of chastisements, challenges, and praise in it, and quotes for just about anything can be found in Romans.

Paying taxes, obeying the government

1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.Romans 13:1-2

Paying debts

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.Romans 13-8

Judgment of others

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. Romans 14:13

3So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?^[5]

Women in the Church (evidence Paul accepted women teachers and leaders)

1I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant[a] of the church in Cenchrea. 2I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me. 3Greet Priscilla[b] and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. ^[6]

Fast Talking Fools

17I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. ^[7]

The Great "homosexual" quote

26Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. ^[8]

[edit] Footnotes

↑ Romans is one of the 7 undisputed letters by Paul, the other six being First & Second Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, Philemon, and First Thessalonians.
↑ I wish to note that a thorough reading or Romans would suggest that Romans is not specifically condemning any particular behavior but mearly listing those on the "tip of his tongue". All humans live in sin, according to Paul.
↑ I'm guessing the translation here would be Torah, but do not have a Greek scripture on hand.
↑ Romans 2:25
↑ Romans2:3
↑ Romans 16:1-3
↑ Romans 16:17
↑ Romans1:26-27