When I tell people that the Bible deconstructs religion, some get offended or fearful that it might be true. The Apostle Paul’s message to the community in Galatia is a profound letter, like all of his work, that deconstructs religion, not by starting a new one, but by showing how faith in Christ (what I call Christ following) is a superior alternative.
If this message were being shared today, the Christian religion would be put on notice in much the same way that his fundamental Jewish listeners were back then. But it’s hard to turn loose of our religions, and Paul writes this letter because the community had slid back into tradition again, and was missing the amazing gift of freedom and grace.
Join Paul now as I contextualize his letter to the Galatians for modern hearers.