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  • From: Jeff Peterson <peterson AT austingrad.edu>
  • To: "Corpus-paul" <corpus-paul AT franklin.oit.unc.edu>
  • Subject: Re: new thesis request for info
  • Date: Sun, 17 Nov 2002 01:30:17 -0600


I am developing a thesis that the thorn in Paul's flesh was a form of
untreated(of course) alcoholism, and the Damascus event was his moment of
clarity. Any input would be greatly appreciated.


Patrick,

I would think this a difficult thesis to sustain, on at least two ground that occur right off: (1) The ancients had no concept of alcohol addiction as a disease; the sort of people therapeutically minded moderns term "suffering with alcoholism" they called "drunks." (2) Paul is quite clear that "drunks" (METHUSOI) will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9-10), and he is equally clear that he expects to (e.g., Phil 1:23).

Best wishes,

Jeff Peterson
--
Jeffrey Peterson
Associate Professor of New Testament
Austin Graduate School of Theology
Austin, Texas, USA




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