The Corinthian Correspondence

The Corinthian correspondence and the community it reflects are exciting and exasperating, interesting and complex. The letters offer us a window of opportunity to view Paul's personal and pastoral presence in his growing relationship with this church. Struggling with his own history, the history of the community, and the newness of the Gospel he preaches, Paul identifies an approach that balances tradition and innovation, theological foundations and principles of action. The passion, persuasion, and purpose of the apostle permeate these letters, and no one is unaware that the Lord Jesus is the center of his Gospel message and of his life. Paul offers insight into the commitment of early apostles, disciples, and ministers in the Corinthian community. He personally experiences the dying and rising of Christ in his work with this community, giving a ring of truth to his own assessment of Christian life and ministry. Only faith transforms adversity into an opportunity for growth, and Paul's faith and perseverance offer hope to those of us who continue to experience the paradoxes of Christian life and ministry.


""Doohan brings to life the culture and turmoil of Corinth and shows Paul working with his tumultuous congregation--and learning and growing.""
--Rosemary Haughton, author; theologian; Wellspring House, Gloucester, Massachusetts

""Helen Doohan's study of 1 and 2 Corinthians combines an expert's knowledge of Paul and early Christianity, wisdom and judgment in interpretation, and pastoral sensitivity to situations today.""
--Eugene LaVerdiere, SSS, Senior Editor, Emmanual Magazine

""This masterly book broadens the definitions of ministry. . . . Helen and clearly written, this book takes the reader through the geographical, historical and social background that is necessary to read the letter of Paul to the Corinthians intelligently.""
--Monika K. Hellwig, LLB, PhD, Landegger Professor of Theology, Georgetown University

""This walk with Paul through a ministerial relationship that he found so exciting at times and so bewildering at other times helps us today in our ministerial excitement and bewilderment.""
--Kenan B. Osborne, OFM, Franciscan School of Theology, Berkeley, California

""Doohan's book will be welcome in ministry training programs, adult religious education settings, and small faith communities.""
--Evelyn Eaton and James Whitehead, Whitehead Associates, Consultants in Education and Ministry

""This book, with its probing and insightful questions for discussion, could serve as the basis for an adult education series on Paul, a parish renewal series, as well as a classroom text.""
--Frank J. Matera, Professor of New Testament, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC


Helen Doohan is Professor Emerita of Religious Studies at Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington. Her other books include Paul's Vision of Church, Leadership in Paul, The Minister of God: Effective and Fulfilled, and Prayer in the New Testament. She has written many articles in a variety of magazines and given workshops throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in Australia, New Zealand, and Italy.