Abstract
This brief survey and analysis of the statements made by Paul about his experience of God calling him to be an apostle in Galatians 1:15-16; 1 Corinth 15:8-9; 2 Corinth 4:6; and Philippians 3:12 were chiefly conducted from an intentionally limited social science perspective. The article argues that the investigator can gain deeper insights into Paul’s statements “in his own words” by submitting them to a social scientific analysis especially drawing upon psychological anthropology and cognitive neuroscience. These social sciences demonstrate that Paul’s call was received in an altered state of consciousness experience. As with all such experiences, Paul drew upon the latent discourse of his culture to interpret his vision. It was God’s intent and initiative to relate to Paul (Galatians) in an ASC. Paul considered his call experience and commission to be on par with experiences of the Risen Jesus by others (1 Corinthians). Paul also drew upon the full meaning of light imagery in his tradition (his culture’s latent discourse) to interpret his call (2 Corinthians). Finally, he was fully aware that his experience took place in an altered state of consciousness (Philippians) which was a well-known and familiar experience in his culture.
Highlights
In previous publications, I have described some of Paul’s altered states of consciousness experiences
The article argues that the investigator can gain deeper insights into Paul’s statements “in his own words” by submitting them to a social scientific analysis especially drawing upon psychological anthropology and cognitive neuroscience
Paul drew upon the full meaning of light imagery in his tradition to interpret his call (2 Corinthians)
Summary
I have described some of Paul’s altered states of consciousness experiences. The purpose of such access is to broker information or benefactions from the realm of God to fellow human beings in the human realm In this present article, I propose to examine, from a social scientific perspective, Paul’s own statements about his call to be a holy man. In the authentic letters of Paul (more or less chronologically arranged) his own words about his call are found in Gl 1:15-16; 1 Cor 15:8-9; 2 Cor 4:6; and Phlp 3:12 (Stanley 1961:46) In these instances Paul make explicit references to the ASC experience in which he learned more about the God of Israel and about resurrected Jesus. His own words are puzzlingly meager in comparison with Luke’s detailed reports which present Paul’s experience in one set of “other words”. My intention is to submit Paul’s statements to a social scientific analysis such as I applied to Luke’s words in order to present a view “in still other words”
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