Occasional Writings: The Big One

We look at the most influential document in the New Testament, outside of the Gospels: Romans.  We consider why it is that historically, some scholars and pastors have not liked it, and have considered it to diverge from Jesus' teachings in the Gospels.  But we also consider it as an "occasional writing", that is, a document meant for a focused purpose - as a letter to a church at a certain place and time, and with a somewhat narrow purpose.  We see what Romans teaches us if we take into account what Paul was addressing historically and culturally.  We end up with a much more nuanced and deeper understanding of the theological contributions of this amazing letter.