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Grace Is Not God's Backup Plan: An Urgent Paraphrase of Paul's Letter to the Romans Paperback – February 26, 2015

by Adam S. Miller (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 312 ratings
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What follows is not a translation in the ordinary sense of the word. It’s more like a paraphrase. Rather than worry over the letter of the text, the goal has been to illuminate the large scale patterns that structure it. The King James Version, for instance, renders Paul’s letter with uncanny beauty but is opaque as an argument. Modern translations tend to have the same problem. Their overriding concern is with the letter of the text, not with its logic. As a result, Paul’s forest is always getting sacrificed for the sake of his trees. But Paul’s work is too important, his good news too urgent, to leave so much of him locked in the first century. We need our renderings to do more than mimic the original, we need them to bleed and breathe. This work argues that the deep logic of Romans comes into sharp focus around a single premise: Paul’s claim that grace is not God’s backup plan. Paul never quite puts it like this, but he implies it at every turn.
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  1. Print length
    82 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    February 26, 2015
  4. Dimensions
    5 x 0.19 x 8 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1508647763
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1508647768
  7. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Adam S. Miller is a professor of philosophy at Collin College in McKinney, Texas. He and his wife, Gwen, have three children. He received an MA and PhD in philosophy from Villanova University as well as a BA in Comparative Literature from Brigham Young University. He is the editor of An Experiment on the Word (2011) and the author of Badiou, Marion, and St Paul: Immanent Grace (2008), Rube Goldberg Machines: Essays in Mormon Theology (2012), Speculative Grace: Bruno Latour and Object-Oriented Theology (2013), and Letters to a Young Mormon (2014). He is the co-editor, with Joseph Spencer, of the book series Groundwork: Studies in Theory and Scripture, published by the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (February 26, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 82 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1508647763
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1508647768
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.19 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 312 ratings

About the author

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Adam Miller

Adam Miller

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Adam S. Miller is a professor of philosophy at Collin College in McKinney, Texas and the author of more than ten books. He earned a BA in Comparative Literature from Brigham Young University and an MA and PhD in Philosophy from Villanova University.

He writes both for academic audiences in the fields of philosophy of religion and contemporary Continental philosophy and for popular audiences in relation to Latter-day Saint beliefs and practices.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
312 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book insightful and helpful for understanding grace. They describe it as a compelling read that helps them understand Paul's message better. Readers appreciate the easy-to-understand explanations and short length.

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Thought provokingReadabilityEase of readingBook length
48 customers mention "Thought provoking"48 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and helpful for understanding grace better. They say it speaks to their souls with well-thought-out terms and makes Paul's teachings accessible. The author is honest about his interpretations and thoughts.

"...It is an updated paraphrase that helps the modern reader understand the gist of Paul's preaching...." Read more

"...to save themselves, yet this is after studying such great and inspiring prophets such as Enoch, Noah, and Abraham who had no need for the outlining..." Read more

"...important to be aware of the book of Romans, as it has some amazing teachings on grace that can bless the lives of the believer...." Read more

"Succinct, clear, incredibly relatable, relevant, eye opening and convicting. Wow, the book of Romans is very much a message for our day...." Read more

31 customers mention "Readability"31 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and insightful. They appreciate the modern perspective on Romans and the translation that brings it to life. The book is described as an energetic and inspiring read that brings the scriptures to life for readers.

"This was a pleasure to read...." Read more

"...I loved that this book was short enough that I could read it in a single sitting, and I will definitely compare it to the KJV of scriptures I have...." Read more

"I found this a wonderful book to read to help me see a modern perspective on Paul’s letter to the Romans...." Read more

"...What a great book. Thanks, Adam for writing it!" Read more

11 customers mention "Ease of reading"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and understand. They say it's a quick read but worth reading over and over again. The author provides a good explanation of why the book of Romans is relevant and makes Christ's commandments more doable. The writing is concise, clear, relatable, and eye-opening.

"...likely readers will be from an LDS background, and the author gives a good explanation of why the book of Romans is important to out understanding..." Read more

"Succinct, clear, incredibly relatable, relevant, eye opening and convicting. Wow, the book of Romans is very much a message for our day...." Read more

"...Easy to understand, but profound. A must read for studying Romans!" Read more

"...for a modern audience his paraphrase is beautifully written, easily understandable, and re-introduces Grace to a Mormon audience...." Read more

3 customers mention "Book length"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book short enough to read in a single sitting. They also mention it's not a long or difficult read, like some theological books can be.

"...I loved that this book was short enough that I could read it in a single sitting, and I will definitely compare it to the KJV of scriptures I have...." Read more

"...It is not a long book or a difficult read (as some more theological books can be), another reason for my recommendation...." Read more

"...Now I see it everywhere. This is a short book, to be read and savored over and over again." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Customer Bob
    5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful and edifying--an excellent paraphrase
    Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This was a pleasure to read. The introduction clarified the author's goals and the "lens" through which he approaches Paul's epistle to the Romans, making clear what this book is and (more importantly) what it is not. It is an updated paraphrase that helps the modern reader understand the gist of Paul's preaching. It is not a translation (though it is deeply informed by other translations). The paraphrase itself is like peeking through the beautiful veneer of KJV language (which I love) to understand the divine message according to our own language and understanding.
    One person found this helpful
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  • LAW
    5.0 out of 5 stars Uplifting and inspiring!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2015
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    I enjoyed the fact that I could finally understand the apostle Paul through a "translator". What a great experience it was to read this message of hope. I am teaching an adult OT institute class right now and happen to be studying about Israel and their lack of faith in God necessary to save themselves, yet this is after studying such great and inspiring prophets such as Enoch, Noah, and Abraham who had no need for the outlining of a law because their faith kept them on The Way. Israel's mind was focused way too low, on the temporal, and they had trouble recognizing God's grace which surrounded them, daily, moment by moment. I loved that this book was short enough that I could read it in a single sitting, and I will definitely compare it to the KJV of scriptures I have. I will use it as a guide so that I can learn to read Paul more easily. Grace has always been a fairly indiscernible concept for me, but I believe I understand it much better now. I can differentiate it from other terms to be able to explain it to others better. I bought the Kindle version of this book so I made notations and highlights which will help me refer back to my thoughts and add to them as I read through this again. Great read!
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Robert B. Lloyd
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good exploration in an important but complex book of scripture
    Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2016
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    To begin with, be aware that this is not a direct translation of the Book of Romans. The author is more intent on helping the reader understand the overall message, rather than discern every single verse and it's possible meaning. I appreciate that the author has encouraged us the reader to refer to various translations and study for ourselves rather then simply take his word for it.

    So the most likely readers will be from an LDS background, and the author gives a good explanation of why the book of Romans is important to out understanding of God's grace. Without going into too much detail, LDS and Protestant Evangelicals have often fought over the proper role of grace and works, with Evangelicals often referring to the book of Romans as one of the main sources for Sola Fide. Nevertheless, as Latter Day Saints believe the bible it is important to be aware of the book of Romans, as it has some amazing teachings on grace that can bless the lives of the believer. This book is a wonderful guide to help us better understand this book. I highly recommend it!
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Becca H.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Clarifies Paul's message to reveals its incredible relevance and power.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Succinct, clear, incredibly relatable, relevant, eye opening and convicting. Wow, the book of Romans is very much a message for our day.

    Thank you, Adam Miller, for clarifying Paul's language so we can feel the power of his message. What a witness to the central message and invitation of Christ!
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  • Mtlnative
    4.0 out of 5 stars If you are interested in a perspective on Paul and his letter to the Romans
    Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I found this a wonderful book to read to help me see a modern perspective on Paul’s letter to the Romans. It is a paraphrase of Paul’s words and thus may not be everyone’s cup of tea in terms of those who prefer the “standard works” as the King James Version or others that have transcribed Romans word for word. However, if you are interested in thinking about what Paul might have meant and what his thinking might mean for modern Christians, this is such a good little book.
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  • S. Nelson
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a Wonderful Book!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2017
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    I love this book!. After two years I still refer to it more than weekly. Whenever I need an injection of grace, I read the paraphrase. As a latter-day saint, I have found that without understanding that God's grace is the foundation of a Christ-centered life, the tendency is to revert to what I call a law-oriented religion; a religion of rules and check off lists; a religion where feeling joy and love is greatly diminished. Expressing gratitude for Christ's grace has produced a new dimension of Spirit that has enlivened and grown my spirit. Whenever I feel down I read a few pages of the book. It helps me understand the underlying message (grace and mercy) of the Book of Mormon. Viewing my life in the light of grace has drastically changed my perspective of everything around me. What a great book. Thanks, Adam for writing it!
    15 people found this helpful
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  • CRS
    5.0 out of 5 stars An insightful reading of Romans
    Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2015
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    This is an excellent reading of Paul's Epistle to the Romans. The King James translation is thick and difficult and filled with apparent contradictions. Adam Miller gives us a clear paraphrase of the text informed by his scholarship and belief and inspiration.

    I appreciate very much the audacity of this endeavor. My scribal prejudices would love to see footnotes and references. Which passages are pretty directly from Romans and which are amplifications? Which amplifications are from other passages of scripture and which are insights of the author? But it's better that Miller gives it to us as one having authority (or authorship if you will) and force us to wrestle with the text without the scribal impediments of footnotes.

    Even now I am returning to the KJV with new understanding and marking and annotating with fresh insight and new promptings of the spirit.

    Update: I wrote the review before I saw the Appendix. We get the text in an appendix with correlation to the verse numbers: two ways of experiencing the text.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Romans Deciphered
    Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2023
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    I have struggled with Brother Paul's letter to the Romans for years. With help from Adam S. Miller I finally have the vision of the revolutionary nature of Romans. Definitely recommend!!!
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Dewz&sewz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you !
    Reviewed in Canada on October 15, 2015
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    I gained a new respect for Paul and the message in Romans.
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  • Evan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Basically a paraphrased re-writing of Romans
    Reviewed in Australia on November 3, 2015
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    Romans is easily one of the most misunderstood books of the New Testament. Paul's writings are more like sermons on the topic of grace than they are hard and fast doctrinal expositions. Paul's attempts to persuade people away from the fulfilled Law of Moses are underpinned by the concept of grace and how it relates to the believer's life.

    Miller's book is basically a paraphrased re-writing of Romans, and is a great way to sort out Paul's convoluted writings.
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  • Mike
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on December 25, 2016
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    Great read; wonderful, refreshing perspectives.
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  • David
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful translation
    Reviewed in Australia on May 24, 2017
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    The author brought the book of Romans alive for me and has inspired me to go and read as many other translations of the book as I can and to trust more fully in grace.
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