Stanislas Breton’s A Radical Philosophy of Saint Paul stands as a great contribution to contemporary Continental philosophy, where it intersects with theological inquiry and political theory in ways that continue to reverberate through modern intellectual thought. Breton, a renowned French philosopher and theologian, challenges the reader to engage with the apostle Paul not merely as a religious figure but as a subversive philosopher whose writings offer profound insights into the nature of power, subjectivity, and the political order. This newly translated edition, brought to life by Joseph N. Ballan and critically introduced by Ward Blanton, provides an essential entry point into Breton’s intricate and often challenging re-imagination of Pauline thought.
Breton’s approach to Saint Paul is nothing short of revolutionary. He situates Paul at the crossroads of identity, agency, and power, examining the apostle’s life and teachings through a lens that is deeply informed by both historical context and philosophical rigor. The book opens with a consideration of Paul’s biography, particularly focusing on his transformative conversion experience on the road to Damascus. This event, which Breton interprets as a radical disruption of identity, serves as the cornerstone for understanding the apostle’s subsequent theological and philosophical contributions. For Breton, Paul’s conversion is not merely a personal religious experience; it is a profound commentary on the nature of subjectivity itself, one that destabilizes traditional conceptions of selfhood and agency.
In A Radical Philosophy of Saint Paul, Breton masterfully explores the apostle’s critique of the Law—a critique that is as much about the limits of human agency as it is about the failures of legalistic morality. Through a careful reading of Pauline texts, Breton introduces the concept of “radical negativity,” a philosophical category that he uses to probe the boundaries of thought, meaning, and political power. This concept becomes a critical tool in Breton’s analysis, allowing him to navigate the tensions between Paul’s embrace of the crucified Messiah—a figure who embodies the ultimate paradox of weakness and power—and the apostle’s insistence on a new form of community that transcends traditional divisions of Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female.
Breton’s Paul is neither a coherent theologian nor a stable humanist. Instead, he emerges as a figure of excess, one whose thought and experience challenge the very foundations of philosophy, secularity, and religion. This excess, as Breton describes it, is not merely a matter of theological nuance but is deeply political, implicating the structures of power that govern both ancient and modern societies. By drawing connections between Paul’s writings and the philosophical traditions that followed, particularly those of Marxism and post-Marxist thought, Breton offers a reinterpretation of Pauline theology that speaks directly to contemporary political concerns.
Ward Blanton’s introduction to this edition is invaluable, situating Breton’s work within the broader context of the “turn to religion” in Continental philosophy. Blanton underscores the importance of Breton’s text in rethinking the relationship between secularism and religion, especially in an era where traditional distinctions between the two are increasingly blurred. Blanton also highlights Breton’s unique contribution to the ongoing debates in political theology, noting how Breton’s engagement with Paul anticipates and exceeds the work of later philosophers like Alain Badiou, Giorgio Agamben, and Slavoj Žižek.
Throughout the book, Breton’s writing is characterized by a deep engagement with the philosophical traditions that have shaped Western thought. He draws on neo-Platonic categories, yet he is equally at home in the realms of existentialism, psychoanalysis, and Marxism. Breton’s method is eclectic, often bringing together seemingly disparate strands of thought in a way that is both innovative and deeply challenging. His analysis of Paul is not confined to the historical or theological, but rather, it extends into the very fabric of philosophical inquiry, questioning the assumptions that underlie our understanding of truth, power, and the human condition.
The translation by Joseph N. Ballan captures the nuance and complexity of Breton’s thought, making this challenging work accessible to an English-speaking audience. Ballan’s translation preserves the depth and intensity of Breton’s prose, allowing readers to engage fully with the text’s philosophical and theological intricacies. The translation is complemented by Blanton’s critical introduction, which provides readers with the necessary context to appreciate the significance of Breton’s work.
A Radical Philosophy of Saint Paul is not just a book for those interested in theology or philosophy; it is a text that speaks to anyone concerned with the nature of power, the possibilities of political change, and the limits of human thought. Breton’s Paul is a figure who transcends the boundaries of religion and philosophy, offering a radical critique of the world as it is and a vision of what it might become.
In the end, Breton’s work is a plea to rethink the legacy of Saint Paul, not merely as a historical figure, but as a radical philosopher whose insights continue to challenge and inspire. For Breton, Paul’s significance lies not in the doctrines he espoused, but in the way his life and writings open up new possibilities for thought and action, possibilities that are as relevant today as they were in the first century. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersections of philosophy, theology, and politics, and it stands as a testament to the enduring power of Paul’s radical message.
Simon Gros 
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