Faroese theologian defends thesis on controversial Paul

A Faroese theologian will defend his doctoral thesis next week on the Apostle Paul, a figure he describes as deeply divisive.

Jóannes Purkhús, who has studied Paul for seven years, said the apostle is both revered and reviled, particularly for his statements on women, such as his instruction in 1 Corinthians that women should remain silent.

Purkhús’s research, to be presented in a public defence, examines how Paul employs slave imagery—common in his time—to describe himself as a “slave of Christ,” a theme he argues plays a significant role in Paul’s letters.

The defence will take place at the University of the Faroe Islands, KVF reports.