Saint Paul is a towering figure in the Church. So much of our Catholic theology is based on his writings, and yet so often people attempt to turn his words against the Church. This course is going to introduce students to Saint Paul within his own context – a first-century Jewish convert to Christianity. We will look at his radical transformation, how Jesus completely transformed his reading of Jewish Scriptures, his many sea-faring adventures, his run-ins with the authorities, and we will walk through the letters he wrote (they’re for everyone, not just theologians!) in order to get to really know this man who has shaped the teachings of the Church more than anyone besides Jesus Himself. We will get to know both his personality (sometimes a bit overwhelming, always loving) as well as his theology. This course will give students a better grasp of not only who Saint Paul is, but of the Catholic position on grace, salvation, and the mystical Body of Christ, and will equip them to better live and defend their faith through the great Saint Paul.