Introduction
Three conundra: incompatibility of Romans (R) 1-4 forensic atonement with R 5-8 apocalyptic participation (p2); Sanders (1977) analysis of Judaism counters the Lutheran anti Works of Law idea, bolstered by reaction against anti-Semitism (p3); problems with provenance of letter (p3). Problems emerge with a contractual reading; the tension between the anthropocentric and divine initiative, where rational people choose God the irrational are saved (p4); the understanding of Paul's pre-Christian phase is contestable and to deny this moves the Justification (J) text from contingency (p5); but the general J and participatory apocalyptic arguments are based on generalisations with little local detail (p5). This Lutheran reading might be like a computer virus (p6). Individualism, rationalism and consent in the 'Lutheran reading' correspond to North European post Renaissance culture (p7). Methodology and précis (p8).