Jesus: Uncovering the Life, Teachings, and Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary
by Marcus J. Borg
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Almost two thousand years after his death, Jesus continues to be front-page news in the United States. Yet American Christians are deeply divided about what it means to follow him. Bible scholar Borg takes us on a journey to discover who Jesus was, what he taught, and why he still matters today. Borg argues that how we see Jesus affects how we see Christianity and reveals a new way of seeing--a new perspective that can overcome the differences between the literalists and progressives, a path show more that emphasizes following "the way" of Jesus, the original name of the Jesus movement. Jesus remains the decisive revelation of God, but we now encounter him as both a reality and a role model centered in God, focused on both personal and political transformation, emphasizing practices rather than beliefs, and exemplifying a faith characterized by deep commitment and gentle certitude.--From publisher description. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
This is an important book to read in these days of fuzzy thinking about Christianity and with the doubt (per President Obama) that we Americans "do not consider ourselves a Christian nation." Borg writes about a political Jesus who calls us to live an unconventional life centered in God free from the bondage of wealth and pride. Jesus had a passion for God's Kingdom involving a transformation on earth with justice for all. That type of justice is the social form of compassion resulting in God's will for peace and plenty on earth. Personally, I see that message as a noble one for Christianity and the world in general. Are you listening, Mr. President?
Borg's insights make Bible reading more relevant to today's world. He takes theology show more down to the level of the layperson who just wants a more meaningful life and deeper relationship with God. He advocates less doctrine and more following Jesus. This is a book to be reread and contemplated. It's the type of book of which I will glean new wisdom with each thoughtful reading. In the end, it made Jesus more real to me and allowed me to go deeper in my spiritual quest. show less
Borg's insights make Bible reading more relevant to today's world. He takes theology show more down to the level of the layperson who just wants a more meaningful life and deeper relationship with God. He advocates less doctrine and more following Jesus. This is a book to be reread and contemplated. It's the type of book of which I will glean new wisdom with each thoughtful reading. In the end, it made Jesus more real to me and allowed me to go deeper in my spiritual quest. show less
Despite being a very dense book this overview of the historical Jesus is quite readable and extremely enjoyable. Borg goes through a lot of material but he has organized it such that you can easily go back and re-read chapters to refresh your memory. If you are looking for one book to start your historical Jesus studies I would heartily recommend this one.
Helps give a rational basis for Christianity and for following 'The Way'. Good book!!
Almost two thousand years after his death, Jesus continues to be front-page news in the United States. Yet American Christians are deeply divided about what it means to follow him. Bible scholar Borg takes us on a journey to discover who Jesus was, what he taught, and why he still matters today. Borg argues that how we see Jesus affects how we see Christianity and reveals a new way of seeing--a new perspective that can overcome the differences between the literalists and progressives, a path that emphasizes following "the way" of Jesus, the original name of the Jesus movement. Jesus remains the decisive revelation of God, but we now encounter him as both a reality and a role model centered in God, focused on both personal and political show more transformation, emphasizing practices rather than beliefs, and exemplifying a faith characterized by deep commitment and gentle certitude.--From publisher description. show less
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Marcus J. Borg was born on March 11, 1942 in Minnesota. He majored in philosophy and political science at Concordia College. He did graduate work at Union Theological Seminary in New York City and at Oxford University. He taught at various Midwest universities before joining the faculty at Oregon State University in 1979. He taught religion there show more until his retirement in 2007. During his lifetime, he wrote or co-wrote 21 books including Jesus: A New Vision, The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions with N. T. Wright, and Convictions: How I Learned What Matters Most. He died after a prolonged illness on January 21, 2015 at the age of 72. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Common Knowledge
- People/Characters
- Jesus Christ
- Dedication
- For Dom and Sarah Crossan, dear friends, teachers, and companions on the way
- First words
- This may be the last comprehensive book about Jesus that I write. (Preface)
We live in a "Christ-haunted" and "Christ-forgetting" culture. - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)But for followers of Jesus, the unending conversation about Jesus is the conversation that matters most.
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- 676
- Popularity
- 42,247
- Reviews
- 6
- Rating
- (3.87)
- Languages
- English, Portuguese (Portugal)
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 10
- ASINs
- 8
