World-renowned Jesus scholar Marcus J. Borg shows how we can live passionately as Christians in today's world by practicing the vital elements o... read full description
reviews
May 26, 2008
Nate
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Interesting. I guess liberal Jesus-seminar-types do have faith after all....
I don't necessarily agree with everything, but I can see that Borg is really trying to forge a way of Christian living based on the historic faith. He is especially helpful in understanding that the biblical meaning of "belief" is not simply mental assent. It's not a checklist of right doctrines, but living faithfully, trusting God through Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.
I do More...
I don't necessarily agree with everything, but I can see that Borg is really trying to forge a way of Christian living based on the historic faith. He is especially helpful in understanding that the biblical meaning of "belief" is not simply mental assent. It's not a checklist of right doctrines, but living faithfully, trusting God through Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.
I do More...
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May 24, 2008
Mary
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This really is an amazing book. Borg offers a vision of Christianity that doesn't require us to check our intellect at the door and that rejects the Christian exclusivism that so many of us find distasteful and irrelevant today. Borg offers a way of seeing the Bible, Jesus, and Christian practices that transcends the literal-factual interpretation that most people in my demographic can't swallow. My favorite thing about this book is Borg's rejection of the question, "Did it really happen
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Aug 08, 2011
Linda
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I loved this book. Loved it. It may not appeal to people who are pretty content with their current understanding of Christianity, especially if it's very narrow or conservative understanding. But if you feel like Christianity has lost it's appeal (or that it never had much) I highly recommend this book. It made sense to me on a very deep level. My reaction to almost everything I read was "this is what I've always thought myself, but could never really express well, even to myself."
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Apr 03, 2008
Andrea
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Ive seen this guy talk a few times, and read a number of his books. A Jesus scholar, really, and this is probably the one most important book in convincing me that following a "christian" faith, apart from connection to any particular religion, is still valuable to me. I dont know how to explain my complete lack of interest in the Bible as anything more than a literary/political work yet my continued membership in an Episcopalian church and my absolute spiritual hunger for the ritual
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Aug 28, 2007
Mark
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If you want one book to help you find a strong foundation for being a liberal Christian in today's society, this one is it. Borg, a Lutheran who at one point left the church entirely and is now back and reinvested in his faith, provides a strong basis for how someone can embrace the lessons of science and modern life and still accept the Bible, the church, a spiritual life and hope for the future.
And there's the added bonus that he's a thelogian that conservatives love to hate. OK, More...
And there's the added bonus that he's a thelogian that conservatives love to hate. OK, More...
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Jan 13, 2011
Joe
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Not long ago I heard someone refer to Marcus Borg as a “popular” author. It struck me as odd and I felt somewhat offended since, because Marcus Borg is one of my three favorites among contemporary authors who deal with religion, to me he is not nearly popular enough—that is, I think everyone should be reading Marcus Borg. On reflection, however, I reckon I took offense because I tended to equate “popular” with “shallow,” and, I would say, shallow Borg is not. Rather, I think he has a great ta
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Feb 16, 2010
Beth
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Wow, an amazing book... a new way of living my faith that I will cherish for lifetimes to come. Currently attending a Unitarian Universalist Congregation, but am not fulfilled in my connection to the spirit through this practice... Marcus Borgs writings take me one step further and help my soul to grow and stretch, and become who it is I'm suppose to be. If anyone in Orlando wants to do the course that goes along with the book, contact me!
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Jul 20, 2011
John
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Borg is probably not the best writer in the world, he makes lots of assumptions about the theology and positions of his reader. If only I had $100 for every time he says, "Obviously," "impossible," "makes no sense," "no one can think that way," about something that many people believe and think, sometimes including myself.
He does make some good points. But the points he makes aren't exactly arguments so much as simple descriptions of his viewpo More...
He does make some good points. But the points he makes aren't exactly arguments so much as simple descriptions of his viewpo More...
Nov 21, 2011
Ann
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I'd like to see every Christian (and everyone else too for that matter) read Borg. His research and descriptions and conclusions allow all current major religions to be "correct" and, at the same time, he gives clear reasons for being Christian .. and what that means. This book certainly helped me along on that path.
On the other hand, his ideas of the "emerging paradigm" of Christianity today are something I heard about years ago and have felt and believed for t More...
On the other hand, his ideas of the "emerging paradigm" of Christianity today are something I heard about years ago and have felt and believed for t More...
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Sep 28, 2009
Tim
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I think this is a must read for any person of faith who wants to understand the emerging Church movement. Marcus Borg wonderfully writes his thesis and nails it to the door of the fundamentalist evangelical Church that has emerged in the U.S. in last century and a half.
His main points of seeing Christianity as metaphor and sacramental are beautifully written. His acceptance of other religions as sacred and metaphor for the same path to God is something I've experienced reading th More...
His main points of seeing Christianity as metaphor and sacramental are beautifully written. His acceptance of other religions as sacred and metaphor for the same path to God is something I've experienced reading th More...
Jun 17, 2009
Tracy
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I really appreciated Borg's clear description and exploration of what he calls the "emerging paradigm" in Christianity. In many ways, he articulates the ideas I have discovered in several Presbyterian churches since undergrad and come to embrace. These ideas contrast quite strongly with those espoused by the Wisconsin Synod Lutheran church in which I was brought up, representing what Borg refers to as the "earlier paradigm."
Borg's Christianity is open, multifa More...
Borg's Christianity is open, multifa More...
Jan 17, 2012
Tim
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I first encountered this book a few years ago at a church retreat for young adults, but just now got around to reading it. Borg offers up a conversational, passionate and well-organized case for what might be called liberal (he uses the phrase emerging) Christianity. For me the most compelling parts were the initial chapters dealing with the Bible, God and Jesus, and the final one (addressing religious pluralism). The middle section was a little muddled, but he was strong where it counts.
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Nov 27, 2011
Bonnie
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I appreciated Borg's explanation of the new paradigm of Christianity which harkens back to the metaphorical approach actually employed by the writers of the original Biblical texts. Borg offers a poetic way to retain one's faith in a postmodern world and effectively shows how Biblical literalism is a modern development. While demolishing more literal interpretations of the Bible, he asserts that mythology allows Christians to live a fruitful life of compassion while maintaining a closeness to Je
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Apr 23, 2008
This Will Sway You: They'll be a lot of talk about how Borg doesn't believe in the resurrection and such. By reading him you will find that he doesnt ascribe to the events the way they are portrayed. He does however, reconcile the way we interpret Scripture and I believe his emerging paradigm could save Christianity. Not that it needs saving, but many of us have serious intellectual concerns regarding certain portions of the Bible that just CAN'T add up.
What Borg manages to do is revive the ol More...
What Borg manages to do is revive the ol More...
Aug 01, 2010
Sara
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As someone who had practically no religious education, this book was such a great way to be introduced to a lot of the theories that govern liberal Christianity. Borg does an excellent job explaining how the Bible can be interpreted as allegory-which I loved. He compares it to the stories on Garrison Keillor's radio show in that " We all know that Keillor is making them up, and yet we hear truth in these stories. We often recognize ourselves in them." One of my favorite books.
Mar 25, 2009
Betty
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About how metaphorical interpretation of the Bible and Christianity provides a rich source of a Christianity that is inclusive of all and is about Gods love and reaching for the reign of God that is available to all. It includes interpretation and practical way to live into a Christianity centered in our heart within the heart of God. This is a great book for those of us who are no longer comfortable with the literal interpretation of Christianity.
Jul 15, 2011
Kate
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When I identified Love and Compassion as two of my values earlier this summer, I knew I wanted to express them through my Christian faith. I knew that my passion for justice is one of my gifts, but ultimately, I was not sure how to go about encountering the Divine.
This book answered these questions for me. It answered questions I didn't even have on a conscious level, about sin and salvation, amongst others. It presents Christianity through a postmodern lens, and I find it compelling More...
This book answered these questions for me. It answered questions I didn't even have on a conscious level, about sin and salvation, amongst others. It presents Christianity through a postmodern lens, and I find it compelling More...
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Aug 06, 2011
Trish
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This is the 1st of 3 books I have borrowed by Borg. I have embarked on a religious quest and was given this book by a former Roman Catholic priest; now a United Church of Christ Assoc. Minister. I liked this book very much,as it hits home for me. He speaks of an early paradigm and the emerging paradigm within Christianity. Coming from a RCC background I found it helpful to see my "liberal" views were neither new or my own, but shared by many.
May 02, 2009
Megan
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I absolutely will not delve into a thick review here because Marcus Borg gets SUPER deep in this one. I will argue that if you are a Christian and you are alive today you ought to read this and consider the diversity and openness amongst believers. It should be required reading and if it were maybe Christians would co-exist more peacefully considering varying denominations and factions within those denoms.
Apr 26, 2011
Okanagan
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The Heart of Chistianity encourages you to think outside the box about Christianity. Historical perspectives are explored and the future of Christianity is pondered. These ides, and issues are well researched, presented, and are truely thought provoking. In a technological, educated society old answers are not meeting the current needs of society. What path will religion take to remain relavant?
Jan 21, 2012
Ellyn
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I loved this book! The author is a contemporary Christian scholar who lives in Oregon. He contrasts a more traditional way of viewing Christianity (the "earlier paradigm") with a newer "emerging paradigm", which sees the Bible more historically and metaphorically and focuses on transformation in this life through relationship with God. God is not a person out there, but a "more", a presence, an encompassing spirit, a dimension of reality. My reaction to this boo
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Dec 25, 2008
Kikue
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Very interesting, clear, and it confirmed a lot of what I've already decided for myself after I served and then left the fundamental, traditional Christian church. Borg gave good light to what many Christians are questioning the church about today as we're faced with living in the age of pluralism. Personally, I enjoyed the book until I hit chapter ten when Borg discussed Christian practice. It all sounded fundamental to me then.
Feb 20, 2009
Amy
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Marcus Borg is amazing, and my experience reading this book was similar to how I have felt reading his others: appreciative that he embraces complexity and metaphor; tremendously grateful that he presents a perspective on Christianity that both resonates deeply and challenges me to grow in my faith. Overall, this book was especially beneficial in helping me to reflect on the question, "Why choose Christianity?" and to begin to examine my reactions about what it means to identify as Ch
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Jun 24, 2009
Brandon
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Marcus Borg presents an alternative vision of Christianity that has, frankly, reinvented my faith. He presents a vision of Christianity that involves my head and my heart. He affirms that faith is about an ever-deepening relationship with God, and that God is all around us, not "out there." All in all, a great book, and a strong vision. I would recommend this to anyone who is seeking to live out an authentic Christian faith in today's world.
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Oct 18, 2008
John
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Top 10 Chrisitan Book of the year
Everything Borg writes is worth reading. He is clean, non-dogmatice, challanging and opens your eyes to a new, elivened view of your Christian faith. If your faith is getting stale, routine, boring enough to consider leaving the church, read this book. This is not the Christianity of your parents, but a new paradigm that brings Jesus and Christianity back to life and followers back to the personal and political model that Jesus lived and left as his l More...
Everything Borg writes is worth reading. He is clean, non-dogmatice, challanging and opens your eyes to a new, elivened view of your Christian faith. If your faith is getting stale, routine, boring enough to consider leaving the church, read this book. This is not the Christianity of your parents, but a new paradigm that brings Jesus and Christianity back to life and followers back to the personal and political model that Jesus lived and left as his l More...
Jul 30, 2011
Borg's chapter on "faith" was excellent...but after that Borg trivialized his "emerging" position when he makes matter-of-fact statements that aren't matters of fact. So theologically I had a difficult time with most of this. But when he was right...I could give a hearty amen. It's just that he wasn't right very often.
Aug 23, 2010
Ian
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This is a must read for anyone trying to be a Christian in the 21st Century and hasn't been able to adequately describe his or her beliefs.
And you have to read the Kingdom of God chapter twice - its what its all about - living it on the Earth now! Its not so much about salvation as picking up the cross and doing what is right in your time - economically, socially, fraternally, etc.
Awesome, a way to be Catholic and progressive - a must read.
And you have to read the Kingdom of God chapter twice - its what its all about - living it on the Earth now! Its not so much about salvation as picking up the cross and doing what is right in your time - economically, socially, fraternally, etc.
Awesome, a way to be Catholic and progressive - a must read.
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Feb 13, 2011
Brook
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While I do not affirm all of what Borg is saying in this book, I love that he is creating a path to Christianity for those who find the current paradigm problematic. His take on the Bible in particular is refreshing. What Borg does here and continues to do is revisit our faith and reinterpret it so it remains relevant and accessible to a changing world.
Aug 01, 2010
Hayley
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You know what... I really liked this book. I think Borg has a remarkable view on religion. A view that I find really appealing. It definitely helped settle my mind after I had a friend tell me for 8 hours that Jesus is coming back soon and I'm going to Hell. FUN TIMES
Jul 29, 2011
Linda
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An examination of the emerging paradigm in the modern Christian church, Borg shows how Christianity is much more than believing or proving doctrines. This book is highly-recommended, especially to those who may have lost touch with their Christian faith.
