Was Jesus born of a virgin? Did he know he was the Messiah? Was he bodily resurrected from the dead? Did he intentionally die to redeem humankin... read full description
reviews
Aug 05, 2008
Rae
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Basic questions about Christianity are examined...was Jesus born of a virgin? Did he know he was the Messiah? Was he God? Did he die to redeem mankind? The amazing thing to me is that any Christian scholar who professes to believe in Christ (Borg) would ever dare to ask these questions in the first place. The Jesus Seminar is, to me, a classic example of the "wolves" spoken of in the New Testament. They profess to be believers but use their "knowledge" to undermine people's f
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Aug 09, 2011
The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions, co-authored by Marcus Borg and N.T. Wright is an excellent read for the student of N.T. interpretation/hermeneutics. By design, the book provides the reader with two quite different approaches (one is more traditional, the other more revisionist) to eight very important topics in ‘Jesus’ studies. Each of the essays provided by N.T. Wright utilized both scriptural and historical background information in a very logical presentation of his thesis. Borg, on t
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Jan 25, 2012
Lee
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Two of my favorite scholars, Marcus Borg and N. T. Wright, debate the meaning of Jesus. One is decidedly more conservative, but both are thoughtful and well-studied. And, raising hope for the future of Christianity, I would venture a guess that they are best friends despite their differences.
Wright believes the gospels are what they are “because their authors thought the events they were recording—all of them, not just some—actually happened.” This may sound self-evident to conservat More...
Wright believes the gospels are what they are “because their authors thought the events they were recording—all of them, not just some—actually happened.” This may sound self-evident to conservat More...
Jan 09, 2012
Ben
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The Meaning of Jesus is a fascinating debate between two of the big names in contemporary theology. Coming into this book, I've read a great deal of N.T. Wright but nothing previously about Marcus Borg. Both men are excellent writers and thinkers who agree that Jesus is hugely important both historically and presently. When it comes to details, however, they disagree on virtually every issue.
As a conservative evangelical I naturally agreed with Wright throughout the book. I expected t More...
As a conservative evangelical I naturally agreed with Wright throughout the book. I expected t More...
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Aug 17, 2011
Tania
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I am not a theologian, and as such, I can't review or evaluate this book on that level. I am a Christian who was raised in the Anglican Church, and I've always been fascinated by questions of Biblical inerrancy. I approached this book as someone who clearly believes in Jesus as Son of God and Saviour, yet who is open to different ways of approaching the Bible.
Borg and Wright both make well written, clear arguments to explain their views around Christ both as a spiritual and historic More...
Borg and Wright both make well written, clear arguments to explain their views around Christ both as a spiritual and historic More...
May 29, 2009
Art
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I am both confounded and very happy that these two very different theologians co-authored this book about Jesus. They go to great lengths to find common ground and to treat each others writing respectfully. In the preface they say it is because they are friends. That's just so wonderful. But they do not avoid their major differences, and this makes the book a lively (but friendly) debate.
Tom Wright brilliantly describes a faith in the resurrected messiah Jesus that is historically ground More...
Tom Wright brilliantly describes a faith in the resurrected messiah Jesus that is historically ground More...
Oct 03, 2010
Teresa
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Borg and Wright are an odd pair because they represent distinctly different sides of the debate within Christianity about Jesus s nature and identity. Borg's perspective is commonly described as revisionist, while Wright has a more traditional view. In this book, the two scholars take turns sharing their thoughts on Jesus's divinity, his life, his death, his resurrection, and so on.
What really stands out about this book is how the two men can argue so passionately, but respectfully More...
What really stands out about this book is how the two men can argue so passionately, but respectfully More...
Mar 26, 2009
Matt
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Two Jesus scholars present their sometimes similar, more often conflicting accounts about Christ. Wright presents a classical "orthodox" view of historical Jesus, and Borg presents a liberal, view. I came to the book wondering why liberal scholars like Borg still bother to believe in Jesus at all (he does believe that Jesus existed and was crucified, but discounts a lot of the gospels as either a metaphor that has morphed into a historical meaning it was never intended to convey or m
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Jul 29, 2009
Phil
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Possibly the most liberal and conservative Protestant theologians (who, incidentally, are best of friends)square off, each defending his stance on various aspects of Jesus, His life, mission, and death. I come to this area of intellectual and spiritual endeavor an absolute tyro, so every page WOWs me. After reading a chapter by Borg I find myself saying, "He makes a lot of sense," and when I finish a chapter by Wright on the same chapter, I find myself saying, "He makes a lot of s
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Jun 21, 2009
Karen
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I ploughed through this book,and parts of it were really very interesting. I felt like I was reading a book for an upper level college class. It stretched me. I think it would be a great book to read in a Sunday School class or a small group where readers could discuss it chapter by chapter. It's definitely NOT a summer beach read. I felt bad that Marcus Borg thought that Jesus' first miracle, turning water into wine during the wedding at Cana, was simply a metaphor. Waaaaaa!!!! I love that
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Nov 27, 2009
Joey
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I wish I had read more about the historical Jesus earlier in my life. If I had, I would better understand Jesus' mission and message. Although Wright and Borg have very different understandings for the implications of the historical Jesus and are willing to or unwilling to accept debatable aspects of Jesus life, I still come out of the reading with a greater respect for Jesus' mission and message. I consider this book to be another read that is helping me to deconstruct the evangelical and funda
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Mar 27, 2010
Jeremy
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I have been dipping in and out of this book.
I really enjoy Borg. It's the first I have read of him. Borg is historically helpful, and Wright is devotionally helpful. On some points their voices are mutually exclusive, but I find both Wright and Borg helpful. What appeals to me is Borg's mystical expression of faith and his emphasis that the first Christ followers met the post-Easter Jesus in vision experiences. Borg is a good popularizing historian, and I find his vision of faith a More...
I really enjoy Borg. It's the first I have read of him. Borg is historically helpful, and Wright is devotionally helpful. On some points their voices are mutually exclusive, but I find both Wright and Borg helpful. What appeals to me is Borg's mystical expression of faith and his emphasis that the first Christ followers met the post-Easter Jesus in vision experiences. Borg is a good popularizing historian, and I find his vision of faith a More...
Jun 14, 2011
Rob
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A worthwhile look at several of the major, foundational topics about who Jesus was and what His significance is, from the perspectives of two good friends who have significantly different views. Each topic (e.g. His teachings, His death, His resurrection, His divinity, His second coming, etc.) is addressed first by one author, then the other.
Though I generally agree more with Wright, I was surprised by the extent to which I could respect Borg's views. For example, prior to reading More...
Though I generally agree more with Wright, I was surprised by the extent to which I could respect Borg's views. For example, prior to reading More...
Oct 10, 2011
Peter
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Well I finally finished it! haha! It only took me almost all year. This is not a super tough read, but it is written by two theologians so it's not a super light read either. I love to constantly have my notions about faith shaken up, to really ask myself why I believe what I believe. I am first and foremost a Christ follower, and I have tried very hard not to be roped in by the culture and dogma of the church but by what Jesus said and did. This book is a great read for someone who wants
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Sep 22, 2011
James
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The Meaning of Jesus is an intriguing tête-à-tête between two friends with very different Christian worldviews. N.T. Wright is the Bishop of Durham who takes up the standard of orthodox Christianity and Marcus Borg is, to put it mildly, a very liberal Lutheran. Both argue well, and Borg is most fascinating when he lays out his methodology in analyzing and interpreting the written documents we have on Jesus (He focuses on the Gospel of Mark because it is the oldest of the written traditions, he d
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Apr 06, 2009
David
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This is a good book for those who desire to compare two different ways of understanding Jesus, Christianity and the Bible. The cover states that the two authors are the leading "conservative" and the leading "liberal" scholar in the historical Jesus debate. Perhaps true, though it would not be difficult to find scholars much more conservative than Wright and much more liberal than Borg.
I am a huge fan of NT Wright so it was not surprising that I found myself agr More...
I am a huge fan of NT Wright so it was not surprising that I found myself agr More...
Dec 26, 2009
Trevor
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Reading the Meaning of Jesus is like sitting at Centre Court in Wimbledon seeing two tennis greats volleying with all their might! Enjoyable and exciting reading, as you wait to see how the other author will return the serve!
There are 8 parts in the book, with two chapters per part. Borg plays for the more progressive (or liberal) side, while Wright represents the more conservative side, but both are devout Christians. The good thing is that there is no hostility between them as the More...
There are 8 parts in the book, with two chapters per part. Borg plays for the more progressive (or liberal) side, while Wright represents the more conservative side, but both are devout Christians. The good thing is that there is no hostility between them as the More...
Oct 31, 2007
kelly
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This is a fascinating debate about the historical Jesus between renowned liberal and conservative scholars Marcus Borg and N.T. Wright, respectively (both of whom also happen to be close friends).
The book presents one essay by each of them in response to a question or topic ("How do we know about Jesus?", "The Death of Jesus", "Was Jesus God?", etc.)
At the heart of the matter is their disagreement about whether the truth of a gospel story is depend More...
The book presents one essay by each of them in response to a question or topic ("How do we know about Jesus?", "The Death of Jesus", "Was Jesus God?", etc.)
At the heart of the matter is their disagreement about whether the truth of a gospel story is depend More...
Jan 02, 2011
Stephanie
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This was one of those books that took awhile to get through. Had to put it down every couple of chapters to digest it all. However, N.T. Write and Marcus Borg do a great job of respectful debate on their interpretations of who Jesus is and was.
I will say that I don't think they are really very far from each other on a lot of issues -- but they use different phrasing to describe the same phenomenon sometimes. I found that amusing :)
I will say that I don't think they are really very far from each other on a lot of issues -- but they use different phrasing to describe the same phenomenon sometimes. I found that amusing :)
Jun 11, 2007
Basmah
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So far this book is a bit dense and feels scattered. I guess it's because there are two authors and they alternate chapters - each posing different sides to each argument. I dunno, I feel like I get so lost in the verbose text that I keep missing the point each person is making. I don't want fall into the trap of making assumptions or passing judgment about the state of either person's beliefs regarding the Prophet Jesus (Isa alay'his-salaam), so I'll stop here, but I might have to give this an
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Jul 29, 2011
Linda
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Two Christian scholars with opposite viewpoints, Borg and Wright respectfully discuss the significance of Jesus in the Christian faith. This is an excellent book for those interested in the debate about Jesus that has dominated Christianity for the last 20-30 yrs.
Oct 27, 2010
Daniel
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A topical based dialogue between a conservative historian of Jesus and the liberal one. Topics discussed including Jesus' message, the virgin birth, and the resurrection (one believes in the physical mode, the other does not).
Feb 12, 2010
James
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This is an interesting book by two scholars who sit across the divide in their work on the historical Jesus. Loved the interaction but both scholars have written better books elsewhere.
Feb 27, 2009
I found thie approach somewhat confusing, going back and forth from one author to another. The 2 authors have very differing opinions on many aspects of "the historical Jesus."
Mar 23, 2009
Hammond502
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Using as a Lenten study for a group. Challenging vocabulary for some in the group, but generates good discussion.
Aug 11, 2009
Marvin
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Wright represents a conservative scholarly response to the likes of Borg & other members of the Jesus Seminar. Here they go back & forth on various issues: Jesus' mission, death, Resurrection, divinity, birth, & Second Coming. Basically, Borg argues repeatedly for a distinction between the "pre-Easter" historical Jesus & the "post-Easter" Jesus of Christian experience & tradition, a distinction Wright rejects, insisting that Jesus saw himself as the Messiah. Generally I find
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Mar 22, 2009
MeaganS
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It took me a while to finish, but I really enjoyed this thoughtful debate about historical Jesus. In alternating chapters "the leading liberal and conservative Jesus scholars" Marcus Borg and N.T. Wright, present their views of "who Jesus was, what he taught, and what he did." I came away from reading the book with a better understanding of the time and community in which Jesus lived, and the desire to read and learn more.
Sep 16, 2007
Nathan
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N.T. Wright had a big hand in guiding me back into the shepherd's fold. While my undergraduate education presented me with a view much like the one Marcus Borg offers in this book, reading this book won me over to seeing that the Christian tradition's way of reading the Gospel is intellectually superior to other accounts.
Wright and Borg present alternate visions-- Wright the traditional view held by the Church, Borg a variation on the "Jesus Seminar." Wright's writing here More...
Wright and Borg present alternate visions-- Wright the traditional view held by the Church, Borg a variation on the "Jesus Seminar." Wright's writing here More...
Aug 15, 2011
Melinda
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I'm only partway through this book (into Ch. 4), but am really enjoying these two informed, intellectual views of the historical and theological Jesus. I find myself identifying FAR more with one theologian than the other. Perhaps this is because I've thought through a lot of this on my own and already had an opinion, not that the other argument is not well-argued. Both arguments are well thought-out and extensively researched.
DO NOT be put off by the dense introduction - once More...
DO NOT be put off by the dense introduction - once More...
