Customer Reviews

Jesus LP: Uncovering the Life, Teachings, and Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Marcus Borg, professor at Oregon State University, is one of a very few prominent New Testament scholars who writes for the everyday Christian, who declares his passion for a vibrant faith, who shares personally from his own experience, who is unapologetic but irenic in presenting his views, and on top of it all an excellent writer. Although I have my disagreements with him at any number of places, I have previously enjoyed his other popular books, Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time (1994), Reading the Bible Again for the First Time (2001), and The Heart of Christianity (2003). If you have read these previous books, you won't learn much new by reading Jesus. The book began as a modest revision of Jesus: A New Vision (1987), but has been marketed as a new book because the revisions were so extensive.

Borg promotes what he repeatedly and irritatingly calls "mainstream scholarship," as if others who are not part of his club are best disregarded. He does a good job of incorporating that movement's strengths, and at times admits where and why some issues are complex, opinions divided, and the choices more like a subjective art. But he ignores the corrosive tendencies of extreme historical criticism, along with the best evangelical scholarship that has interacted with it (unlike in his book co-authored with NT Wright, The Meaning of Jesus; Two Visions, 2000). What he calls the "emerging Christianity" of mainline denominations positions itself in clear contrast to conservative evangelicalism. The latter, Borg believes, is wrongly preoccupied with biblical literalism, the afterlife, and believing right doctrines. Emerging Christianity, he argues, is "way-centered" instead of belief-centered. Whereas evangelicalism represents a "defensive rejection" of the Enlightenment, his vision attempts a "discerning integration."

Central to Borg's method is his effort to distinguish between "history remembered" or "pre-Easter memory," in the sense of events in the life of Jesus that really happened, and "post-Easter metaphor," in the sense of the constructions of later Christians. The former constitutes the real voice of Jesus, the latter the voice of the community. Implicit in his distinction is the insinuation that the "voice of Jesus" enjoys an epistemological privilege over the "voice of the community." Many, of course, have observed this wedge driven between the "Jesus of history" and the "Christ of faith." Borg tries mightily to resist that tension: "A historical-metaphorical way of reading the gospels does not see them as fantasy or exaggeration or deception, but as the testimony and witness and convictions of Jesus's followers" (p. 49). Or again, "The metaphorical meaning of language is its more-than-literal, more-than-factual meaning. Metaphor refers to the surplus of meaning that language can carry." Fair enough. But Borg never addresses what a believer ought to do if, as would be the case with him, she thinks that the later believers were simply wrong when they claimed that Jesus was God in the flesh and that the Easter tomb was empty. Borg rejects the historicity of both beliefs; the best he can say is that either way it does not matter (p. 279, 287). That's hardly a satisfying answer. It does matter, according to Paul (1 Corinthians 15:12-19).

Borg shines when he expounds how Jesus reveals the character or nature of God (compassion), and his passion or will for the world (justice). I especially appreciated his exposition of the centrality of the kingdom of God, and his demonstration of how God's kingdom is both deeply personal and explicitly political. If Jesus is Lord, and Borg passionately confesses that He is, then Caesar and imperial powers are not lord. In his subversive wisdom and teaching Jesus challenges all such idolatrous principalities, powers, and authorities. Praying the Lord's prayer for this kingdom to come is, then, a way of confessing what earth would be like if God and not the state powers were in charge. And that is truly good news.

Okay...once I started this book I could not put it down. I just finished it and I don't know what to think about it. I would have to say I'm very contemplative right now. This is a fantastic book, but, dependant on where you are in your journey of faith, you may find it a bit disturbing. I learned so much and it was such a wealth of knowledge. The reason I find it disturbing, even a bit offensive, is because it challenges, persuasively, I might add, alot of the Christian norms. I'm telling you, it addresses probably every subject. These include: scripture, miracles, the virgin birth, the deity of Christ, the resurrection and more. The New Testament was a human process mixed with history remembered and early Christian belief about Jesus containing metaphorical meaning. Therefore, miracles, other than healings and exorcisms, were purely metaphorical stories. The virgin birth was a metaphorical tale opposing Roman imperialism. The deity of Christ...Jesus was not divine, essentially he was just a prophet. And the ressurecton did not physically occur, but, happened through visions and experience. I am not saying this is bad, but, for me, it was a big pill to swallow. I mean, it's still caught in my throat and I'm still trying to work it down. I would, however, refrain from reducing this fantastic contribution as simply that. When it comes to Jesus, He paints an incredible, personal and passionate Jesus.

Jesus was a Jewish peasant who was deeply compassionate and fought for justice. As a mystic, Jesus was deeply rooted in an experiential knowledge of God and what God's character was. Jesus was in line with other Jewish prophets, like Isaiah and Jeremiah. The Spirit of God was upon him and did mighty deeds through him. Through the Spirit, he had power and authority, so much so, people could sense and experience it. To a mainly Jewish auience, he announced God's justice, he told subversive stories, said controversal wisdom statements, challenged his hearers and taught them the way they could return to where they belonged. He ate and associated himself with the social outcasts of his day. He fought and called for them to leave the dark and blind broad way of life and to journey onto the narrow enlightened way through death, resulting in a new life and new being. He challenged the empire, through nonviolent resistance and prophetic acts, that selfishly oppressed, enslaved and exploited the people. He was then put to death because he protested against the regime. He then resurrected and was vindicated by God. He brought transformation of life and brought us a revelation of who God is and His love for the world.

Again, this book is fantastic, yet challenges you at times. I would encourge anybody to get this book. I would also recommend, "Jesus and the Victory of God" by N.T. Wright...fantastic portrait, as well.

In Marcus J. Borg's most recent book, Jesus: Uncovering the Life, Teachings, and Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary, we are presented with a through and comprehensive version of Jesus from the emerging paradigm that views the Bible through a historical-metaphorical lens. According to Borg, the story of Jesus is not about the popular notions of sin, salvation, and the afterlife; it is more transforming than this, more revolutionary, and more enlightening. In Jesus, He argues that Jesus was a Jewish mystic who was intoxicated with and close to God. This Jewish mystic did not follow the status quo of conventional practice and thought, but rather used subversive wisdom to teach the way or path which resulted in a new way of being. This path was the way, and it was about centering oneself in God and God's passion. Jesus's passion led him to critique the domination system of his day through non-violent resistance and indictments of injustice.

This book is clear and concise. The chaper layout is well done. Borg examines the historical context in which Jesus lived and then goes on to study the character and sayings attributed to Jesus. Borg's treatment of Jesus's passion for justice, and God's character is wonderful. He assumes nothing and uses evidence to back up claims. He supports his position through exposition of stories and parables attributed to Jesus. This is a great work that will make you think deeper about Jesus.

Marcus Borg has been fine tuning his view of emerging Christianity for many years and each time he writes another book the message becomes more clear and compelling. This book focuses on Jesus but he also takes this opportunity to once again explain his important understanding about how to read the Bible and about how to live a Christian life. Modern Christianity has lost its ability to tell a convincing story about Jesus but in this book Borg shows us how to tell the story to the many people today that can no longer follow the religious-right. I can't imagine anyone reading this book without making a decision to follow Jesus. The story is compelling once you learn to strip away the dogma and Borg does an excellent job of helping us with that task.

I loved this book! I am not a fundamentalist, and I am not a progressive reformer. I am, however, an open minded traditionalist, who thinks for herself and profoundly believes IN Jesus. I must admit, I am guilty of reading the Bible so literally that I was arguing with the facts and not feeling the full weight of it's impact. I kept being very frustrated cuz I knew I was missing some hidden point, and I wasn't being given all of the tools the Bible promises to discern God's message to me. I am responsible for learning all I can about issues I am passionate about, and then meditating on these to try to discern God's individual message to me. We all have a duty to make God's world (the vision He has for us, as His children) a better place.

Marcus' suggestion that the Virgin Birth may only have been a metaphor (with a very divine inspiration and great meaning) is a well thought out, and not over the top, perspective; for which I must meditate on and digest for myself. Whatever I decide about the Virgin Birth, I have no fear that reading about Marcus' perspective regarding the Virgin Birth will ever hurt my relationship with Jesus. On the contrary, testing and probing new ideas in our hearts only strenghens our faith.

Marcus does such a great of sharing his knowledge and perception, that you come away feeling like you know Jesus better. And, if you know someone better, it is easier to build, maintain, and enjoy a solid relationship with them. Regardless of what denomination you subscribe to, or which doctrine(s) make most sense to you, we should not be putting our precious energies into religions and fighting about who's wrong or who's right. In doing so, we are all missing the point of truly loving God because we know Him and like him. Loving God as He loves us.

I am excited to read the Bible all over again; because, now, I have new insight into the characters and the stories. If more people knew more about the Old Testament's and New Testament's history and meaning, they wouldn't be so turned off by it as a result of their limited relationship with God, His passion and His character.

I am not what some would call a "mature" Christian. However, I am a heartfelt, Christian just the same. God gave me the brain I have to probe and learn, as a way of discerning the message He has for me. I'm seeing my journey, at this point, as a bridge constructed of my knowledge and gifts of discernment. But, at some point, this bridge will end for me. I will no longer be able to walk further based on what I learn with my brain, or feel with my heart. The rest of my journey toward God will be, and can only be, lead by God on the wings of my deep faith in Him. It is a risk-free, intelligent, well discerned, leap of faith.

This book, Jesus by Marcus Borg, is definitely one of those boards of knowlege that I patiently build my bridge with. I would hope, Marcus' readers would realize that their bridge is their own, and knowledge and insight can only extend that bridge so far. At one point, we must soar on faith!

This book is great for reaching out to all Christians and, hopefully, bringing us all back together again to REALLY love God's world that we live in, and REALLY love each other, and REALLY love God. Marcus isn't telling us WHO God is (that is for us to meditate on for ourselves), but he is sharing his years of experience and knoweldge with us, so that we can know Jesus better! Thanks, Marcus!

Marcus Borg is one of my favorite writers of books on the life of Jesus and early Christianity. This book is a very good summary of years of study on his part. It is from a progessive viewpoint and thus a different positioning from the mainstream. If like me you've had questions with not a lot of appropriate answers I think you will find this book very interesting reading.

This is a well written conscientous work. To those who cannot abide fundamentalism this work is also encouraging and demonstrates how it is possible to still be a person of faith in a postmodern world. I highly recommend reading this.

Let me hit what I consider to be the high points of this book first. It will challenge you to think deeply about your faith. When you're done reading it, you may feel as if you've scaled Everest and found enlightenment. Borg makes a terrific case that a Christian focus on salvation and heaven ignores the heart of Christ's ministry. And that the heart of that ministry was about The Father's will being done on earth. He challenges us (page 194) not to live the easy (broad) way, living by conventional wisdom even if that conventional wisdom comes from church. Just as Jesus challenged his followers to examine their conventional wisdom about faith in their times. He's got a really good message in chapter 9 (Resistance) that "The Bible is political." And that God's will for us is different from the "normalcy of civilization." And he challenges us to see that just as Jesus spoke in parables, there's often a metaphoric meaning that's even more valuable than a literal reading.

I'll admit I didn't know who Marcus Borg was at the time I started reading this. Part of the way in, I read his bio finally and saw the connection to the "historical Jesus" movement and The Jesus Seminar. That instantly turned me skeptical as I read, not having had a good impression of what little I knew of The Jesus Seminar. But as I read, I really opened to what he had to say. While I'm still skeptical of the "historical Jesus" movement, I no longer see this as a cover for tearing down Christianity I once foolishly thought it was. It's clear that Mr. Borg is a man of deep faith who loves Christ's teaching.

So with all of the positives, why only a 3 star review? I'm sorry, even having read this I just can't buy in to the approach of examining Christ's life or the Gospel as a matter or "history." Mr. Borg's "historical" approach to the New Testament begins in effect by counting only Mark as a definitive gospel because it was first. Anything in the other gospels that can't be corroborated elsewhere is essentially thrown out. While that might be a "historical" approach, it doesn't strike me as the right approach for a faith that is alive.

Practically, I'm also stumped by the "historical" insistence that if the "earliest" writing didn't mention fact A, later writings that mention it must be fabrications or metaphors. While he holds true to that methodology for any statement he wants to dismiss, he acknowledges at one point that yes Paul in his earliest writings left out descriptions of the crucifixion why? Because Paul could assume is contemporary readers knew those details. So, it seems just as likely to be that from a "historical" standpoint, the point of the earliest written documents probably wasn't to record the known details the writer could assume and that yes, as The Word spread further in time and throughout the region that details left out of early writings but known by all were captured from verbal traditions and written down.

He's also prone to making statements like "it is unlikely that these passages go back to Jesus" (p 180). It seems to me that the more correct statement in this case would be "it's impossible to say from a historical standpoint whether or not these passages go back to Jesus." There's no proof that they don't. Again, this is faith not history.

And in chapter 10, while he presents a case that there's a beautiful additional metaphor in Easter, in what it means for God to have raised Jesus, he makes statements about Easter being more metaphorical than a real raising of Jesus from the dead than I can buy. Yes, there's more meaning to what God did on Easter. But reducing Christ the Living Son of God's post-Easter existence to the followers of Jesus "continued to experience him after his death" and that "God had vindicated Jesus" (p 276) is to ignore that if you are going to believe in God, you are believing by definition in something all powerful, capable of this miracle.

He also makes what I feel to be an obvious error in his Jesus is not Superman line of reasoning around page 75. His argument if that if Jesus was fully human, then he did not have Superman powers. Therefore, he didn't feed thousands with a few fish and loaves. And if he had these powers, there would have been more stories of them. To me, this misses the obvious: Yes, Jesus was fully human but he was able to call on God to work through him. And again, God is God, he is all powerful. God working through Jesus can feed the multitudes, heal, and everything else. Why aren't there more stories of this? I'll turn the question around: if there were more stories, would the applicants of the Historical Jesus movement just dismiss them anyway? The stories there are are sufficient for faith.

My bottom line for this is that there's some brilliant theology in this book. Mr Borg does cleanly expose the heart of Christ's earthly teaching to his fellow Jewish peasants. He taught compassion, non-violent resistance, meaningful sharing of resources so that all would have enough, and much more. But it's a shame that this beautiful message has to come wrapped with so much skepticism about whether or not we can believe any of the Gospel as "fact."

This is a "must buy" book for conservative Christians, progressive Christians, skeptics, and anyone interested in Christianity who doesn't fit in these three categories. It is a distillation of many decades of study of the historical Jesus and the Christ of faith by one of the world's leading theologians.

Marcus Borg is on my very short list of "must buy" authors. I automatically buy anything that he writes, and put the book on the top of the heap for reading.

This book's special feature is that it attempts to describe a Jesus that all Christians might be able to accomodate, whether they are Fundamentalist, mainline or progressive.

Many people, both those who attend church and those who do not, have questions about traditional Christianity. For many, concepts like the virgin birth, resurrection and deification of Jesus make no sense. Questions like, "was Jesus God or did the church turn Jesus into God," go unanswered. Christian scholarship has been addressing these questions for 50 plus years, but their findings rarely find there way into the pews of a church. There is a new Christian paradigm emerging, which includes new ways to understand Jesus. Borg does a good job discussing this new paradigm in a book that is easy to read. For anyone interested in a new way of looking at Jesus and Christian faith, this book is an excellent place to begin.