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Title: Meaning of Jesus : Two Visions by Marcus J. Borg, N Wright ISBN: 0-06-060876-5 Publisher: Harper SanFrancisco Pub. Date: 01 April, 2000 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $15.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.19 (26 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: More Than Just A Readable Introduction to the Jesus Debate
Comment: Marcus Borg and N.T. Wright have written more than just an introduction or a summary to the Historical Jesus Debate. Although this book does summarize well the issues surrounding the increasingly controversial "Debate" between 'revisionist' historians/theologians, and more conservative believers, Borg and Wright make this book a significant contribution to the discussion.
The 'friendly' tone of the book is particularly striking and gives the reader the sense that these authors are more interested in dialogue than in debate, meaning that each is honestly interested in the contribution of the other, while coming to different conclusions. Despite this non-combative character of their discussion, Borg and Wright do not minimize the urgency and importance of these issues in the life of the church.
Wright's contributions are significantly more compelling than Borg's, while Borg makes some interesting points regarding what symbolic meanings might have been applied to the events surrounding Jesus' life. Wright, on the other hand, makes excellent arguments for the vital role of the crucifixion and resurrection to the Christian faith. He does not approach the text, as Borg does, with an anti-supernatural bias. Wright is also more interested in painting 'the big picture' of the life of Jesus, and His significance in the plan of God than he is offering token defenses of Christian dogma. Wright's eschatology is also refreshingly void of sensationalism and speculation. He is careful to let scripture tell its own story.
The final section of the book deals with "Jesus and the Christian Life", and is particularly good. Wright brings his previous arguments to conclusion by describing the broad implications of Jesus to our lives. He begins by describing "the two poles of Christian living in terms of worship and mission", and continues to elaborate on Jesus impact on our spirituality, daily living, politics, and healing.
The 8 parts of this book carry the folowing titles with a section from each author:
1. How do we know about Jesus
2. What did Jesus do and teach
3. The Death of Jesus
4. "God raised Jesus from the dead"
5. Was Jesus God?
6. The Birth of Jesus
7. "He will come again in Glory"
8. Jesus and the Christian life
I am grateful for Borg and Wright's contribution to the "Historical Jesus Debate" with this book, and I recommend it to scholars and students alike.
Rating: 5
Summary: A Paradigm for Christian Scholarship
Comment: The Meaning of Jesus offers not only excellent scholarship, but a refreshing spirit of unity on a decisive issue. Rather than merely one author, the book is written by Marcus Borg and N.T. Wright, two leading scholars in the the study of Jesus. Although both authors use respected techniquest they come to different, often drastically so, conclusions. Both Borg and Wright hold a high view of Christianity and history. They both present clear, well reasoned arguments on key issues regarding the historical figure of Jesus and the faith of Christianity (The divinity of Jesus, the virgin birth, meaning of the crucifixion, truth of the resurrection etc.). The book is well written and fast paced (compared to more in-depth works) and offers a good example on how to politely discuss religious matters.
Rating: 5
Summary: If you're going to buy one book...
Comment: ...on the historical Jesus debate, this should be it.
I've used this book in two of my seminary classes so far. It's rich in good scholarship, and both of these gentlemen are well respected in the academic world, but it doesn't get bogged down in technical language, so the lay person can still understand it easily.
The idea of alternating chapters with the two scholars works perfectly, and they alternate who gets the first word and the last word on each topic, as well. I often found myself agreeing with one of the authors as I read his chapter, only to find myself agreeing even more with the other author in the very next chapter! Ultimately, I believe that neither side has the Truth completely figured out, and it will be much of this "give-and-take" that gets us closer to the heart of Christianity.
I know that many people (myself included) believe that much of the truth of Christianity hinges on the resurrection, and both Borg and Wright do superb jobs in stating their opinions and arguments on that topic. The final topic, "Jesus and the Christian Life," serves remarkably well in tying everything together, as each author presents what meaning they find in their beliefs about Jesus. No matter what we believe about Jesus, if our beliefs don't inspire us to a changed, transformed life, then they are, in the end, worthless. Both Borg and Wright exhibit changed lives as a result of their experience with Christ.
It is so beautiful how two friends with two (almost) opposite viewpoints can have such an honest, open discussion about a topic that is all too often very aggressive from both sides. Clearly, this is an issue that has important ramifications for those within and without the church, and, as such, it is crucial for both sides to begin being honest with each other.
Peace.
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Title: Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time : The Historical Jesus and the Heart of Contemporary Faith by Marcus J. Borg ISBN: 0060609176 Publisher: Harper SanFrancisco Pub. Date: 03 March, 1995 List Price(USD): $13.95 |
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Title: The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith by Marcus J. Borg ISBN: 0060526769 Publisher: Harper SanFrancisco Pub. Date: 23 September, 2003 List Price(USD): $22.95 |
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Title: The God We Never Knew : Beyond Dogmatic Religion To A More Authenthic Contemporary Faith by Marcus J. Borg ISBN: 0060610352 Publisher: Harper SanFrancisco Pub. Date: 01 June, 1998 List Price(USD): $13.95 |
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Title: Jesus: A New Vision: Spirit, Culture, and the Life of Discipleship by Marcus J. Borg ISBN: 0060608145 Publisher: Harper SanFrancisco Pub. Date: 10 May, 1991 List Price(USD): $15.00 |
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Title: The Challenge of Jesus: Rediscovering Who Jesus Was and Is by N. T. Wright ISBN: 0830822003 Publisher: Intervarsity Press Pub. Date: November, 1999 List Price(USD): $16.00 |
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