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Summary: Using Jesus As A Lens
Review: I read this book with a predetermined bias in favor of Borg's point of view. Borg sees the Christian life as an opportunity to have a deep relationship with God as shown in Jesus Christ. We can use Jesus as a lens through which we see God and what it is like to live a life full of God. Borg's approach is refreshing because it is not necessary to hold a lot of beliefs about Jesus in order to lead such a life.
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Summary: Answered my questions concerning the use of metaphor.
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It answered almost all my questions how the early church interpreted the meaning of Jesus and how we today have turned their writings into things that we are taught to believe as fact. Borg's understanding makes so much more sense than to have to believe some of the things the church requires us to believe to be Christian. Most of what he stated in this book I had already come to believe through prayer, reading, studying, and searching for the truth. He just put it in language that I could understand and which made perfect sense. Hopefully he will write more books like this for those of us who want to make Jesus and our faith more real to our everyday lives.
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Summary: THE meaning of Jesus?
Review: Let me counteract my title straightaway by saying that I liked this book. My problem with it comes from the fact that, seemingly, we are set on a quest to find the one, true meaning of Jesus by the back and forth dialogue these two scholars have here. And yet there are significant points of difference between even these two irenic and knowledgable scholars. One such is that Wright believes in an eschatological, even apocalyptic, figure of world-shattering significance while Borg denies that Jesus had or has these interests at heart. So maybe the title needs interpreting as "The Meaning of Jesus For Me"?But I want to praise this book more than I want to criticize it. The two scholars involved are right at the heart of the current debates orbiting around the figure of Jesus. They are also a couple of the more theologically knowledgeable of those participants even though one leans more left and one more right. These are sane and usually reliable guides; if Wright wants to be more traditionally "supernatural" and Borg more "naturalistic" from time to time that is fine for we know we don't have a couple of extremists on our hands. Primarily, Borg and Wright here make you think. Their nuanced difference makes you choose - either one or the other or something else: books should do that on so-called "factual" subject matter. This one does. To the detail. The book has 16 chapters set out in 7 different parts and ranges from subjects properly to do with "the Historical Jesus" to more "theological" subjects to ones more specifically to do with "the Christian life". It is aimed at a popular audience. I figure that this book is rather too "Christianized" to find much favour with skeptics, atheists or people of other faiths and - after all - don't they have a say in "the meaning of Jesus"? So read this book to learn what two Christian scholars say about Jesus. Within the confines that presents this book is as good as any you'll probably ever come across. PoSTmodERnFoOL
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Summary: A Wonderful, New Approach to Presenting Jesus Scholarship
Review: Let's face it, there are loads of Jesus books out there. For one who wants to begin with taking a look at real scholarship and not metaphysical fairy tales about Jesus, it's hard to find a good place to start. Before this book was published, the best introduction was The Jesus Quest by Ben Witherington III, which looked @ the many modern scholars of Jesus scholarship. Its weakness was that it summarized views in Witherington's words which were often harshly critical because of his evangelical bias. Borg is the 'liberal' and is a powerful representative for the camp. Wright is the most exciting scholar right now who powerfully supports and challenges orthodoxy simultaneously. Wright is the superior scholar here in my opinion, but the great thing about the book is that you can decide for yourselves looking at the authors' own writings.
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Summary: Strictly a Summary
Review: Many of the longer reviews here describe this book very well. The one aspect which has not been pointed out is the very frequent use of footnotes to either 1) explain the really interesting stuff; or 2) refer the reader to another book in which either Borg or Wright really took the time to explore the topic at hand. I did find this book interesting, because of the two very different viewpoints in one book. However, in the end this is a very cursory overview of the Jesus debate.
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Summary: An Engaging Debate, Not Just For Clergy
Review: Marcus Borg and N.T. Wright (Tom) not only explore the territories raised by the fundamentalist/modernist controversies at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, but go beyond that old debate (which really is grounded in what kind of principles one uses to interpret scripture--a far older debate, as old as the early church fathers) and really strike at the heart of the matter: Who is Jesus (whom Christians call Christ or Messiah)? If he is merely a historical character, buried under layers of interpretation put in place by religious communities of faith (the search for the 'historical' Jesus)then the true character of the gospels and New Testament letters is lost. Tom Wright makes it clear that Jesus is alive! But, Marcus Borg, while sifting through layers, understands that Jesus Christ is Lord, and the staggering implications of that for Christians in any age. No matter where you fall in the theological spectrum, this book, will only make Jesus shine ever more brightly, like the true diamond Christ is. This book can take one to the Christ of faith, who is, after all, "the Living Christ."
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Summary: Two very interesting authors--too short of a book
Review: Marcus Borg and N.T. Wright are both very interesting authors. I have found some of Wright's works very interesting. Even though I believe Borg to be Theologically off his rocker, at least the man writes well. Though not in the least convincing, I found Borg's book, "Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time," to be at the very least--worth a laugh. Now for my thoughts on this book... I cannot bring myself to recommend "The Meaning of Jesus." Both of these authors are gifted writers. Yet one feels they were constrained in the writing of this book. Both authors suffer from lack of space. Borg, sees the Gospel stories of Jesus as a developing tradition, and a metaphorical one at that. Borg therefore holds very heretical beliefs: no virgin birth, no resurrection, Jesus not believing himself to be God. Borg's greatest strength is his personal story--he has a certain kind of magnetic personality that resonates with many who reject orthodoxy. Unfortunately for him, he is not given the space in this volume to spin his personal tale as deftly as he does in his own works. His personal story tends to make many readers sympathetic to him and softens the tone of his often polemical arguments. Wright, meanwhile, is usually a very nuanced and thoughtful author. He seeks to place Jesus in the context of first century Judaism. His picture of Jesus is much closer to traditional Christian belief than that of Borg while at the same time providing a strikingly unique view of Jesus. However, Wright is also hindered by not having proper space to elaborate on the basis of his thought and the importance of his arguments. The Wright we meet in this volume is a strained, rather than distilled version of the Wright one encounters in his own excellent volumes "The New Testament and the People of God" and "Jesus and the Victory of God." I am firm believer that there is no greater pursuit in life than trying know and have a relationship with God. Although I do not agree with many of their conclusions, I commend both of these men for their honesty and the spirit of worshipful fellowship with which they wrote this book. I wish more biblical scholars would have the courage to lay aside their agendas and seek the truth as ruthlessly as these two men have in their careers. Yet, I still recommend that the reader not start with this volume. Rather, one would be better served by giving both author's arguments a fuller hearing by reading their own larger, more complete works.
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Summary: More Than Just A Readable Introduction to the Jesus Debate
Review: 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.
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Summary: A Great Start to a Deeper Understanding
Review: Most people I know who consider themselves Christians follow the narrow path outlined to them in the churches of their youth. They reject the ambiguous nature of much of the Bible and believe those interpretations different from their own belong to the foolish, the wicked and the damned. If this arrogant and naive form of worship appeals to you, then you probably have no interest in a book like "The Meaning of Jesus". However, if you are interested in exposing yourself to how different people view the meaning of Jesus' life and in turn developing a deeper understanding of him for yourself, then there is no better book to begin your search. In alternating chapters, Borg and Wright discuss the important debated issues of Christianity. They discuss such subjects as the virgin birth, the resurrection and the important question of whether Jesus actually believed he was the messiah. They must have seen early drafts of the other's sections, because they also make comments on points made by the other side. Wright is a traditionalist, or what I like to call a "John 3:16 Christian." He believes the meaning of Jesus' life is as the savior who died for the sins of the world. Borg, on the other hand, is a follower of Jesus, the man. He believes less in the elements of traditional Christianity that seem supernatural to non-believers, focusing instead on the lessons of Christ in the first three gospels (which is largely without references to Christ as the son of God). A lesson is found in this book, a lesson that if learned by the rest of the world would make it a much better place. The two men disagree on many fundamental questions. Even though each of them debates an individual whose beliefs work to disprove the elements of their faiths they cling to, the two men are able to discuss the issues without judgment thrown in the other direction. They don't attempt to "show the other one the light" or convince them their beliefs will only lead them to Hell. Instead, they give us all intelligent discourse, shape and support their own arguments and then leave it up to us to decide. Both men know it is better to work toward having people follow one interpretation of the life of Christ than to argue over minutia and turn people away from him.
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Summary: Two Views on Jesus: What Kind of Christ is He?
Review: N.T. Wright, formerly of Oxford University and Marcus Borg of Oregon University enter into a very thoughtful discussion on Jesus Christ. This book is special for several reasons. One of the most important is that, unlike other religious topical books where one author takes another shot at the other author; both men stay above-board, focusing their thoughts on the discussion at hand. It is an academic work written for the layman without sacraficing academic intergrity. Secondly, both men approach the subject with reverance. Areas of discussion in this book range from a historical, sociological, and theological lens. Both men discuss Jesus divinty, his resurrection, and the nature of what it means to be a Christian. I have rarely ever agreed with Borg, but have always admired his approach to the dialogue. Unlike other liberal Jesus Seminar individuals, he takes great care to outline his views without being condensending. N.T. Wright presents a more traditional Christianity, and in the end- history, source documents, and logical arguments work in his favor. This book, however, is not so much a debate, but a discussion. This adds to the books flavor. When people are not trying to "score points" but instead deal with the topic, more depth into the discussion is gained. An outstanding work.
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