Marcus J. Borg

Dos de los mayores especialistas actuales en Jesús, Marcus J. Borg y John Dominic Crossan, unen sus fuerzas para poner de manifiesto cómo la historia ha influido en nuestra lectura del relato de la natividad tal como aparece en los evangelios de Mateo y Lucas. Para ello, examinan el comienzo de la vida de Cristo, quitando el sentimentalismo que se ha ido acumulando a lo largo de los ultimos dos mil años en torno a este relato para poner de manifiesto la verdad de lo que los evangelios realmente dicen. Y con este analisis consiguen demostrar que el relato de la Navidad, leido en su contexto original, es mucho mas rico y mas estimulante de lo que la gente se imagina.

Marcus J. Borg , John Dominic CrossanEste libro trata sobre la última semana de la vida de Jesús. Para los cristianos es una semana de extraordinaria importancia. Tiene su punto culminante en el Viernes Santo y en la Pascua; es la Semana Santa, los dias mas sagrados del año cristiano. Y, precisamente por la importancia que tiene para las vidas de los cristianos, resulta del maximo interes como se narren los acontecimientos ocurridos en ella. ¿Que se ventila en la ultima semana de la vida de Jesus? Y, puesto que el contenido de estos relatos es considerado como revelacion, como algo que nos habla tambien hoy, ¿de que tratan estos relatos?Al comienzo de la Cuaresma de 2004, el Miercoles de Ceniza, la pelicula de Mel Gibson La pasion de Cristo convirtio la muerte de Jesus en una gran noticia en todo el mundo. Portadas de revistas, programas de television en horario de maxima audiencia y grandes reportajes en periodicos del mundo entero tuvieron a esa obra cinematografica como protagonista. Es digno de observar que casi dos mil años despues de que sucediera, la muerte de Jesus se convirtio, una vez mas, en noticia de primera pagina. Como dijo Flannery O?Connor hace treinta años: vivimos en una cultura obsesionada con Cristo.

El propósito principal de los paralelos recogidos en este volumen no es una cuestión de erudición en similitudes, sino ofrecer una oportunidad para la reflexión y la meditación. Lejos de oponerse o excluirse, las enseñanzas de Jesus y Buda se pueden iluminar mutuamente."Los paralelismos son sorprendentes, pagina tras pagina" Houston ChronicleLo que importa no son las diferencias academicas o teologicas entre budismo y cristianismo, sino que ambos nos ofrezcan enseñanzas, instrucciones y practicas directas, formas de conducir nuestras vidas y liberar nuestros corazones. Jesus y Buda nos dicen, incluso hoy mismo: "Sigueme". ¿Nos atrevemos?Jack Kornfield

Para descubrir hoy lo esencial del cristianismo¿Cuál es el corazón del cristianismo? ¿Qué significa ser cristiano hoy? En este libro se ofrecen dos respuestas bastante diferentes a estas preguntas. La primera es una vision antigua del cristianismo; la segunda, una vision emergente. Ambas estan presentes hoy en las diversas Iglesias, dividiendo profundamente a los cristianos.Esta segunda forma de comprender el cristianismo, el paradigma emergente, ha sido desarrollada durante unos cien años llegando a ser recientemente uno de los mayores movimientos arraigados dentro de las principales Iglesias. Positivamente es el producto del encuentro del cristianismo con el mundo moderno y posmoderno, incluyendo ciencias, estudios historicos, pluralismo religioso y diversidad cultural. Menos positivamente es el producto de nuestro conocimiento de como el cristianismo ha contribuido al racismo, sexismo, nacionalismo, exclusivismo y otras ideologias perniciosas.Este libro esta escrito principalmente para aquellos para los que la antigua vision del cristianismo ya no funciona.Escribo -dice el autor- con conviccion y apasionamiento. La conviccion: el cristianismo tiene sentido. En mi propia vida me llevo tiempo desarrollar esta conviccion. Durante veinte años, desde los 15 a los 35, el cristianismo no tenia mucho sentido para mi. Sobre todo por razones intelectuales, la forma de cristianismo que aprendi en mi niñez dejo de ser convincente. La pasion: comunicar esta forma de ver a aquellos para quienes la antigua comprension del cristianismo tiene poco o ningun sentido. Se cuentan por millones. Tengo la esperanza de que esta conjuncion de estudio, experiencia y memoria pueda resultar util para aquellos que intentan comprender como van las cosas en las Iglesias hoy y tratan de profundizar en su propia comprension del cristianismo y de la vida cristiana. Por usar palabras que debo a mi esposa Marianne, este es un libro para "amantes de la fe y para aquellos que buscan la fe para amar".

In this exciting and thought-provoking work, top Bible expert Marcus J. Borg portrays Jesus as a charismatic healer, sage, and prophet who is still an inspiring figure today. Returning to the topic of his first book, Jesus: A New Vision, Borg introduces us to a Jesus we have never met before; a revolutionary figure who possesses a more exciting moral vision than that of traditional Christianity. According to Jesus, a movement in the church today is catching up with where scholarship has brought us in understanding Christian origins. Borg argues that once the church discards the archaic doctrines it currently embraces, Christians will be able to appreciate Jesus in a whole new way. Jesus is another remarkable work of scholarship from Marcus Borg. Marcus J. Borg, author of the bestseller Heart of Christianity, is Hundere Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture at Oregon State University and author of the bestselling Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time, and The God We Never Knew, and coauthor of Jesus: A New Vision with N. T. Wright. He was an active member of the Jesus Seminar when it focused on the historical Jesus and he has been chair of the Historical Jesus section of the Society of Biblical Literature.In every generation there is a handful of writers of whom it can be said, Read everything they write. Marcus Borg is one of these today. Walter Wink, author of The Human Being

We all know that Marcus Borg is a gifted teacher, biblical scholar, and writer of nonfiction, but it turns out that hes a master storyteller, too. Brian D. McLaren, author of A New Kind of ChristianityBestselling author, Bible scholar, and theologian Marcus Borg (Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, The Heart of Christianity, The Last Week) uses his core teachings on faith and the Bible to demonstrate their transformative power and potential in Putting Away Childish Things: the moving, inspirational story of a college professor, her students, and a crisis of faith.

Los destacados especialistas en Jesús, Marcus J. Borg y John Dominic Crossan, se unen para revelarnos un Jesús radicalmente nuevo y poco conocido. Cuando ambos autores reaccionaron y respondieron preguntas sobre el exitoso filme de Mel Gibson, La Pasion de Jesucristo, descubrieron que muchos cristianos no tienen claro los detalles de los acontecimientos de la semana que condujo a Jesus a su muerte en la cruz.Usando el evangelio de Marcos como guia, Borg y Crossan presentan un relato dia a dia de la ultima semana de vida de Jesus. Comienzan su historia el Domingo de Ramos con dos entradas triunfales a Jerusalen. La primera entrada, la del gobernador romano Poncio Pilatos que conduce soldados romanos dentro de la ciudad, simboliza la fuerza militar. La segunda anuncia un nuevo tipo de heroe moral que es alabado por la gente mientras va montado sobre un humilde burro. El Jesus presentado por Borg y Crossan es este nuevo heroe moral, un Jesus mas peligroso que el consagrado en las enseñanzas tradicionales de la iglesia.La Ultima Semana pinta a un Jesus que renuncia a su vida para protestar contra el poder sin justicia y para condenar al rico a quien no le importa el pobre. Comprometido con esto, al termino de la semana Jesus marcha hacia el Calvario, ofreciendose como modelo para que otros hagan lo mismo cuando se enfrenten a cuestiones similares.Informados, desafiados e inspirados no solo nos encontramos con el Jesus historico, sino tambien con un nuevo Jesus que nos compromete y nos invita a seguirlo.

By presenting the New Testament books in the order they were written, bestselling Bible scholar Marcus Borg reveals how spiritually and politically radical the early Jesus movement began and how it slowly became domesticated. Evolution of the Word is an incredible value: not only are readers getting a deeply insightful new book from the author of Speaking Christian and Jesus, but also the full-text of the New Testamentand one of the only Bibles organized in chronological order and including explanatory annotations that give readers a more informed understanding of the Scripture that is so close to their hearts and lives.This groundbreaking edition illuminates the evolution of the Word with:Books of the Bible in Order: Read the New Testament as it was written, starting with Pauls letters, to see how Christian thought developed from its radical roots. The Complete New Testament: The full text of the NRSV New Testament is included, re-ordered to provide a panoramic view of how early Christian ideas and stories changed over time. Historical Context: Insightful introductions and annotations from bestselling scholar Marcus Borg place each book in its original historical and cultural setting. New Testament Studies: Discover how the politically charged message of the early Jesus movement was gradually domesticated as the Christian faith evolved over decades.

Who could argue with the message the authors draw from the Bibles Christmas stories? Light in the darkest time of the year, hope in a period of creeping despairthese are powerful and universal themes that can give everyone a stake in Christmas.USA TodayIn The First Christmas Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossantop Jesus scholars and authors of The Last Weekhelp us see the real Christmas story buried in the familiar Bible accounts. Basing their interpretations on the two nativity narratives in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, Borg and Crossan explore the stories meaning in their first-century historical context, focusing on the inner truthrather than literal historical factsto offer a clear and uplifting message of hope and peace. With The First Christmas readers get a fresh, deep, and new understanding of the nativity story, enabling us to better appreciate the powerful message of the Gospels.This fascinating work of biblical scholarship unpacks the layers of meaning behind the familiar carols and pageants: Historical Jesus Studies: Go beyond the Sunday school story to see how the nativity accounts reflect the political and social realities of the first-century Roman Empire. Matthew vs. Luke: A clear analysis of the two distinct, and often contradictory, Christmas stories, exploring why each was written and for whom. Anti-Imperial Theology: Discover the surprising political message of Jesuss birth as a direct challenge to the claims of Caesar Augustus. Parabolic Overtures: Learn to read the nativity narratives not as literal history, but as theological introductions that frame the major themes of each Gospel. A Message of Hope: Find a deeper, more resonant understanding of Christmas that moves beyond historical debates to uncover a powerful message of peace for today.

Showcasing some of his most enduring and insightful writings, including many previously unpublished works, a concise and illuminating introduction to Marcus J. Borg, the late spokesman for progressive Christianity and one of the most revered and influential theologians of our time.In his acclaimed books, including classics such as Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, The Heart of Christianity, Speaking Christian, and Convictions, Marcus J. Borg helped shape an enlightened modernist view of Christianity. A leading scholar of the historical Jesus acclaimed for his ability to speak about Christianity in the context of contemporary society, Borg offered profound wisdom and inspirationa new way of seeing and living the Christian lifefor believers, students, and lay readers. Ultimately, he taught us that by developing a deeper understanding of Jesus and the New Testament, we can discover a more authentic way of being. Yet Borg himself was always conscious of a greater truth beyond what he could explain: the wonder of God. Now, two years after the liberal theologians death, comes The Days of Awe and Wonder, a selection of his writing, including many never before published works, that explores the Christian faith and what it means to be a Christian in the twenty-first century. Provocative and uplifting, this anthology illuminates Borgs explorations of the miraculous and wonderful, his understanding of conviction and fulfillment, and his contention that we must keep an open mind and question assumptions and certainties in all our religious journeys.This essential collection illuminates the heart of Borgs transformative vision for Christian life:Progressive Christianity: An accessible vision for the twenty-first century that embraces both modern scholarship and deep, personal faith. A New Vision of Jesus: Moving beyond dogma to encounter the compelling, Spirit-filled Jewish mystic and social prophet who challenged the domination systems of his day. Faith as Trust: A liberating shift from seeing faith as intellectual assent to doctrines to a journey of radical trust in relationship with God. Mysticism and Experience: An exploration of the "more"the moments of awe and wonder where God is not a concept to be debated but an experiential reality. Justice and Compassion: A powerful call to live out Gods passion for a world of social justice, peace, and compassion for the least of these.

Answering the many spiritual questions left unaddressed by such popular historical bestsellers as A History of God and God: A Biography, renowned author Marcus J. Borg looks for a way to embrace an authentic contemporary faith that reconciles God with science, critical thinking and religious pluralism. How to have faith -- or to even think about God -- without having to stifle modern rationality is one of the most crucial challenges facing contemporary religion. In the process of exploring this dilemma, Borg traces his own personal journey. He leads readers from the all-powerful and authoritarian image of the God of his childhood to an equally powerful but more dynamic God who is not only relevant to contemporary seekers, but also more biblical and spiritually authentic. Marcus J. Borg, author of the bestselling Heart of Christianity, is Hundere Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture at Oregon State University and author of Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time, The God We Never Knew, and coauthor of Jesus: A New Vision (with N. T. Wright). He was an active member of the Jesus Seminar when it focused on the historical Jesus and he has been chair of the Historical Jesus section of the Society of Biblical Literature.Borg does what few scholars on religion seem capable of doing: He has digested an immense amount of difficult, often conflicting religious ideas and written a clear, coherent, and highly readable theological work that satisfies the mind and the soul. -Oregonian

In this exciting and thought-provoking work, top Bible expert Marcus J. Borg portrays Jesus as a charismatic healer, sage, and prophet who is still an inspiring figure today. Returning to the topic of his first book, Jesus: A New Vision, Borg introduces us to a Jesus we have never met before; a revolutionary figure who possesses a more exciting moral vision than that of traditional Christianity. According to Jesus, a movement in the church today is catching up with where scholarship has brought us in understanding Christian origins. Borg argues that once the church discards the archaic doctrines it currently embraces, Christians will be able to appreciate Jesus in a whole new way. Jesus is another remarkable work of scholarship from Marcus Borg. Marcus J. Borg, author of the bestseller Heart of Christianity, is Hundere Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture at Oregon State University and author of the bestselling Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time, and The God We Never Knew, and coauthor of Jesus: A New Vision with N. T. Wright. He was an active member of the Jesus Seminar when it focused on the historical Jesus and he has been chair of the Historical Jesus section of the Society of Biblical Literature.In every generation there is a handful of writers of whom it can be said, Read everything they write. Marcus Borg is one of these today. Walter Wink, author of The Human Being

Conflict about the Bible is one of the most divisive issues for Christians today.For millions, an unquestioning, literal interpretation has become a stumbling block to faith, not a foundation for it. How can we move beyond biblical literalism to find a more authentic way to engage with sacred scripture?Leading figure in biblical scholarship Marcus J. Borg offers a liberating new path. This insightful guide introduces a historical-metaphorical approach, providing new lenses for seeing the Bible not as a divine rulebook, but as a profoundly human response to God. Borg demonstrates how understanding the historical context of the biblical texts opens up a deeper meaning and appreciation for their power.This work of profound theology is an essential resource for personal bible study, discussion groups, and anyone seeking to take the Bible seriously without taking it literally. It is an invitation to read the Bible again for the first time, finding in its pages a more mature and compelling faith for the twenty-first century.This book lays the foundation for a new way of reading scripture:Biblical Criticism: Learn how modern biblical scholarship, far from destroying faith, can illuminate the ancient meanings of the text and make them come alive. History and Metaphor: Discover the crucial difference between history remembered and metaphorical narrative, and why understanding this distinction is key to reading the Bible with intellectual integrity. A Human Response to God: Move beyond seeing the Bible as an inerrant divine product to appreciating it as the powerful, human story of two ancient communities and their experience of God. Postcritical Naivete: Explore a path beyond both childhood literalism and adult skepticism to a mature ability to hear the biblical stories as true, even while knowing they may not be factually so.

Of the many recent books on the historical Jesus, none has explored what the latest biblical scholarship means for personal faith. Now, in Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, Marcus J. Borg speaks to those who want a fully contemporary faith; a faith that that welcomes rather than rejects our critical intelligence, and that is also open to new historical and scholarly research. Borg shows how a rigorous examination of historical findings can lead to a new faith in Christ, one that is critical and, at the same time, sustaining. Drawing on his own journey from a naive, unquestioning belief in Christ to a more mature and contemporary Christian faith, Borg illustrates how an understanding of the historical Jesus can actually lead to a more authentic Christian life one not rooted in creeds or dogma, but full of spiritual challenge, compassion, and community. Marcus J. Borg, author of bestseller Heart of Christianity, is Hundere Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture at Oregon State University and author of the bestselling Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time, The God We Never Knew, and coauthor of Jesus: A New Vision with N. T. Wright. He was an active member of the Jesus Seminar when it focused on the historical Jesus and he has been chair of the Historical Jesus section of the Society of Biblical Literature.For many contemporary Christians, Biblical scholarship is seen as the enemy of faith. In a personal and highly readable account, Marcus Borg shows how Christians can explore contemporary scholarship as a way toward a far more dynamic and meaningful faith. - Rosemary Radford Ruether, author of Gaia and God

Borg and Crossan reveal a figure who, besides being neither anti-Semitic, anti-sex, nor misogynist, stresses social and political equality among Christians and between them and others. A refreshing and heartening exculpation of a still routinely maligned figure of the first importance to culture and civilization. Booklist (starred review) John Dominic Crossan and Marcus J. Borgtwo of the worlds top-selling Christian scholars and the bestselling authors of The Last Week and The First Christmasonce again shake up the status quo by arguing that the message of the apostle Paul, considered by many to be the second most important figure in Christianity, has been domesticated by the church. Borg and Crossan turn the common perception of Paul on its head, revealing him as a radical follower of Jesus whose core message is still relevant today.Borg and Crossan dismantle centuries of misconception to reveal the authentic, radical Paul:Radical Paul: A clear distinction between the authentic, visionary author of the seven genuine letters and the domesticated, conservative figure created by later writings. Christ vs. Caesar: An illuminating look at how Pauls proclamation of "Jesus is Lord" directly confronted and subverted the official Roman imperial theology that deified the emperor. Justification by Grace: A fresh interpretation of Pauls most famous doctrine, not as a transaction for the afterlife, but as Gods commitment to distributive justice for this world. Christian Equality: An exploration of Pauls counter-cultural vision for community, where hierarchies of gender, class, and ethnicity are dismantled "in Christ."

Top Jesus scholars Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan join together to reveal a radical and little-known Jesus. As both authors reacted to and responded to questions about Mel Gibsons blockbuster The Passion of the Christ, they discovered that many Christians are unclear on the details of events during the week leading up to Jesuss crucifixion.Using the gospel of Mark as their guide, Borg and Crossan present a day-by-day account of Jesuss final week of life. They begin their story on Palm Sunday with two triumphal entries into Jerusalem. The first entry, that of Roman governor Pontius Pilate leading Roman soldiers into the city, symbolized military strength. The second heralded a new kind of moral hero who was praised by the people as he rode in on a humble donkey. The Jesus introduced by Borg and Crossan is this new moral hero, a more dangerous Jesus than the one enshrined in the churchs traditional teachings. The Last Week depicts Jesus giving up his life to protest power without justice and to condemn the rich who lack concern for the poor. In this vein, at the end of the week Jesus marches up Calvary, offering himself as a model for others to do the same when they are confronted by similar issues. Informed, challenged, and inspired, we not only meet the historical Jesus, but meet a new Jesus who engages us and invites us to follow him.

In The Heart of Christianity, bestselling author Marcus J. Borg shows how we can live passionately in todays world by practicing the vital elements of Christian faith.For the millions of people who have turned away from many traditional beliefs about God, Jesus, and the Bible, but still long for a relevant, nourishing faith, world-renowned Jesus scholar Borg shows why the Christian life still makes sense today. Emphasizing the critical role of daily practice, he explores how prayer, worship, Sabbath, pilgrimage, and more can be experienced as authentically life-giving experiences.Borg reclaims terms and ideas once thought to be the sole province of evangelicals and fundamentalists. He demonstrates that terms like born again have real meaning for all Christians, that the Kingdom of God is not a bulwark against secularism but instead is a means of transforming society into a world that values justice and love, and that the Christian life is essentially about opening ones heart to God and to others.Marcus J. Borg is Hundere Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture at Oregon State University and author of the bestselling Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time, The God We Never Knew (with N. T. Wright), and Jesus: A New Vision. He was an active member of the Jesus Seminar when it focused on the historical Jesus and he has been chair of the Historical Jesus section of the Society of Biblical Literature. With great clarity and pastoral genius, Marcus Borg offers questioning Christians a way to keep the faith without shutting down the search for truth. - Barbara Brown Taylor, author of When God Is Silent

In Speaking Christian, acclaimed Bible scholar Marcus Borg, author of Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, argues that the very language Christians use has become dangerously distilled, distorted, and disconnected from the beliefs which once underpinned it.Stating a case that will resonate with readers of N. T. Wrights Simply Christian, Borg calls for a radical change to the language we use to invoke our beliefsthe only remedy that will allow the Churchs words to once again ring with truth, power, and hope.But how can modern believers rediscover the ancient power of words like salvation, sin, and born again without resorting to rigid literalism?Beyond Literalism: Discover why modern, literal interpretations have become an intellectual stumbling block and how they distort the Bibles original message. A Historical-Metaphorical Approach: Learn to read scripture in its ancient context, unlocking the rich, metaphorical meanings that bring familiar stories and concepts back to life. Reclaiming Christian Language: Journey through the original meanings of foundational words like salvation, righteousness, and born again, transforming them from obstacles into sources of power. Faith for the 21st Century: Find an intellectually honest and spiritually vibrant path forward, one that allows Christian language to once again be a vehicle for grace and hope.

On the occasion of his seventieth birthday, the renowned scholar Marcus J. Borg shares how he formed his bedrock religious beliefs, contending that Christians in America are at their best when they focus on hope and transformation and so shows how we can return to what really matters most. The result is a manifesto for all progressive Christians who seek the best path for following Jesus today.With each chapter embodying a distinct conviction, Borg writes provocatively and compellingly on the beliefs that can deeply ground us and guide us, such as: God is real and a mystery; salvation is more about this life than an afterlife; the Bible can be true without being literally true; Jesuss death on the cross mattersbut not because he paid for our sins; God is passionate about justice and the poor; and to love God is to love like God.Borg calls all American Christians to reject divisiveness and exclusivity and create communities that celebrate joy, possibility, and renewal. Throughout, he reflects on what matters most, bringing to earth the kingdom of God Jesus talked about and transforming our relationships with one another. Rich in wisdom and insight, Convictions is sure to become a classic of contemporary Christianity.How can Christians move beyond division to a faith of hope and transformation?Faith as a Journey: Follow Borgs personal path from conventional faith to a progressive Christianity grounded in his memories, conversions, and convictions. A New Biblical Interpretation: Discover how the Bible can be true without being literally true, offering a way to embrace scripture with intellectual honesty. Rethinking the Cross: Move beyond the idea of payment for sin to understand why Jesuss death matters for our lives today, not just an afterlife. A Passion for Justice: Explore why Gods dream for the world is one of economic fairness and peace, calling Christians to challenge the systems that create poverty and division.

Was Jesus born of a virgin? Did he know he was the messiah? Was he bodily resurrected from the dead? Was Jesus God? In The Meaning of Jesus, two leading Jesus scholars with widely divergent views go right to the heart of these questions and others, presenting the opposing visions of Jesus that shape our faith today.In alternating chapters, Marcus Borg, the most popular revisionist voice on Jesus, and N.T. Wright, the most prominent standard-bearer for traditionalism, present their views of who Jesus was, what he taught, and what he did. Candid, spirited, and thoughtfully debated, this compelling discourse will stimulate fresh ideas and intense dialogue among anyone concerned with what it means to be a Christian today.Marcus J. Borg, author of bestseller Heart of Christianity, is Hundere Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture at Oregon State University and author of the bestselling Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time, The God We Never Knew, and coauthor of Jesus: A New Vision with N. T. Wright. N. T. Wright is Bishop of Durham in the Church of England and one of the worlds leading Bible scholars. He has taught New Testament studies at Cambridge, McGill, and Oxford universities. Wright is the award-winning author of Surprised by Hope, Simply Christian, The Last Word, The Challenge of Jesus, and The Meaning of Jesus (coauthored with Marcus Borg). A fascinating, highly civilized conversation on the central issues about Jesus under debate today. Bravo to this intelligent spirit of searching for common ground! - Elizabeth Johnson, author of She Who Is