Rating: 
Summary: A Good Honest Work of Personal Theology
Review: This is my second of Borg's books, and I enjoy reading him even though I disagree with some of his beliefs. His writings on topics of faith, salvation by grace, born-again and historical/metaphorical exegetics are excellent.Unlike Borg, I have no problem accepting certain NT writings literally and others metaphorically. I believe many NT stories are most likely metaphorically-embellished accounts of historical events for the purposes of early Church ministry, while others may not be based on historical events (even though they are "real" and "true" as Borg describes). Still, I think it's a big mistake to lock oneself into one particular interpretation. I get the feeling that somehow Borg is trying to convince himself of what he wants to believe. His theological method seems sometimes based in his refusal to accept anything literally. For me, not accepting a literal bodily resurrection of Christ simply takes the 'heart' out of Christianity. If Jesus didn't resurrect in the (glorified) flesh, then what's the big deal about Jesus ? How can we explain the martyrdom of the apostles and their claims that Jesus resurrected bodily ? If they were honourable men and inspired by the Holy Spirit (as Borg believes) then how could we say they were speaking metaphorically of the bodily resurrection, when the gospels emphatically describe it otherwise, and claim the accounts are based on eye-witness testimony ? Did they lie about the eyewitness testimony ? Did the eyewitnesses themselves lie ? It would seem out of character, wouldn't it ?. What about the crucifixion ? Maybe that wasn't literal either ? Maybe it never really happened... Thinking like this just causes far more problems that it solves. I just can't see how Borg can be at all passionate about such a 'demoted' Christ as just another Jewish mystic/healer/prophet - contrary to the gospel claims of him being 'greater', which is why I get the feeling Borg is trying to manufacture passion from a theology that doesn't really inspire passion. Still, a good honest book. I recommend it for Christians who aren't afraid to challenge their beliefs.
Rating: 
Summary: A Summation of Borg's Beliefs
Review: This latest book by Marcus Borg covers much of the same ground as his other books, but does not merely repeat what he has already said. He takes his thoughts and summarizes them, then puts them into an overall context that unites all of his beliefs into his own personal way of spirituality. He offers a different way to look at spirituality, a different way to try and reach what all Christians are trying to reach...a life firmly rooted in the teachings of Jesus. This way is not for everyone, admits Borg. He even says that if the way towards Jesus that you are following works for you, then more power to you. But he demonstrates a way for others whom the more 'traditional' ways of spirituality do not work. Some have called Borg a radical, accused him of heresy. But if you compare his writings to someone like John shelby Spong, Borg could even be called moderate in his thought. In any case, the ideas of Borg, Spong, and other contemporary writers on religion are really not new. Some of these ideas have been floating around since the Enlightenment of the 18th century. But in these modern times, these ideas get to see the light of day. A great book. Food for thought, and at the least a book for those who disagree to argue with! Recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: boring Heart of Christianity
Review: wake up and smell the coffee. weak and vague sentiments. book makes good paper weight though.
Rating:
Summary: The same tired arguments
Review: What a tragic worldview. We have moved beyond the tired, old Christianity of the Bible and found a more palatable version? How can faith transform lives if it is the faith that we transform so WE don't have to change? This is yet another in a string of so-called Christians who denigrate the very Savior to hide their own discomfort with their own shortcomings. Christianity stands apart from other worldviews and religions because of the life transforming power and salvation it offers. The message of God in the Bible is not complicated if you bother to open it up and read. If you are indeed a thinking person, read it for yourself and find out what He has to say. By the way, to the anonymous reviewer from Lancaster, PA claiming this book is for "thinking Christians": Many of the brightest theologians in our time and times past have been the most "fundamentalist". Sproul, Spurgeon, Luther the list goes on. These giants were thinkers who understood God was not a pliable concept to fit our whims but the Almighty Creator of the Universe. Save your smug, self-congratulatory superiority. There are not, as another reviewer put it, thousands of different gods but rather one God who is tragically not understood by many. People turning away from God because of their own sins do not make Him less valid. God exists regardless of our belief in Him. He does not need our adoration or approval to exists, rather we need His forgiveness found only in Christ. Rather than reading this twaddle over and over, try opening the Bible and seeing what God has to say for Himself.
Rating:
Summary: rising above it
Review: While Borg should be applauded for trying sincerely to "resurrect" some fresh life out of antiquated thought, he fails to surpass the more intelligent works by authors such as Pagels, Lewis or Charles Meister. One must move beyond the parameters of this book and into a more embracing and encompassing perspective. Cannot blame him for trying, though.
Rating:
Summary: Prof Borg gets under my thick skin, Again!
Review: While preaching & teaching with prison inmates I found clearly shocking descriptions by Marcus Borg written within, "Meeting Jesus Again For The First Time" being in-tune with the needs of skeptical, unbelieving inmates. Last Sunday morning as I gave up listening another boring sermon from my pastor of 13 yrs in the same-old worn-out words at the end of long sentences, I perused this latest book of Prof Borg! I was Totally Hooked! The back cover had great affirmations by Karen Armstrong, Thomas Moore, Fred Buechner, Peter Gomes, Barbara B Taylor and Walter Brueggemann; Each one moving into the territory of the next from one essential aspect of Borg's text to one a bit more profound! Each one touched on, "challenging & illuminating," (KA) "writing with simplicity but not simplicistic, (FB) ending with Sir Walter, "Being a key force in the emerging new paradigm of Christian Faith beyond pop caricatures of faith inviting them to the Real Stuff!" These opened-up now insights from Borg! In reading I saw quotes from Bellah & Crossan, Hammarskjold & Heschel, Merton & others! I knew this one will "prepare me for the next time I speak to those inmates on the "Mystery of the Epiphany!" Once I Walk Again thru these deeper waters of Faith with Marcus Borg and his bevy of resources I will be Ready!
Eagerly, Chaplain Fred W Hood
Rating:
Summary: Prof Borg gets under my thick skin, Again!
Review: While preaching & teaching with prison inmates I found clearly shocking descriptions by Marcus Borg written within, "Meeting Jesus Again For The First Time" being in-tune with the needs of skeptical, unbelieving inmates. Last Sunday morning as I gave up listening another boring sermon from my pastor of 13 yrs in the same-old worn-out words at the end of long sentences, I perused this latest book of Prof Borg! I was Totally Hooked! The back cover had great affirmations by Karen Armstrong, Thomas Moore, Fred Buechner, Peter Gomes, Barbara B Taylor and Walter Brueggemann; Each one moving into the territory of the next from one essential aspect of Borg's text to one a bit more profound! Each one touched on, "challenging & illuminating," (KA) "writing with simplicity but not simplicistic, (FB) ending with Sir Walter, "Being a key force in the emerging new paradigm of Christian Faith beyond pop caricatures of faith inviting them to the Real Stuff!" These opened-up now insights from Borg! In reading I saw quotes from Bellah & Crossan, Hammarskjold & Heschel, Merton & others! I knew this one will "prepare me for the next time I speak to those inmates on the "Mystery of the Epiphany!" Once I Walk Again thru these deeper waters of Faith with Marcus Borg and his bevy of resources I will be Ready!
Eagerly, Chaplain Fred W Hood
Rating:
Summary: Refreshing!
Review: With intellectual, ethical, and spiritual integrity, Marcus Borg builds a case for a Christianity oriented to the transformation of this life. I found delight in his willingness to challenge the puffery in my faith tradition that equates devotion with assent to preposterous ideas while it ignores the call to compassion and justice which is rarely as convenient as we would wish. I read this invigorating book in just a few days (on vacation, no less) and it lingers with me now, several weeks later. I look forward to rereading and savoring the discoveries that I am sure await me in a second reading. While Borg and Bishop John Shelby Spong share largely the same perspective, I consistently find Borg's work more energetic and less disdainful of conventional expressions of Christian faith and often, more deeply steeped in ancient expressions of the faith which are re-emerging in our day.
Rating:
Summary: Refreshing!
Review: With intellectual, ethical, and spiritual integrity, Marcus Borg builds a case for a Christianity oriented to the transformation of this life. I found delight in his willingness to challenge the puffery in my faith tradition that equates devotion with assent to preposterous ideas while it ignores the call to compassion and justice which is rarely as convenient as we would wish. I read this invigorating book in just a few days (on vacation, no less) and it lingers with me now, several weeks later. I look forward to rereading and savoring the discoveries that I am sure await me in a second reading. While Borg and Bishop John Shelby Spong share largely the same perspective, I consistently find Borg's work more energetic and less disdainful of conventional expressions of Christian faith and often, more deeply steeped in ancient expressions of the faith which are re-emerging in our day.
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