Marcus J. Borg is canon theologian at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Oregon, and professor emeritus in the philosophy department at Oregon State University where he held the Hundere Chair in Religion and Culture. A Fellow of the Jesus Seminar, Borg has been national chair of the historical Jesus section of the Society of Biblical Literature. He is the author of many bestselling books including Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time and The Heart of Christianity. Borg is one of Spirituality & Practice's Living Spiritual Teachers can be visited online at www.marcusjborg.com.
In Evolution of the Word, Marcus Borg presents a completely new order of the New Testament texts based on when the books were written. He begins with 1 Thessalonians (early in the 50s CE) and ends with 2 Peter (in the 120s CE). With this chronological approach, he revises the traditional ways we think about the development of the early Christian church and its major concerns.
In three introductory chapters, Borg explores the context of early Christianity, Judaism, and the Roman Empire. He moves on to an examination of the oral tradition and the time gaps between Jesus' life and Paul's first letters and the gospel of Mark. The third chapter covers the life and ministry of Paul and his seven genuine letters.
Borg offers two- to four-pages of commentary on each New Testament book which is followed by the complete text of the book under consideration. Some of the topics that are covered include: A "Second Coming" (1 Thessalonians), Jews and Gentiles Are Saved by Faith (Galatians), Glorify God in Body and Spirit (1 Corinthians), Imitating Christ (Philippians), The Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians), and The Conversion of Paul (Acts).
Borg, as usual, enlightens with his special insights into Christianity and the Bible!
