Heart of Christianity

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Heart of Christianity

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1Wandme
Feb. 8, 2007, 9:58 pm

Our church is studying the Heart of Christianity by Marcus Borg. We have a blog at http://unitedspirituality.blogspot.com.

2peacemover
Apr. 10, 2008, 1:21 pm

I participated in a table-talk style study of Borg's The Heart of Christianity a couple of years ago that was quite interesting and engaging. A friend of mine, who is presently working toward a PhD in religion and social justice, facilitated the group. It was fascinating in that the group of participants was quite diverse- men and women, people from various ethnic and economic backgrounds, people from different denominations, even one or two self-proclaimed agnostics.

The vast majority of Borg's perspective resonates deeply with me on my journey- particularly his take on "thin places." My primary critique of his perspective, and that of some of the other more left-leaning "progressive Christian" theologians and scholars is that they seem far too quick to jump to metaphor (i.e. what actually happened or didn't happen with Jesus of Nazareth is not as important as its metaphorical meaning). Similarly with Jesus' death and resurrection and the theological concept of salvation, sin and atonement- all of which Borg would seem to dismiss out of hand.

Very interesting and engaging read, though, that led to some great discussions. In our case, we would discuss a chapter or two per week over a few beers at a pub in the city...

Another aspect of Borg's perspective in "The Heart of Christianity" is what seems to be a tendency on his part to bunch all evangelical Christians into the literalist/fundamentalist camp. This simply is not the case, nor does one have to choose one or the other necessarily- there are more nuanced perspectives than he acknowledges in this regard.

A more balanced evangelical perspective on these topics is the book that Marcus J. Borg co-wrote with N.T. Wright entitled The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions. In that book, Borg and Wright have a respectful and stimulating dialogue on these various theological topics. Personally I am probably closer to Wright's perspective on a number of the doctrinal issues, such as the person and work of Jesus, however, I have always been fascinated and interested in the refreshing perspective Borg brings with his panentheism, and emphasis on metaphor and the mystical aspects of Christianity, that I believe the Church needs to reclaim.

I look forward to finding out more about how your study goes... I will check out the link later...

Also, another progressive Christian study that is excellent and provocative is called Living the Questions:

http://www.livingthequestions.com/xcart/home.php?xid=602e50a20685abb8b9da37e6cab...

It features segments from Marcus Borg, John Dominic Crossan, Nancy Ammerman, John Cobb, jr., and other progressive theologians and scholars.

It definitely takes most participants out of their comfort zones and rigorously challenges "Sunday School Christianity," as it were.

It is an excellent study, though, if the group can approach it with open minds and a willingness to consider other perspectives.

Peace,

John from Abington, PA



3alfredd
Jan. 12, 2010, 1:04 am

For fans of Marcus Borg.... he is having a seminar at the Center for Spiritual Development in Portland Oregon on January 22, 2010.

http://www.center-for-spiritual-development.org/

Also, he's been doing a Sunday school hour about once a month at Trinity Episcopal church in Portland. This happens to be my church and it's great to have him on staff these days.

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