Reviewed for Episcopal Life, New York. Jerry Hames, Editor. Oct. 9th, 2003.
THE HEART OF CHRISTIANITY: Rediscovering a Life of Faith, by Marcus J.
Borg. Harper Collins: New York, NY. 2003. 234 pp. Hardcover. $22.95 US.
ISBN #0-06-052676-9.
Reviewed by: Wayne A. Holst (750 words)
An old adage suggests that the trouble with trying to be a bridge-person
is that you end up being walked over from both sides. All the same, in
his latest book The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith,
Marcus Borg revisions biblical metaphors and recreates classic themes to
help mend serious divisions between Christians today. He wants to involve
a wide range of people in reconstructive theological bridge-building.
Borg's approach, while focused and intentional, is also non-combative and
consensus-seeking. He avoids the need to be right and centres instead on
living in the real world with Christian integrity.
His solid grasp of the material and well-developed insights are complemented
by a crisp writing-style. Previous books include Meeting Jesus Again for
the First Time (1994), The God We Never Knew (1997), and Reading
the Bible Again for the First Time (2001).
Many who listen to his public presentations and read his books have rejected
traditional beliefs about Jesus, God and the Bible. Yet they still desire
to be spiritually nourished by Christian faith and to walk the talk.
Married to Marianne, an active Episcopalian priest, the author practices
what he preaches as a lay churchgoer and does not just teach and write
about religion.
Borg seeks to connect the religious academy with ordinary folk. He writes
for lovers of faith and those seeking a faith to love.
The Heart of Christianity describes an emerging, comprehensive way
of viewing the faith. It is written primarily for people for whom the inherited
version of Christianity no longer works. "In this time of change and
conflict within the church, what is the heart of Christianity?" he
asks inclusively. "What is most central to an authentic ... Christian
life today?"
The nub of the contemporary conflict between Christians is about two comprehensive
ways of seeing Christianity as a whole, he continues. There is an "earlier"
and an "emerging" Christian worldview. The author himself
is committed to the latter, but he is no longer satisfied with the designations
of "liberal" and "conservative".
He maintains that there is no single, right way of being Christian and
he respects those who prefer an older, more orthodox approach than his
own.
Under the rubric of seeing the Christian tradition again, the author revisits
and expands upon key themes from his previous works on the Bible, God,
and Jesus.
Under the heading of seeing the Christian life again, Borg refurbishes
old biblical/theological images like "born again", the "Kingdom
of God", "sin" and "salvation" and
presents them as bridging metaphors with contemporary meanings.
Those holding an "earlier" worldview will undoubtedly find it
difficult to accept the author's "emerging" position concerning
the human origins of the Bible and this-worldly interpretations of God
and Jesus. Similarly, those holding an "emerging" position may
wince at the author's attempts to revive traditional terms from the "earlier"
worldview.
Borg helps us appreciate what we hold in common.
The author considers that the heart of the matter, showing our love for
God, requires a recovery of rituals, festivals and disciplines in modern
church life.
Being part of a community is necessary for spiritual formation and sustenance.
Adults, as well as children, need continuing development and education
in the faith. Prayer, meditation and contemplation are necessary disciplines.
Christian friendship (having a spiritual soul mate) is almost mandatory
for growth, for it is not really possible to be a Christian alone.
Practicing compassion and justice is the public expression of the heart
of the matter. How we vote or make our charitable donations should be a
reflection of our values as Christians. Many social problems seem
so overwhelming. Yet doing what we can as part of a patchwork quilt of
cooperation with others of good will can make a considerable difference.
Why be Christian? Are not all religions the same? In previous generations,
religious diversity in America consisted of Catholics and Protestants.
Now, we are experiencing religious pluralism more than any generation since
the early centuries of Christianity.
Embracing religious pluralism as a friend not only introduces us to other
faiths, but, in the process, helps us to understand our own Christian traditions
better.
"For us as Christians, Jesus is the way," Borg concludes, "even
though not the only expression of the way." Christians need to become
more deeply Christian and to live more fully into their own tradition.
Our's is a time for bridging, not barrier-building. This book is a worthy
ally to that end.
________
Reviever's Bio: Wayne A. Holst is a writer, and an adult educator at St.
Davids United Church, Calgary.
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