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Convictions: How I Learned What Matters Most

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Convictions: How I Learned What Matters Most

Paperback(Reprint)

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Overview

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; Jesus's death on the cross matters—but 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062269980
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	03/01/2016
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	7.80(w) x 5.40(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Marcus J. Borg (1942–2015) was a pioneering author and teacher whom the New York Times described as "a leading figure in his generation of Jesus scholars." He was the Hundere Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture at Oregon State University and canon theologian at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, and he appeared on NBC's The Today Show and Dateline, ABC's World News, and NPR's Fresh Air. His books have sold over a million copies, including the bestselling Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time, Jesus, The Heart of Christianity, Evolution of the Word, Speaking Christian, and Convictions.

Preface xi

1 Context Matters 1

2 Faith Is a Journey 19

3 God Is Real and Is a Mystery 35

4 Salvation Is More About This Life than an Afterlife 53

5 Jesus Is the Norm of the Bible 77

6 The Bible Can Be True Without Being Literally True 103

7 Jesus's Death on the Cross Matters-But Not Because He Paid for Our Sins 131

8 The Bible Is Political 147

9 God Is Passionate About Justice and the Poor 169

10 Christians Are Called to Peace and Nonviolence 189

11 To Love God Is to Love Like God 209

Notes 233

Scripture Index 239

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Editorial Reviews

Marcus Borg is a key force in the emerging “new paradigm” of Christian faith. — Walter Brueggemann, author of Sabbath as Resistance
Both challenging and illuminating. — Karen Armstrong, author of A History of God
Writing with a simplicity that never becomes simplistic, Borg manages to convey the essence of Christianity in a way that does justice to those who do not share his views and will greatly enrich the understanding of those who do. — Frederick Buechner, author of Telling the Truth
“In every generation there are 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
“All Christians and those interested in Christianity from a distance should read all his books.” — Thomas Moore, author of Care of the Soul
“Conveys an overall message that is both simple and urgently needed: Change is a good and natural part of Christian life.” — Read The Spirit
“An excellent introduction for general readers who stand outside the Christian tradition as well as those interested in considering how faith changes as they mature.” — Booklist
“He writes honestly and clearly, defining as he goes, always educating. He does not shy from laying out controversies among contemporary Christians [but] he closes with wonder.” — Publishers Weekly
One of those rare books . . . simply written [and] deep enough to inspire serious thought...Everyone would do well to pick it up, examine Dr. Borg’s personal convictions, and glean from a man with so much life experience and spiritual wisdom. — Clarion Journal of Spirituality and Justice

From the Publisher

Both challenging and illuminating.

Karen Armstrong

Marcus Borg is a key force in the emerging “new paradigm” of Christian faith.

Walter Brueggemann

Writing with a simplicity that never becomes simplistic, Borg manages to convey the essence of Christianity in a way that does justice to those who do not share his views and will greatly enrich the understanding of those who do.

Frederick Buechner

Conveys an overall message that is both simple and urgently needed: Change is a good and natural part of Christian life.

Read The Spirit

An excellent introduction for general readers who stand outside the Christian tradition as well as those interested in considering how faith changes as they mature.

Booklist

One of those rare books . . . simply written [and] deep enough to inspire serious thought...Everyone would do well to pick it up, examine Dr. Borg’s personal convictions, and glean from a man with so much life experience and spiritual wisdom.

Clarion Journal of Spirituality and Justice

All Christians and those interested in Christianity from a distance should read all his books.

Thomas Moore

In every generation there are a handful of writers of whom it can be said, “Read everything they write.” Marcus Borg is one of these today.

Walter Wink

04/21/2014
Because "context matters," religion scholar Borg (The Heart of Christianity) reviews the itinerary of his spiritual journey toward his life's convictions. An expert on the historical Jesus who has written 14 books (including a fine novel), Borg bases his biblical exegeses in scripture, reason and tradition; another three-legged stool—memories, conversations, and convictions—shapes this forthright book. He explores how he came to his opinions, from boy to man to elder of 70, beginning with his birth in Minnesota to conservative, Republican, Lutheran parents in a mixed marriage (his mother was descended from Norwegians; his father, Swedes). He became a scholar, a liberal Episcopalian in Oregon, the husband of a priest. He intertwines his considerable knowledge of the Bible and of Christianity with exploration of his life at lectern and in pulpit. He writes honestly and clearly, defining as he goes, always educating. He does not shy from laying out controversies among contemporary Christians, especially progressives v. conservatives, and he analyzes Jesus, the Bible, and the Cross. He closes with wonder: "Imagine that Christianity is about loving God." (May)

Publishers Weekly

An excellent introduction for general readers who stand outside the Christian tradition as well as those interested in considering how faith changes as they mature.

Booklist

Convictions: How I Learned What Matters Most

Convictions: How I Learned What Matters Most

Paperback(Reprint)

Paperback(Reprint)

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Overview

Product Details

About the Author

Table of Contents

Customer Reviews

Related collections and offers

Overview

Product Details

About the Author

Table of Contents

Related Subjects

Customer Reviews