Convictions by Marcus J Borg

Convictions by Marcus J Borg

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 po∨ 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.

Borg (1942-2015) was an emeritus Hundere Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture at Oregon State University and a canon theologian at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Oregon. He was a Fellow of the Jesus Seminar and the author of the bestseller books Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, The Heart of Christianity, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time, The God We Never Knew, Jesus, and Speaking Christian. He was also the national chair of the Society of Biblical Literature's Historical Jesus section.