Customer Reviews

Reading The Bible Again For The First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously But Not Literally

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Reading the Bible Again for the First Time is a fabulous book especially for those that struggle with the Old Testament and with Revelations. The author has such a different way of looking at and explaining the scripture but he does not diminish one's faith. He actually makes it more relevant to today's world which is something that is sadly lacking in a lot of commentarys. It should be in every Christian reader's library!

In "Reading the Bible Again," Borg puts his argument for a historical-metaphoric reading in clear text, but without talking down to the reader. He explains the world in which the Bible was written, shows the metaphors of both the Hebrew Bible and what was repeated in the Christian New Testament. To me, this is a much more satisfying and holy was of reading the Bible than a fundamentalist one, even if it is more challenging. I highly recommend it for people who, as the subtitle suggests, want to take their Bible seriously, but not literally.

I personally found this book amazingly rich and engrossing. It opens a new approach to the bible study for those - like me - who became used to a logical and scientific view of the world and who are repelled by fundamentalism and literalism in the Christian church. Borg discuses his main point of metaphorical interpretation of the bible readable albeit scientifically based even for people who are not familiar with the bible. After an introduction to his approach he discusses sequentially several books of the old and new testament. Borg takes the bible seriously, he takes the readers seriously and the problems of people with the bible and offers the readers a sound and sometimes wonderful interpretation leaving the stage open for discussion. And it is very well written. It is an excellent start for further discussion. I recommend this text for people who find that literalism keeps them away from the bible. I am convinced that many people would take the bible more seriously after reading this book.

Borg's thesis is that a Biblically-based spiritual journey is not merely possible, but meaningful without the necessity of a literal reading of the Bible, a reading he argues is foreign to most modern Americans. He takes this approach without belittling those with more traditional faith. Even disagreeing with him is a thought-provoking exercise.

For years I've searched for a book or books written for laymen that intelligently expains the historicity and meaning of scriptures. Well, as you guessed by the title of this review, I found such a book -- Reading the Bible Again For the First Time, by Marcus J. Borg.

The book totals just 321 pages, including three indexes: Subject, Modern Author and Scripture Indexes.

Divided into tree parts, beginning with three chapters specifying Reading Lenses; Seeing the Bible Again; The Bible and God; and a critical chapter for lay-Christians, History and Metaphor.

In Part Two, four chapters are devoted to a fresh modern interpretation of the Old Testament, explaining the Creation stories, the Pentateuch, the Prophets and Israel's Wisdom--each essay an insight into the scriptures as seen through Borg's Reading Lenses.

Part Three focuses on the New Testament, with three chapters looking at the Gospels, writings of Paul and Revelation.

Raised in the Protestant faith and having attended numerous churches and denominations I've never encounter a more refreshing viewpoint, an outlook, a vision that relieves the painful doubts that have haunted me most of my adult life.

Borg's personalized analysis captivates the reader, allowing those of us fortunate to read and study Borg, to read the Bible again for the first time, understanding the true essence of our Christian faith, our Christian life for the first time.

Highly recommended. The book deserves 10, 50 a hundred stars.

I was stunned by the many insights the Borg gave me. I'd never been able to get beyond a literal, historical reading of the Bible and the inevitable conclusion that a lot of it was superstition. Among other things, Borg introduced me to the distinction between "truth" and "fact", and to the social radicalism of the prophets. Highly recommended.

Borg, presents the Bible in a historical/metaphorical context without devaluing it as Holy Scripture. While he is quite liberal, he writes in a thoughtful manner and is open about his views. The chapter on Old Testament prophets is worth the puchase price alone.

This book is a refreshing, faith-filled, honest approach to Scripture in our times. Borg shows his authentic Christian faith while teaching us how we can use the latest studies of history, archaeology, and literary criticism to understand the Bible more fully. The book is readable and inspiring, and a refreshing antidote to most anti-intellectual and faith-deadening Christian books today. If you seek to refresh your understanding of this wonderful, beautiful, and mysterious book that has shaped our world, Borg is your guide to new levels of thought and enlightenment.

I have read the books "The God We Never Knew" and "Meeting Jesus Again" by Marcus Borg and this new book is a wonderful addition to those. All of these works have been mind and spirit opening. I could not put this one down after I bought it.

This book is very intelligently written and the concepts are articulated in a manner that opens the Bible to deeper understandings. Borg brings the Bible to life and reading it in a metaphorical way, within the proper historical framework, enables one to unearth the deep spiritual treasures that are within.

I do not want to go into a deep theological discourse on my beliefs. This is not the place. But I will echo the author's words and agree with him when he says that God is bigger than, or trancends any religion, or any book. I want to move closer to an experiencial relationship with God, not one based on requirements of faith or dogmatic belief. My challenge remains the same. Read any of the books by Marcus Borg...it will change your life...if not that...at least your perspective.

I have read a number of Borg books and find them all interesting. This book is, however, special. It is a very good overview of the Bible. His theme of taking the Bible seriously but not literally is right on. By getting to the real meaning I am able to get by the incredible parts of the Bible and to let the deeper truth inform my life. I would suggest that you read the Epilogue first. Borg confirms in this his deep belief in God and Christ. He hears and shares three primary convictions with the major voices of the Bible. 1. A deep sense of the sacred. God is not only real but knowable 2. Our lives are made whole by being in relationship with God. Christian Faith is not about believing but about faithfulness to this relationship. 3. God is a God of justice and compassion. Not just campassion for caring for victims but understanding and addressing why there are victims. His vision of the Christian life is tied up in the twin commandments of "love the Lord with all your heart and soul, mind, and strength" and "love your neighbor as yourself.