Convictions
Marcus J. Borg is a well-known American New Testament scholar, author, and theologian. He is considered to be one of the leading and influential voices within the concept of progressive Christianity. The author, who died at 72 years of the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, was an eminent professor of religion and culture at the Oregon State University. Further, it is important to note that the writer created different books covering a great variety of religious topics, such as the historical reliability of the gospels and the historical existence of Jesus. Some of the books written by Marcus J. Borg include conflict and social change and convictions. The key purpose of this particular essay is to provide a clear and comprehensive analysis and summary of the book, Convictions. While doing it, the essay is able to provide readers with an ample opportunity to understand the general works and teachings of Professor Marcus Borg.
As the book begins, it can be clearly noted that it focuses on the writer’s memories and convictions as well as conversations which he continued for more than fifty years (Borg 8). Even within time, his passion for reading, writing, teaching, preaching, and lecturing the art and concept of religion from the general view of a liberal Christian became evidently clear. Although the writer claims that his life has been unremarkable, it can be argued that this is an understatement of his wise teachings about Jesus, the holy book, the church, and faith. The latter concept has been effectively incorporated into the modern world by a large number of believers, thus making the book and his life highly relevant to the changing society. It can be noted that the writer is able to effectively outline chief divisions of the American Christianity, such as conservative, inexact, former, and progressive Christians (Borg 18). Consequently, the writer provides a clear meaning of his three primary conversions of intellectual, political and religious interests. The author incorporates the act in a bid to enhance the general understanding of his life and faith.
Further in the book, Marcus Borg provides a clear and comprehensive analysis of his denial of the mystic theism, his ability to shed off the conflict that exists between purpose and religion together with developing correct divinity of the Christian belief. According to this, the ability of the writer to share how he is able to form a bedrock of religious beliefs in line with the contemporary Christian beliefs in America can be discussed (Borg 37). Borg focuses on the concept of hope and transformation among Christian believers with the help of his manifesto about the long-term benefit of all progressive Christians looking to follow the teachings of Jesus. Therefore, in a bid to enhance the participation and understanding of the concept of faith and Christianity, Marcus Borg uses provocative and compelling statements to emphasize the religious beliefs that are able to guide and strengthen the Christian faith. An example of these statements includes the art and the concept of salvation that focus on an individual’s current life and well-being rather than on his afterlife (Borg 20).
Similarly, in the book, the writer uses a set of simple yet carefully structured word orders which enhance his ability to communicate the general spirit of Christianity in a way that greatly enriches individual’s understanding of faith and Christianity. Moreover, it is important to understand that Conviction is a theological autobiography in which Marcus Borg recounts his journey within the field of theology where he provides a clear and comprehensive explanation of the different ideas and convictions that contribute to the current believes that he holds on. By using the art and the concept of provocation, Borg presents appealing ideas to the general public, especially to those who want to be Christians without the necessity to disregard modern science and technology or individual’s personal experience in relation to this (Borg 25). Despite this, the book provides a detailed argument to the different American religious ideas that mainly strive to cause pain and panic within the current Christian generation. Because of this, the writer uses a notion of ancient religious traditions to provide positive alternatives that will enhance individual’s understanding of the different challenges while facing the art and practice of Christianity (Borg 41).
In summary, it is important to note that the ability of the writer to incorporate a sense of peace and wisdom within its context has not only aspired the political revolution but also offered a new set of approaches to the church communities. The theme strives to build and restore the rights and freedoms of the individuals within the society that are weak and powerless. As a result, Convictions is able to provide an accurate answer to the question, “What is Christian’s life all about?”
