The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions by Marcus J Borg and N T Wright, HarperOne 1999
Borg is one of the leading liberal scholars of our time, and Wright a leading conservative. Working through themes including the sources of our information, the resurrection, the crucifixion and the question ‘Was Jesus God?’, the two scholars put forward their very different—although not always mutually exclusive—positions.
Borg is likely to challenge many readers with the liberal ideas on which he throws light. Some may think he treads a dangerous path in treating various elements of scripture as metaphorical (although Wright too can see the wisdom of recognising metaphors within scripture); however his elucidation of why this approach does not denude the gospels and Jesus of the power to save and heal is illuminating. Apart from anything else, it is well worth considering his views to increase understanding and acceptance between Christians from all walks of life—and faith.
Wright believes images of Jesus as ‘King’ provide support for political activity as part of Christian life. He seems to regard lightly the long and sickening history of corruption and persecution which began when Constantine gave Christianity state power, not ceasing until that power had been whittled away by the forces of the Reformation and the Enlightenment. Given the recent war against the ‘axis of evil’, which was heavily backed by Christian celebrity leaders in the US, some readers may wish for greater circumspection on the subject of Christian use of political power; and a clearer delineation between terms such as ‘politics’ and the ‘politics of Jesus.’
‘Who do you say I am?’ is perhaps one of the most intriguing questions Jesus chose to ask his disciples. The Meaning of Jesus took me a good way down the path of answering Jesus’ question and knowing why I think of Jesus as I do.