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Reading the Bible Again For the First Time
Taking the Bible Seriously But Not Literally
First published 2001 · 336 pages
A gentle, intellectually rigorous invitation to rediscover sacred texts through the lens of metaphor and historical context rather than rigid literalism.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like sitting down with a wise, patient professor who understands exactly why you walked away from the faith of your childhood. The pace is steady and deliberate, guiding you through complex historical and theological concepts with a reassuring, pastoral tone. It creates an atmosphere of intellectual liberation, replacing the claustrophobia of rigid literalism with an expansive, sunlit room where questions are welcomed. The prose is remarkably clear, stripping away academic jargon to reveal the profound, metaphorical richness of ancient texts. It is a deeply hopeful reading experience, designed for spiritual seekers, ex-evangelicals, and anyone yearning to reconcile their modern, critical mind with a vibrant, authentic spiritual life.
- Mood
- contemplative
- expansive
- hopeful
- intellectually liberating
- Tone
- earnest
- pastoral
- scholarly
- reassuring
- thoughtful
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- faith deconstruction and reconstruction · the power of metaphor · historical context of scripture · reconciling intellect and belief · spiritual evolution
- The writing
- Clear, accessible, and pedagogical, breaking down complex theological concepts into digestible, conversational insights.
- The arc
- Moves from the tension of cognitive dissonance and religious doubt to a sense of expansive, grounded spiritual renewal.
- Who it's for
- Spiritual seekers, progressive Christians, and recovering fundamentalists who want to engage with scripture without checking their intellect at the door.
Content notes
- discussions of religious fundamentalism
- faith deconstruction
About the book
PerfectBound e-book exclusive extras: Extensive hyperlinking allows the reader to move easily from Professor Borg's text and footnotes to the full text of the actual Biblical passages he cites (including the entirety of the Book of Job); "Seriously but Not Literally," an interview in which Borg discusses his own journey as a scholar and a person of faith and his membership in the controversial Jesus Seminar.The acclaimed biblical scholar (Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time) reveals how it is possible to reconcile the Bible with both a scientific and critical way of thinking while fulfilling one's deepest spiritual needs -- i.e., taking the Bible seriously but not literally.Growing numbers of people both inside and outside organized religion are unwilling to abandon the modern world of science and historical thinking for their faith, and are searching for an enlightened, modern way to be believers and understand the Bible. Leading biblical scholar Marcus J. Borg offers readers a bold new understanding of scripture that respects both tradition and reality. Covering major portions of both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, Borg demonstrates how important texts such as creation, Adam and Eve, the exodus, the prophets, Job, Ecclesiastes, the gospels, Paul's letters, and Revelation are not primarily historical reports as much as they are vital teaching stories about our relationship with God. Moving away from the narrow literalism that drives so many away from the profound richness of the Bible, this groundbreaking book blends the best of biblical scholarship with a profound concern for authentic faith and how it can be lived today.
Description from Open Library.
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