Conflict, Holiness, and Politics in the Teachings of Jesus - by Marcus Borg (Paperback)

About the Book

Originally published: New York, N.Y.: E. Mellen, 1984, in series: Studies in the Bible and early Christianity.

Book Synopsis

Originally published in 1984, this extraordinary work has until now been available only in an expensive library edition. The present edition has been completely updated and redesigned, and includes an extended new introduction by Marcus Borg that relates the book's central arguments to subsequent Jesus scholarship. A foreword by N.T. Wright characterizes the book as one of the foundational works in the ""third quest"" for the historical Jesus. In the book, Marcus Borg argues that conflict between a politics of holiness and a politics of compassion, and their implications for Israel, resides at the center of Jesus' activity and teaching. He emphasizes several features that have since become central to Jesus scholarship: the importance of Jesus' inclusive meal practice, a non-apocalyptic paradigm for understanding Jesus, and Jesus as a social prophet and boundary-breaker. Marcus J. Borg is Hundere Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture in the Philosophy Department at Oregon State University. He is the author of nine books, including Jesus in Contemporary Scholarship, also published by Trinity Press.

Review Quotes

"An excellent republication of a classic book." Fred W.--Sanford Lakoff "Religious Studies Review "

"I wish so much that this would have been a book close at hand at the beginning of my ministry instead of during my retirement years. Two issues, namely the feasting of the saints (or breaking of bread) and the place of worship in the temple provide much food for thought and elevate one's conscience to the Divine Presence. While in a sense a theological textbook, it is the type of work that lends scholarship to Chrisitian Faith and Practice, a discipline long overdue in the Body of Christ." Raymond B. Knudsen, Editor, The Counselor, April 11, 1999--Sanford Lakoff "Professional Counselor "

"Its argument is crisp and clear. It carves out fresh space wich many readers of the New Testament had never imagined existed and fills it with exegetical detail that is not only patient and well-documented but also creative and innovative." N.T. Wright--Sanford Lakoff

"A convincing account of the relation between the political and mystical dimensions of the renewal movement inaugurated by Jesus." Journal of Theological Studies

"Certainly one of the most constructive and original books about Jesus to have been written in recent years. There is also a great deal of fresh and valuable detailed exegesis...an illuminating perspective on Jesus in the social context of his day (and) an important contribution to an important ongoing debate." Themelios

"An excellent republication of a classic book." ----, "Religious Studies Review "

About the Author

Marcus Borg is Hundere Professor of Religion and Culture at Oregon State University, lecturer, and author of twelve books, including the best-selling Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time and the award-winning The God We Never Knew.