In many ways, and for many a Christian who has left behind conservative evangelicalism, Marcus Borg is a bit of a spiritual father. His approach to a non-literal understanding of the text is something that has enabled many of us to begin seeing with greater clarity what the greater point of the gospel is; things like social justice, non-violence, and equality among people - things he may sum up as "salvation".
Convictions, although not touted as such, is a bit of a memoir from this emergent hero. Taking us through the pains of growing up poor and unaccepted, Dr. Borg shows us that his own journey has been wrought with times of discomfort in his own beliefs, and how that discomfort has helped him to shape how he now sees the one we call God, Father, Abba, or Lord. His commitment to seeing the gospel spread through an intense personal vision of Jesus and His mission is something many ought to take note of.
The back cover of the book reveals a statement from the late Walter Wink that I myself have made on several occasions. Borg is one of those rare authors of whom I will purchase literally everything they write. Not because I fully agree with all his conclusions, rather the convictions that lead to the conclusions. I frequently tell people who may have difficulty with his assertions that the man may believe in a non literal approach to the text, but he still follows Jesus. This is always followed with the question: "so why do you?"
Convictions is one of those rare books that has the unique advantage of being simply written, deep enough to inspire serious thought, and yet empty of heady, theological language that keeps most from picking up many a theological book. It is a concise, theological biography and manifesto of emergent Christianity all in one easy-to-be-read volume. In short, everyone from the most "conservative" to the most "liberal" would do well to pick it up, examine Dr. Borg's personal convictions, and glean from a man with so much life experience and spiritual wisdom.
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