Speaking Christian
by Marcus Borg
248pp SPCK 2011 £9.99
Words change their meanings and their usage over the course of time. The word “gay” for instance has changed within our lifetimes (well, many of our lifetimes!). The word “tidy” used to mean “timely, excellent” until about 1700 (that's my excuse anyway!). Likewise biblical words which are in common currency today have sometimes drifted in meaning over the centuries. Marcus Borg, as an outstanding biblical scholar, has charted many of these changes in this engaging book and the results of his work are revealing. For example, how far do modern understandings of the words “believe” and “faith” correspond to biblical usage? What about the meanings of “sin”,“salvation” and “heaven”? Does the modern tendency to take words or concepts in their literal sense always follow the intentions of the biblical authors?
The author challenges the negative connotations many words still carry today, and draws on the Bible to find meanings which reflect more closely the original teachings of Jesus, in the process discovering a remarkably positive and inspiring message. Borg may be primarily a scholar but his writings are most readable and his insights have inspired many. A typical comment is “I wouldn't be in the church today if I hadn't come across your books”.
Do you ever find “churchy” language a problem? If so, this book is for you.
David Tidy