The Meaning Of Jesus Analysis

In The Meaning of Jesus N.T. Wright and Marcus Borg present different views on issues relating to how Jesus is viewed. While Borg and Wright do agree on central ideals of Christianity, Borg tends to have more liberal views, whereas Wright holds more conservative views.

The Meaning of Jesus begins with Borg speaking about how we know about Jesus. Borg explains that the gospels have two natures. First, they are a developing tradition and second, the gospels are a mixture of history “remembered” and history “metaphorized”. Borg believes that some of the material is from Jesus and some is from the Christian community. The material from the Christian community should be considered metaphors, so this material is history metaphorized. Borg also states that there are two ways to refer to Jesus: pre and post-Easter Jesus; human and divine. The importance of pre-Easter Jesus is that, according

to Borg, he did not realize himself to be the messiah. Next, Borg explains that another way to see Jesus is through lenses; the first being modern study of Jesus and the gospels as “developing tradition”; next, studying Judaism; thirdly, studying the beginnings of Jesus and Christians; lastly, the “cross-cultural study of religion.” Following this Borg discusses that our worldview is another element contributing to how we see Jesus.
Next, in Chapter 4 Borg discusses what Jesus did and taught.

First, Borg clarifies that Jesus was a Jewish mystic and Christian messiah. So, Jesus may not have thought he was the messiah. Borg believes Jesus was a Jewish mystic and Spirit person. So, Jesus performed many healings, but they should not be considered miracles. Borg refers to them as paranormal healings. Thus, Borg concludes that Jesus was a “prophet of the Kingdom of God”.

In the next chapter, Borg talks about Jesus death. Borg’s main argument is that he is skeptical about whether or not Jesus believed his death was “salvific.” Borg does understand, however, that there is evidence in the Bible that goes against his belief. So, Borg presents evidence that he believes argues that Jesus did not see his death as leading to salvation.

The next section of the book examines Easter and Jesus. Borg writes that he agrees with Wright about Easter being central to Christianity, however, he disagrees with Wright concerning the importance of Jesus’ body and the tomb. Borg argues that the tomb and Jesus’ corpse are irrelevant to

Easter.
In Chapter 9, Borg examines the relationship of Jesus and God. Borg believes that post-Easter Jesus is “one with God” and that pre-Easter Jesus is the “embodiment or incarnation of God.” So, pre-Easter Jesus did not have the power of God, according to Borg.
The next chapter written by Borg explores the birth of Jesus. First, Borg states that he believes that the stories are literary creations that are not historically true.
Chapter 13 focuses on the views regarding Jesus’ second coming. Borg writes about how people tend to think that Jesus will come during their time. This shows to be true even in some of the writing in the Bible.
The last chapter written by Borg and in The Meaning of Jesus discusses Jesus and the lives of Christians. Borg says that the gospels are in one of three categories. The gospels are writings of history; a combination of history with history metaphorized; or solely history metaphorized-meaning the story is not historically factual. However, Borg argues that the truth of the gospel story is not dependent on a specific event in history. Borg also argues that the stories included in Matthew and Luke cannot be used has historical data about Jesus. Borg also discusses what it means to live a Christian life today. Borg believes that Christians need to have a relational understanding of faith. Faith is more than just believing in something, because the Bible is a lens.
N.T. Wright is also responding to the same topics Borg does, but his views tend to be very different. Wright begins his section of The Meaning of Jesus by discussing his view about how we know Jesus. Wright believes that the Bible cannot be reconstructed. Wright also includes in his first chapter that he does not know if pre and post-Easter Jesus were different.
Next, Wright describes Jesus and the work he did. Wright describes Jesus as a prophet and a Jewish revolutionary. Jesus can be described as a “movement initiator.” Wright includes that people may think Jesus was anti-Jewish, but that is not true; Jesus was a normal first century Jew, so Jesus did not say he was the messiah.
In Chapter 6 Wright discusses that Jesus did believe prophecy was being fulfilled through him.
The next chapter discusses Easter and Jesus.
Wright uses Chapter 10 to contrast creational and covenantal monotheism.
Wright’s next chapter is regarding Jesus’ birth. Wright argues that the virgin birth happened, which is a view that is widely accept. However, in Chapter 14 Wright does not hold the “traditional” view of Christ’s return.
Wright’s last chapter, focuses on how Christianity needs to have some form of “meaningful spirituality.” Wright believes that Christians need to incorporate practices like prayer and meditation. Wright emphasizes that worship is even more important for Christians than just reading about Jesus.
Marcus Borg and N.T. Wright include fascinating arguments regarding different topics surrounding Jesus. I found some of the arguments to be convincing, while others were questionable. One view that Borg holds that I agree with is to live a Christian life we need to have a relational understanding of the Bible. I think it’s important that Borg reminds Christians that being a Christian accounts for more than just believing in the things we read in the Bible. I fully agree with Borg about needed to use what we learn from the Bible and apply it to everyday life.
However, there are some arguments that Borg made that challenged views I have. Borg has an interesting approach to the different topics discussed in The Meaning of Jesus. The views he questions seem to be views that have become normal and widely accepted among Christians. For instance, one thing people are quick to accept is healings being considered miracles. Borg, however, do not believe that this view should be held, because it makes God seem like a “supernatural interventionist.” While Borg has a sound argument for wanting the healings Jesus performed to be considered paranormal healings, people are quick to consider Jesus’ healings miracles, so Borg’s view was interesting to read since it was different.
Another example of a view Borg holds that differs from the views I hold is concerning the sacrament of communion. Borg does not believe that during Jesus’ last meal he said, in reference to the bread and wine, “this is my body” or “this is my blood.” Borg believes that this was derived from Christian tradition rather than straight from Jesus. While this may be true, it’s interesting to consider since these words have become synonymous with taking communion at church.
N.T. Wright and Marcus Borg’s differing opinions are evident throughout the discussions in The Meaning of Jesus. N.T. Wright holds more conservative views that I agree with more, but Marcus Borg’s more liberal views are challenging and important to consider. Reading The Meaning of Jesus allowed me to consider new perspectives and reflect on the views I hold. The arguments articulated in the reading allow readers to analyze how we think about Jesus and why.