The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions is a theological remix of the old Cole Porter song "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off." In alternating chapters, the (mostly) liberal Marcus J. Borg and the (mostly) conservative N.T. Wright consider the major questions of the historical-Jesus debate that has dominated biblical studies in the 1990s. Borg and Wright agree that Jesus was the Christian messiah and preached the Kingdom of God, but they disagree about the Virgin birth, the purpose of Jesus' death, the issue of his bodily resurrection, and the question of his divinity. The Ping-Pong structure of this book and the fastidious politeness with which the authors treat one another sometimes give The Meaning of Jesus a tomato/tomahto, potato/potahto bounciness, but the project is nevertheless worthy: this is a simple, clear orientation to some of the most important biblical questions of our time, and a record of a lively and loving friendship between two of the best Christian scholars alive. --Michael Joseph Gross


From Publishers Weekly
In this valuable book, historical Jesus scholars Bog (Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time) and Wright (Jesus and the Victory of God) engage in a lively debate on the significance of historical Jesus research for the Christian faith. Each of the seven sections of the book contains alternating chapters by the two authors. For example, in a section called "How Do We Know About Jesus?" Borg argues that the ways people "see" Jesus are determined by the critical lenses and methods they use to look at the sources, while Wright claims that we "know" Jesus as a result of a dialogue between faith and history. In similar fashion, Borg and Wright exchange remarks on topics ranging from the Virgin Birth and "Was Jesus God?" to the crucifixion, the resurrection and the Second Coming. Borg's conclusions about the historical Jesus arise out of his conviction that the Gospels are not historical reports that can be factually verified but documents in which history is "metaphorized" to reveal symbolic meanings about Jesus' life. Wright, on the other hand, argues that a historical reading of the Gospels supports a Christian's "faith-knowledge" of Jesus. This is a splendid introduction to contemporary conversations about the historical Jesus as well as an excellent primer on New Testament Christology for general readers. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
Borg and Wright, both noted Jesus scholars, present a slow-motion dialog to illustrate their somewhat contrasting views of the nature of the historical Jesus and the consequences of their views for modern-day Christian belief. They share the goal of "a life full of God" but differ on the importance of different aspects of Jesus' life. This clear, accessible book ought to prove thought-provoking to sincere Christians. For most religious studies collections.Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Two leading scholars, representing the primary alternative views, freshly capture the historical Jesus debate in one spirited volume. Marcus Borg, the most popular liberal voice on Jesus, a member of the Jesus Seminar, and author of the bestselling Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, and N.T. Wright, the most prominent standard-bearer for the traditional stance, outspoken critic of the Jesus Seminar, and author of Jesus and the Victory of God, collaborate for the first time in a civilized but forthright debate about all the essential issues. In alternating chapters, Borg and Wright present their significantly different visions of who Jesus was, what he taught, and what he did. Although both authors share a conviction that Christian faith should be grounded in the best historical scholarship and they agree that Jesus is the Christian messiah and preached the Kingdom of God, they express sharp, well-argued disagreement over many crucial issues.

SYNOPSIS

How is one's Christian faith shaped by their understanding of the "historical" Jesus? In point-counterpoint format, two leading scholars—Borg, a popular liberal voice on Jesus and member of the Jesus Seminar, and Wright, a prominent standard-bearer for the traditional Christian stance—discuss how interpretations of the Gospel and the facts surrounding Jesus impact upon such topics as the divinity of Jesus, the Virgin Birth, the meaning of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection, and the Second Coming.

FROM THE CRITICS

Morning News Dallas

This book...is a not-to-be-missed gateway into the current debates about Jesus.

Daniel Harrington

Marcus Borg and N. T. Wright, two of the most prominent figures in recent debates about the historical Jesus, have joined forces to produce a book taht is a model of scholarly dialogue.

Library Journal

Borg and Wright, both noted Jesus scholars, present a slow-motion dialog to illustrate their somewhat contrasting views of the nature of the historical Jesus and the consequences of their views for modern-day Christian belief. They share the goal of "a life full of God" but differ on the importance of different aspects of Jesus' life. This clear, accessible book ought to prove thought-provoking to sincere Christians. For most religious studies collections.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

"A fascinating, highly civilized conversation on the central issues about Jesus under debate today. The point-counterpoint arrangement introduces genuine and instructive differences of view, while the authors' mutual respect models an ideal way to disagree. Bravo to this intelligent spirit of searching for common ground!"  — HarperCollins

"Another book about Jesus? Yes--and a much-needed one. Marcus Borg and N. T. Wright provide us with a refreshing model for New Testament studies at a time when Christianity and all the other great religious traditions are being reimagined. We are beginning to understand that getting the facts straight about anything (let alone the 'historical' Jesus) isn't enough. You have to find the story to which they belong. Here we have the story-within-a-story of two men on a journey of scholarship, friendship, and faith that will challenge and sustain many of us who find the record of Jesus, as we have presumed to understand it, at odds with our experience. This book will transform our understanding and open us up to deeper experience."  — HarperCollins

"This book is a fantastic reading experience for all those who identify themselves as Christians. N. T. Wright describes powerfully what Christianity has traditionally been. Marcus Borg presents his convictions about and his vision of what Christianity can become. Together they sing a majestic song of faith into which the whole world can be invited to join."  — HarperCollins