Evolution of the Word: The New Testament in the Order the Books Were Written

Description

By presenting the New Testament books in the order they were written, bestselling Bible scholar Marcus Borg reveals how spiritually and politically radical the early Jesus movement began and how it slowly became domesticated. Evolution of the Word is an incredible value: not only are readers getting a deeply insightful new book from the author of Speaking Christian and Jesus, but also the full-text of the New Testament-and one of the only Bibles organized in chronological order and including explanatory annotations that give readers a more informed understanding of the Scripture that is so close to their hearts and lives.

Marcus J. Borg (1942-2015) was a pioneering author and teacher whom the New York Times described as a leading figure in his generation of Jesus scholars. He was the Hundere Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture at Oregon State University and canon theologian at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, and he appeared on NBC's The Today Show and Dateline, ABC's World News, and NPR's Fresh Air. His books have sold over a million copies, including the bestselling Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time, Jesus, The Heart of Christianity, Evolution of the Word, Speaking Christian, and Convictions.

"Borg introduces each book of the New Testament and, for the first time in most churches, readers will be receiving these sacred texts in the order men and women received them nearly 2,000 years ago. . . Evolution of the Word will light up book discussion groups."--Read the Spirit "Marcus Borg has always been a great teacher. In his newest book Evolution of the Word, his teaching skills are obvious as he opens the New Testament, not only to its original, historical order, but also to insightful, refreshing and dramatic insights."--John Shelby Spong, author of Re-Claiming the Bible for a Non-Religious World "Some may still remember confrontational front-page headlines decades ago pitting Borg and other university-based Bible scholars against Christian traditionalists. However, Borg now is embraced in mainline congregations coast to coast. . . . To put it simply: Marcus Borg has become a friend to growing congregations."--Read the Spirit In Evolution of the Word, Borg has produced something of great usefulness. Reading the New Testament in the order suggested gives us a new perspective on biblical faith. ...[It] tests and challenges our programmed ways of reading Scripture.... that can enrich our faith awareness.--The United Methodist Reporter "The most helpful thing that Borg has to offer is a contextual introduction to each of the 27 books of the New Testament . . . An eminently readable and eye-opening addition to religion shelves, as well as a new and fascinating way to read the New Testament."--Booklist (starred review) "Borg, a prolific biblical scholar, guides the reader into understanding . . . the process by which the biblical material developed. . . . A good guide to the background and content of the New Testament."--Library Journal