Religious fiction by Marcus J. Borg
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Marcus J. Borg is a liberal Bible scholar who claims that the New Testament Gospels contain more mythology than history.
He is a member of the Jesus Seminar — a group of scholars who attack the Bible‘s historical reliability.
He has now written a work of fiction titled, “Putting Away Childish Things: A Tale of Modern Faith” The book is slated for publication on April 20, 2010.
No synopsis has been made available, but publisher HarperCollins does list advance praise for the novel.
“A superb way of involving the reader emotionally and imaginatively in these important issues. Indeed, it is probably the only way of doing so. As we follow Kate’s journey we become aware of the paradoxes and difficulties of faith in the modern world, and appreciate the way these affect our spiritual, intellectual and professional aspirations at every level. At the end of the novel, Borg is thus able to lead his readers to the crucial insight that religious commitment is more than belief.”
– Karen Amstrong, Author of The Case For God
[…]“We all know that Marcus Borg is a gifted teacher, biblical scholar, and writer of nonfiction, but it turns out that he’s a master storyteller, too. In Putting Away Childish Things, we encounter thoughtful and conflicted characters talking honestly and intelligently about God, faith, doubt, sex, food, and life’s big decisions. A rewarding read!”
– Brian D. Mclaren, Author of A New Kind of Christianity
– Source: Critical Praise for Putting Away Childish Things, HarperCollins
It should be noted that Brian McLaren, a leader in the controversial Emergent Church movement, himself is confused about the basic doctrines of Christianity, as he “admits that he does not even know why Jesus died on the cross.”
“Emily Dickinson said “tell all the truth, but tell it slant,’ and Marcus Borg does just that. With his trademark pith and lucidity, Borg gives us a novel with meat on its bones: his story of theology professor Kate Riley’s vocational and spiritual journey has something for the inquirer’s intellect, the lover’s heart, and the seeker’s soul. Through his compelling story, he invites us to explore new truths that help us navigate a clear path through the culture wars and hot-button issues of our day. This is a feast for mind, heart and spirit.”
– Anne Sutherland Howard, author of Claiming the Beatitudes and Executive Director of The Beatitudes Society
[…]“Marcus Borg has given us a novel about the great debates in Christianity (and religion) today: imagination vs. orthodoxy, “church’ vs. “spirituality,’ doctrine vs. the lived experience of faith. He has clothed these ideas in hearts, minds and bodies but above all, he has given us Kate Riley, whose desire to live out her true calling made me shiver with recognition. Read this book and give it to all who seek.”
— Nora Gallagher, author of Changing Light and Things Seen and Unseen
– Source: Critical Praise for Putting Away Childish Things, HarperCollins
The title, “Putting Away Childish Things” is a reference to the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:12
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
– Source: 1 Corinthians 13:8-13
Note that Jesus praised child-like faith:
13People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
– Source: Mark 10:13-16
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Related topic(s): Marcus J. Borg, Putting Away Childish Things
First published (or major update) on Thursday, February 18, 2010.
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