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Speaking Christian: Why Christian Words Have Lost Their Meaning and Power—And How They Can Be Restored Audiobook
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(3.08) - 277 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
In Speaking Christian, acclaimed Bible scholar Marcus Borg, author of Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, argues that the very language Christians use has become dangerously distilled, distorted, and disconnected from the beliefs which once underpinned it.
Stating a case that will resonate with readers of N. T. Wright’s Simply Christian, Borg calls for a radical change to the language we use to invoke our beliefs—the only remedy that will allow the Church's words to once again ring with truth, power, and hope.
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"Should be read by every pastor, Sunday School teacher, person interested in Christianity. Borg does a great job elucidating the historical meanings of many words that the christian churches throw out so casually without really knowing what they mean; then he also helps the reader understand their meaning for today and how they may be redeemed. Wish he had written more in some of the latter chapters."
— Sharon (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“What would we do without Marcus Borg? If he did not exist, we would have to invent him for we have no better guide to the recovery of an authentic Christian faith for these difficult times than this articulate and prolific public theologian.”
— Peter J. Gomes, New York Times bestselling author of The Good Book -
“Speaking Christian correctly may seem like it’s just a fuss over semantics, but it’s ultimately about something bigger: defining Christianity…When Christians forget what their words mean, they forget what their faith means.”
— CNN -
Convincing…Borg’s approach makes the complexity of his ideas transparent; his ideas will appeal strongly to individual Christians, as well as the unchurched.”
— Library Journal -
“This book could start a revolution. Borg cracks open the encrusted words of faith and pops them into fresh language that people can understand and trust. The last time this happened, we got the Reformation.”
— Anne Sutherland Howard, executive director of the Beatitudes Society -
“In every generation, there is a handful of writers of whom it can be said, ‘Read everything they write.’ Marcus Borg is one of these today.”
— Walter Wink, author of Engaging the Powers
Speaking Christian Listener Reviews
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" Loved this book. I don't resonate with the heaven-and-hell flavor of Christianity, so it was wonderful to discover terms like "salvation" and "born again" in the context of their original meanings. "
— Laura, 2/17/2014 -
" Looking at the meaning of words in a different way makes the Bible take on a new meaning. A broader and more inclusive meaning. I keep this book handy to freshen my reading of Scripture. "
— Connie, 1/19/2014 -
" Even if the meanings of the words can be restored, many Christians won't like or agree with the restored meanings. "
— Cynthia, 1/18/2014 -
" want to read more Marcus Borg. "
— Jeanette, 1/14/2014 -
" A necessary antidote to overly literal versions of Christianity but left feeling that the baby is thrown out with the bath water to use a historical-metaphorical mode of speech! "
— David, 1/8/2014 -
" A look at reclaiming certain Christian words. Intriguing stuff, just not sure I agree with his conclusions this time around. "
— Scott, 12/1/2013 -
" Borg beautifully defines Christianity as the thought world Christians inhabit. "
— David, 11/8/2013 -
" Feels patronizing at first-- but ends up being a good initial examination of how the meanings Christians give to some of their key concepts have changed over the centuries. Essential for anyone who takes the religion seriously. "
— Katrinka, 10/29/2013 -
" Content is insightful and refocuses you on what it truly means to be Christian; however, he can ramble at times. I'd suggest reading this one if you want to learn what message those who wrote the Bible intended. "
— Shannon, 8/24/2013 -
" Very thought provoking. Challenges some long held beliefs. I loved the book and will read again. "
— Francy, 8/18/2013 -
" Marcus Borg is a gem. If we are entering a new period of Reformation (and I think we are!), this book shows us a few reasons why. Simple, yet powerfully persuasive. Read it and be challenged! "
— Kevin, 11/18/2012 -
" I owe ol' Marcus a big high five for this one. Makes christian language not only palatable but down right delicious. "
— Justin, 11/2/2012 -
" Excellent valuable view into the essence of Christianity. "
— Virginia, 10/26/2012 -
" A straightforward and well-presented response to how the use of language in Christianity has strayed from its original meaning and been used to divide rather than unite Christians. "
— Jennifer, 9/8/2012 -
" A core book for the thinking 21st century Christian! Clearly written and backed by years of solid scholoarship and dialogue with other bible scholars. "
— Mary, 8/5/2011 -
" A look at reclaiming certain Christian words. Intriguing stuff, just not sure I agree with his conclusions this time around. "
— Scott, 6/7/2011 -
" I owe ol' Marcus a big high five for this one. Makes christian language not only palatable but down right delicious. "
— Justin, 5/16/2011
About Marcus J. Borg
Marcus J. Borg (1942–2015) was canon theologian at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Oregon, and Hundere Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture, emeritus, at Oregon State University. A Fellow of the Jesus Seminar, he had been national chair of the Historical Jesus section of the Society of Biblical Literature and was the author of the bestselling books Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, The Heart of Christianity, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time, The God We Never Knew, Jesus, and Speaking Christian.
About John Pruden
John Pruden is an Earphones Award–winning audiobook narrator. His exposure to many people, places, and experiences throughout his life provides a deep creative well from which he draws his narrative and vocal characterizations. His narration of The Killing of Crazy Horse by Thomas Powers was chosen by the Washington Post as a Best Audiobook of 2010.