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Evolution of the Word: A Chronological Look at the New Testament
In “Evolution of the Word,” modern Christianity scholar and theologian Marcus J. Borg has reordered the Bible’s New Testament based on the order the books were actually written.
By presenting the Bible in this way, he hopes to give readers a new perspective. Readers gain a better understanding of the life of Jesus Christ and the rich history surrounding the latter half of the Bible.
In this exploration, Borg shows just how radical the message of early Christianity was and how it was toned down to become the more domesticated version of modern Christianity we often see today. Unlike other explorations of the New Testament in modern Christianity, this book breaks down each chapter into its contextual meaning – the audience it was written for, the writer’s perspective at that moment of writing, and the relationship it has with other books of the of the New Testament and the rest of the Bible as a whole.
What’s Inside “Evolution of the Word”?
The first three chapters of the book cover Borg’s views on the study of Bible, who Jesus was historically, the evolution of Christianity into modern Christianity over time, and who Paul was historically.
Then, Borg begins to dive into each book in his chronological order:
- 1 Thessalonians
- Galatians
- 1 Corinthians
- Philemon
- Philippians
- 2 Corinthians
- Romans
- Mark
- James
- Colossians
- Matthew
- Hebrews
- John
- Ephesians
- Revelation
- Jude
- 1 John
- 2 John
- 3 John
- Luke
- Acts
- 2 Thessalonians
- 1 Peter
- 1 Timothy
- 2 Timothy
- Titus
- 2 Peter
Borg uses the text straight from the NRSV Bible, including chapters, standard headings, and even textual notations. He introduces each chapter by explaining his methods of dating the book before allowing the reader to dive in with a new perspective.
A New Chronology
Borg notes that it’s accepted in the scholarly world of modern Christianity that the canonical order of books of the New Testament is not accurate.
Instead of simply taking a scholarly consensus on the correct order, however, Borg took it upon himself to study, question, and date the books according to what he believes to be the true order. He then presents the books in this perspective unfound in other scholarly literature in the realm of modern Christianity.
A Guide to Hold On To in the World of Modern Christianity
Rounding off at 593 pages, Borg’s book is much more than a finish-in-a-sitting book. Instead, it is a guide through a complex and often disputed scripture of modern Christianity that can be picked back up whenever the Word calls.
No matter what denomination of modern Christianity you’re a part of, Scripture is close to your heart. If you are searching within modern Christianity for a new meaning to the New Testament, this book is for you. You can buy this book on Amazon or wherever books are sold.