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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 New Testament in chronological order, Borg gives readers a new perspective. Readers gain a better understanding of the life of Jesus Christ and the rich history developed in the latter half of the Bible.
In this exploration, Borg demonstrates just how radical the message of early Christianity was, and how it was altered to become the domesticated version we 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, the relationship it has with the other books of the New Testament, and the Bible as a whole. By doing so, Borg shows how early Christian thinking evolved while providing significant data and themes that are often overlooked or misunderstood out of context.
What’s in the Book?
The first three chapters illustrate the evolution of Christianity over time, and how the Bible is generally studied. Readers also gain a better understanding of who Jesus and Paul were historically.
After comparing early and modern Christianity, Borg then invites readers to experience each book in the order in which it was written, providing crucial introductions and insights. Beginning with 1 Thessalonians and ending with 2 Peter, a new perspective is provided into the movement and evolution of Christianity.
Borg uses the NRSV (New Revised Standard Version) translation of the Bible, including chapters, standard headings, and even textual notations. He introduces each chapter by explaining his methods of dating the book before encouraging 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 order of books of the New Testament is not accurate chronologically.
Instead of simply taking a scholarly consensus on the correct order, Borg takes it upon himself to study, question, and date the books according to what he believes to be accurate. This perspective and presentation of the books are unique in the realm of scholarly literature in modern Christianity.
A Guide to Hold On To in the World of Modern Christianity
Evolution of the Word is a 603-page detailed guide through the complex and disputed scripture of modern Christianity. Borg’s ideas often conflict with Evangelical and Fundamentalist scholars, so he details his opinions enabling the reader to decide for them self.
All denominations of Christianity will benefit from Evolution of the Word: the New Testament in the Order the Books Were Written. If you are searching within modern Christianity for a new meaning and deeper understanding of the New Testament, this book is for you. You can buy this book on Amazon or wherever books are sold.
Study Guide
For those who would like help in understanding the context of Evolution of the Word, please download the study guide to follow along with while reading. It would also be greatly appreciated if you could please offer any feedback you have on the guide once you’ve downloaded it. Thank you!
Where to buy this book