Reviews

Evolution of the Word: The New Testament in the Order the Books Were Written by Marcus J. Borg

duparker's review against another edition

4.0

I've read the New Testament before, but having it presented this way, in chronological order, as well as having it presented with historic context and explanation, was very useful and enjoyable. The Books are presented in a way where the text of the Book is not diminished, or altered, just re-examined in flow and context to show the changing of meanings and interpretations as the early Christian's and Jews evolved.

Through this evolution, the meaning and formation of the Books also evolved and became the base for the teachings included in the Bible as a whole. Both from a scholarly and from a religious viewpoint this was a great experience.

drbobcornwall's review against another edition

4.0

What would it look like to read the New Testament chronologically -- that is in the order in which the books were written? We're used to the way the canonical list appears -- Four gospels, Acts, Pauline Epistles, Catholic Epistles (the rest of the letters and Hebrews) with Revelation bring up the rear. But, what if you started with 1 Thessalonians and concluded with 2 Peter?

That's the purpose of Marcus Borg's Evolution of the Word. It offers us a reconstruction of the New Testament canon. Even if you don't completely share Borg's reconstruction or his dating scheme -- I struggle with placing Luke and Acts in the 2nd century -- it's an interesting proposal.

Although I only have read -- at this point -- the introductory chapters, I think this could be an interesting way to read through the New Testament over the course of a year.

It's worth checking out!!

For my much lengthier review check out my blog: http://www.bobcornwall.com/2012/10/evolution-of-word-marcus-borg-review.html

ajlewis2's review

informative inspiring slow-paced

5.0

This is the New Testament in the NRSV placed in chronological order according to when written. Marcus Borg gives a great introduction to each document. His perspective including current scholarship gave me a new perspective in this time through the New Testament. It would be helpful to those who have found common teaching to be problematic. I wish I'd had this book in my own journey much earlier.

jenniferbbookdragon's review against another edition

4.0

I wish I had access to this information as a teen! Reading the books in order and with historical context makes a huge difference. The Catholic school I attended and my confirmation classes could have made the New Testament more accessible to us.

psalmcat's review against another edition

Another one I'm giving up: two years (!!) on my "current" list and I haven't touched it except to move it for most of that time.

brucefarrar's review

3.0

Using the New Revised Standard translation of the New Testament Borg presents the books of in the order he believes they were written starting with the seven letters that scholars believe were actually written by Paul (1 Thessalonians, Galatians, 1 Corinthians, Philemon, Philippians, 2 Corinthians and Romans) along with a introductions to each book as a way to point out developing strains of thought in first and early second century Christianity.